The top cited financial stressor for Gen Z was paying for everyday expenses, cited by 54 percent. Concern over being able to afford things ties in with the second most cited stressor, inflation and rising prices, which 52 percent of Gen Z cited. Following inflation is housing costs, cited by 47 percent.The economic environment has clearly played a part in affecting Gen Z’s mental health. They not only have to worry about high prices as they’re beginning their adult lives, but they also have the increasing cost of higher education weighing them down, with student loan repayments expected to resume in October 2023. Over a quarter (27 percent) of Gen Zers say they currently have student loan debt, according to a Bankrate survey.Finally, emergency savings is a topic of concern for many U.S. adults, and Gen Z is no exception. In fact, regrets about not saving enough for emergency expenses are more likely to affect Gen Z than other generations, with 21 percent of Gen Z having these regrets, 17 percent of millennials, 13 percent of Gen Xers and 9 percent of baby boomers. Without an adequate safety net provided by emergency savings, any unexpected expense can lead to mounting debt along with added financial anxiety and uncertainty.Gen Zers can begin an emergency fund by contributing small amounts to a high-yield savings account, which will accumulate earnings at a faster pace than a typical savings account. Over time, regular contributions can grow into a substantial emergency fund.