Baby boomer

Today’s Financial Times had an interesting article about the widening wealth gap opening between generations.

The synopsis is that the Baby-Boomers aged 55-64 hold double the wealth of Generation X aged 35-44. Worse still, it is believed that Generation X will never achieve the level of wealth of the Baby-Boomers given factors such as the fall in pension benefits (especially final salary schemes – now pretty much the preserve of the Baby-Boomer Generation!) and the rising fiscal burden falling on Generation X to support ever extending life expectancy (aside from our budget deficit).

It reminds of a recent conversation I had with a friend who was day-dreaming about winning the Lottery to achieve his financial and lifetime goals. Without wishing to shatter his illusions (I did!), we discussed the only real way to achieve financial success:

Building your own business.

This is the only way for most people to achieve financial freedom or even millionaire status. And a surprising number of everyday folk do. I’ve met many self-made millionaires. I’ve never met a lottery winner…

So if Generation X are to bridge the wealth gap with the Baby-Boomers, we need to encourage more entrepreneurs. More start-up businesses. More support for early stage and growing companies. Perhaps the creation of more micropreneurs…?