Ever heard of “looksmaxxing?” Don’t worry if you haven’t. It’s a Gen Z term that describes maximizing your physical appearance. Around the internet, Gen Z has made a habit of adding “maxxing” to the end of words, but it turns out they’re not just focused on their looks—they’re also trying to “retirement-maxx.”
Bloomberg.com recently highlighted the growing trend of “retirement-maxxing,” where young adults are prioritizing their financial future by maxing out retirement accounts and making significant lifestyle sacrifices. According to a 2024 Charles Schwab survey, Gen Z begins saving and investing at an average age of 19, while Gen X and Baby Boomers didn’t start until ages 32 and 35, respectively. Bloomberg points to Natalie Baddour, a Gen Z professional based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who saves roughly half of her income by living with a roommate, cooking at home, and rarely eating out. While that level of discipline isn’t realistic for everyone, it shows how early young people are thinking about their financial future.
Retirement may seem like a lifetime away when you’re in your twenties, but financial planning has a funny way of rewarding the people who start early. After all, “retirement-maxxing” may not be as exciting as “looksmaxxing,” but your future self will appreciate the glow up even more.

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