Life Insurance by Generation: What Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X Need to Know

By Jason D Murry | Kintsugi Financial Leadership

In an economy where uncertainty is the only certainty, financial responsibility requires more than income — it demands foresight. Life insurance is often seen as something for “later,” but the data tells a different story, especially across Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. Each generation faces its own financial challenges, beliefs, and motivators when it comes to owning (or avoiding) life insurance. Let’s explore the most recent insights to help bridge the gap between perception and action.

Ownership Stats by Generation (2024–2025)

  • Gen Z (ages 18–27): ~34% currently own life insurance
  • Millennials (ages 28–43): ~45% own life insurance
  • Gen X (ages 44–59): ~52% have life insurance

Source: LIMRA & proprietary consumer surveys (2024)

Why They Buy: Motivators by Generation

Gen Z:

  • Desire to be financially independent early
  • Digital exposure to financial content (TikTok, YouTube Finance)
  • Trauma from COVID and economic instability

Millennials:

  • Marriage, children, and mortgage obligations
  • Desire to break generational poverty
  • Growing distrust of traditional retirement systems

Gen X:

  • Preparing for legacy and estate planning
  • Supporting both children and aging parents (the “sandwich generation”)
  • Personal health changes influencing urgency

Why They Hesitate: Barriers by Generation

Gen Z:

  • Belief they’re “too young”
  • Lack of trust in financial institutions
  • Fear of locking into long-term commitments

Millennials:

  • Debt-heavy (student loans, credit cards)
  • Misunderstanding of how policies work
  • Underestimating the cost of waiting

Gen X:

  • Assumption it’s “too late” or “too expensive”
  • Policy fatigue (from past poor experiences)
  • Reluctance to revisit financial discussions

What This Means for You

Regardless of your generation, life insurance isn’t just about death — it’s about protecting life. Whether that means ensuring your kids have a future, your debts are covered, or your business can continue without you, the policy is a shield, not a burden.

And the longer you wait, the more expensive that shield becomes.

Our team at Kintsugi Financial Leadership offers complimentary Expert Financial Analysis (EFA) sessions to help you identify your needs and build a strategy rooted in wisdom, not fear.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re Gen Z and want to build a smart start… if you’re a Millennial with a family to protect… or Gen X with legacy on your mind — we’re here for you.

Don’t wait. Be covered. Be clear. Be confident.

Schedule Your Free EFA Today

Kintsugi Financial Leadership are proud to serve individuals, families, and entrepreneurs across the U.S. with clarity, biblical stewardship, and practical strategy.

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