Millennials Become Financial Mentors For Gen Z Amid Trump’s Tariff Crisis

Money worries are on everyone’s mind lately. From trade tensions rattling global markets to rising rents and grocery prices outpacing paychecks, it feels like we’re all scrambling to keep up.

However, something unexpected is happening: instead of giving in to the usual Gen Z versus millennial bickering, young adults are looking to millennials for straightforward money guidance. Once the butt of jokes about avocado toast and Insta-lattes, millennials are stepping up with hard-earned tips.

They’ve weathered shaky job markets, steep tuition bills, and the 2008 crash. Now, Gen Z is realizing that the generation before them has hands-on experience that goes beyond viral saving hacks.

Take Dee (@deannacami) on TikTok, for example. In a video about how millennials handled their twenties during the Great Recession, she “highly recommends” a side hustle.

“Recessions are perfect times to pick up a side hustle, a second job,” she says. “You need a second source of income. Because if one goes, you can ramp up the other and vice versa.”

Her advice resonated. One commenter pointed out, “I feel like we really need to start talking about how normal people were just starting to recover from 2008 before the pandemic.”

Another added, “I think multigenerational households are going to be on the rise.” In other words, having multiple income streams and sharing living costs might not be optional for long.

Dee urges a recession side hustle amid fragile recovery and rising cost-sharing.

Then there’s Austin (@austin.loft), who asked viewers about recession foods. “I just saw a video where somebody said the pork chop was the 2008 recession food, and my millennial brain can’t comprehend that because we had so many pork chops and scalloped potatoes,” he laughed. “Were they considered recession foods? What else was a lie?”

With that, viewers chimed in with their own survival menus. “Recession food in my house was Hamburger Helper. I can’t even eat it now. That and cheap canned soup,” one person admitted. Another wrote, “Pork chops, Hamburger Helper, turkey roast, and scalloped potatoes.”

Financial Guidance from Millennials

As millennials take on mentorship roles, financial experts like Jean Chatzky emphasize the importance of sharing practical advice tailored to Gen Z's unique challenges. Millennials, having navigated economic turbulence, can offer insights on budgeting, saving, and investing that resonate with younger audiences.

Chatzky suggests creating a financial plan that includes setting clear goals, tracking expenses, and building an emergency fund. These foundational steps not only promote financial literacy but also empower Gen Z to make informed decisions during economic uncertainty.

Austin questioned pork chops as a recession food, sparking comments about Hamburger Helper, canned soup, and turkey roast.

The practical tips didn’t stop there. Ramen noodles, canned soup with rice, and budget chili—“eight bucks and it serves two people for three days”—were must-haves. Pizza Hut coupons kept families going when cooking from scratch wasn’t cutting it.

Beyond the recipes and side-job pep talks, the trend highlights something important: real-world advice trumps internet trends. Gen Z sees that saving strategies should fit your life, not just rack up likes. Millennials are proof that juggling gigs, sharing expenses, and stretching pantry staples can add up to genuine security.

Of course, every household’s situation is different, and no single tip fixes everything. But these candid TikTok shares show us that solid money moves often come from experience, not glossy infographics.

Whether lining up a backup gig or stocking up on shelf-stable basics, these lessons come straight from people who’ve been there. In the end, the growing exchange between Gen Z and millennials isn’t about generational drama.

It’s about mutual respect and practical help. When money stress is the norm, swapping real stories and simple strategies could be the smartest trend.

Social observers note that the shift towards collaboration between generations is critical in today’s financial landscape. A recent study by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, highlights how mentorship fosters resilience among younger generations. She points out that sharing stories of financial hurdles can humanize the experience and dispel feelings of isolation.

Moreover, facilitating open conversations about money can help Gen Z develop healthier relationships with finances. Experts recommend creating community workshops where millennials share their financial journeys, establishing a supportive environment that encourages learning and growth.

Clinical Perspective & Next Steps

As financial and social landscapes continue to evolve, the collaboration between millennials and Gen Z presents an opportunity for shared growth and learning. Embracing mentorship can lead to innovative solutions, fostering resilience in both generations. Experts like Michelle Singletary emphasize the importance of communication and shared financial literacy as cornerstones of this relationship.

Ultimately, building a foundation of trust and support will not only enhance financial education but also prepare both generations for future economic challenges. The synergy between these two groups could redefine financial health in the years to come.