More teenagers are taking the initiative to learn about stocks, investing, and personal finance well before they reach the age at which they can manage brokerage accounts independently. This trend is particularly evident among Gen Z and younger millennials, as they display a keen interest in financial literacy at a young age.
For 16-year-old Lucas Schalch, the stock market has become a vital part of his daily routine. A sophomore at Cathedral High School, Lucas exemplifies this growing curiosity. “For me, it really started more out of curiosity,” he remarked, highlighting how newfound access to online trading platforms has transformed investing into a more approachable goal for young people.
Platforms like Robinhood, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab have democratized investing, enabling young traders to engage with the market using their smartphones. Lucas shared, “Apps now allow investors to buy fractional shares with just a few dollars, lowering the barrier to entry for beginners.” He began his investing journey at the age of 12, starting with just $50. “I really started small, but as I learned more, I began to add to my investments,” he explained.
Lucas believes that the advantages of starting early can significantly impact one’s financial future. “It really doesn’t make sense to wait. The math actually works in your favor because the more time you have, the more your money can grow over time,” he stated. In addition to his personal investment goals, Lucas has observed that many teenagers today feel financial pressure more intensely than prior generations, driven by economic concerns such as inflation and looming student debt.
“I think a lot of adults tend to think that we’re too young to start learning these things,” he noted. As an advocate of early investing and financial literacy, Lucas runs the finance club at his school and has even delivered a TEDx talk. He also initiated the Foundations of Finance Project, which conducts financial literacy workshops in schools throughout San Diego County. “Kids are starting to become more interested in finance and investing, and these things aren’t always taught in their regular classroom,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of formal education in financial literacy, California lawmakers recently mandated that all public and charter high schools must offer a personal finance course by the 2027-2028 school year. This curriculum will cover essential topics like budgeting, taxes, credit, saving, and investing.
For young investors looking to get started, Lucas recommends focusing on brands and products that resonate personally. “Like your iPhone, invest in Apple instead of buying the newest iPhone. Or Nike instead of always buying the latest shoes,” he advised. This method, he insists, can lead to better returns on investment.
Alongside his personal endeavors, Lucas often turns to social media and YouTube for investment inspiration but stresses the importance of conducting thorough independent research before making financial decisions. “People in Gen Z are trying to build more wealth at an early age, moving away from traditional pathways,” he observed. The rise of e-commerce and day trading reflects both the rapid learning curve associated with these avenues and the potential for swift financial gains.
However, for Lucas, the essence of investing is not about achieving overnight riches. Instead, it revolves around fostering financial independence early on and preparing for an uncertain economic landscape that his generation believes will be markedly different from that of their parents.
