For Gen Zers struggling with financial independence, the American Dream is overdue for a rewrite.

Instead of launching their careers after college or investing in a home, they’re juggling paychecks that fall short in an inflated economy. What’s more, the rising cost of living is making it impossible to move out of their parents’ house.

For most Latino Gen Zers, the underlying question is: Is the American Dream still attainable? And if so, for whom?

And yes, it’s a question that hits hard. Gen Zers are the kids and grandkids of people who crossed borders, left everything behind, and started over in a country that didn’t even speak their language. Now it’s their turn to make it happen, but the playbook they were handed is outdated.

For one, degrees no longer guarantee stable jobs. Previous generations worked really hard to get an education and achieve what their parents could only dream of. Now, entry-level salaries aren’t keeping up with 2026 bills. And over 17 million people are considered “credit invisible” or “thin file,” meaning their credit history is basically non-existent.

But hey, not all hope is lost, though. mitú spoke with three young Latinas as they got a handle on their finances and explored tools to help them build credit and achieve their financial goals, including Intuit Credit Karma.

Let’s put you on.

What actually counts as the American Dream now

The numbers don’t lie. The world has changed, and now Gen Z has to redefine the American Dream to fit the reality of 2026. Yep. The struggle is real, and the numbers back it up.

According to a 2026 Intuit Credit Karma survey, 56% of Gen Z believe they’ll never have enough money to achieve the American Dream. Rather than chasing traditional milestones, many young Latinas are redefining what financial success looks like.

Miranda Montenegro, a 28-year-old brand lead and producer, is already doing so by changing how she views success. For her, success isn’t about making a big bag; it’s about not stressing every month.

“In today’s entertainment industry, the biggest financial flex isn’t a significant amount of wealth,” she told us. “It’s having stable employment, being able to cover your necessities, and steadily building your financial future (even if the latter can feel quite painstakingly slow).”

On the other hand, Daniela Salazar, a producer and content creator, feels like she’s had a financial glow-up in the past two years.

“Financial success is a changing concept for me,” she says. “Two years ago, it meant having enough money to do my nails the way I wanted every month and be able to eat out at restaurants. Now, it’s more about paying off my student debt and car bill while living at home so I can one day own property and build a home.”

“In a year, and arguably an era defined by inflation and widespread job insecurity, I’m genuinely grateful to have consistent work, subsidized healthcare, and enough financial stability to cover my personal overhead while being able to eat and live well and put a little aside in savings each month.”

Building financial stability doesn’t happen overnight, but the right tools can help along the way. Credit Karma’s Credit Spark, for example, turns the bills you’re already paying into real credit history reported to TransUnion. It shows how today’s financial tools are evolving alongside a new definition of the American Dream.

“Nobody taught us financial literacy, so we’re figuring it out ourselves”

For many of us, our parents were focused on building a better life for their families, so there wasn’t always time or space for conversations about financial literacy. And now, when papi comes over with his penny-pinching tips, we roll our eyes because, in today’s economy, they wouldn’t even get us a full tank of gas.

The good thing is we’re figuring it out on our own and taking an active role in our finances.

Briana Calderon built her financial literacy from the ground up, and it shows.

“My relationship with financial literacy is strong. After graduating from high school, I opened a savings account and began learning how to manage my money responsibly. Through my part-time and full-time jobs, I developed budgeting skills, learned how to save consistently, and gained a better understanding of how to make strong financial decisions.”

Research suggests she’s not alone. Studies show that Gen Zers are highly motivated by financial wellness but often struggle to know where to begin. 

Salazar feels the struggle.

“Every time someone mentions or explains financial literacy, I learn there’s a lot more for me to realize,” she says. “I also become frustrated with how much they didn’t teach us in school. That matters way more than whether I can write in cursive or not,” she says.

She’s part of the 52% of adults who want detailed, actionable steps for improving their credit and financial status.

“Another point of contention is that it seems like a concept only meant to be understood by a white man, breadwinner, or provider,” she adds. “But what if I’m a Latina who is also the breadwinner and provider?”

Rebuilding the dream requires the right tools and removing shame from the equation

Nothing kills the vibe like financial instability or feeling like you failed the American Dream because of your finances.

And yes, we know it’s not for lack of wanting. The numbers say 82% of young adults are interested in tools that help build credit using everyday payments like utilities and phone bills.

As Salazar puts it, “If there’s anything I wish I had, it’s an app that has all the resources I use in one place.”

That’s the idea behind Credit Karma. Instead of bouncing between multiple apps and accounts, it brings credit, spending, debt management, taxes, cash flow, and other financial tools into one place. Beyond showing you where your finances stand, it also offers actionable guidance and educational resources to help you make informed decisions along the way.

And Montenegro agrees. She says this is the first year she’s had a steady hold on her finances, all by using the right tools.

“For the first time, I feel like an active participant in shaping my financial future rather than simply managing my day-to-day finances,” she says. “I’m committed to getting a little better every day.”

Tags: gen z