Money

Millennials need $525K for happiness, boomers content at $124K

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2023

A recent poll has shed light on the stark differences in financial expectations and contentment between millennials and baby boomers.

According to the survey, millennials feel they need a whopping $525,000 a year to achieve a state of happiness, while their older counterparts, the baby boomers, are content with a much lower annual income of $124,000.

The findings raise questions about how generational factors influence perceptions of financial well-being and happiness.

The poll, conducted by a prominent research firm, delved into the financial aspirations and contentment levels of over 10,000 respondents from various age groups across the United States.

Millennials, who have grown up in an era marked by economic volatility and soaring living costs, appear to have higher financial expectations.

This generation’s desire for a substantial income may be attributed to factors such as student loan debt, the high cost of homeownership, and the pressure to achieve financial stability in a rapidly changing job market.

In contrast, baby boomers, who came of age during a different economic landscape, seem to have a more modest outlook when it comes to money and happiness.

Their lower financial threshold for contentment may be linked to a sense of financial security that was more attainable during their working years.

Money

Australia’s GST debate heats up amid tax reform push

Australia debates GST expansion amid aging population pressures and personal income tax concerns; expert insights from Dr. Steven Enticott.

Published

5 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia debates GST expansion amid aging population pressures and personal income tax concerns; expert insights from Dr. Steven Enticott.

Australia is facing a fierce debate over tax reform, with fresh calls to broaden the Goods and Services Tax as the government searches for more stable revenue streams. With an ageing population putting pressure on health, pensions and long-term spending, economists argue the current reliance on personal income tax may not be sustainable.

Dr Steven Enticott from CIA Tax joins Ticker to break down the real impact of expanding the GST, including how it could affect lower-income households, whether taxing unrealised gains would change investor behaviour, and what compensation mechanisms could soften the blow on essential goods. The political risks are high, but so are the fiscal stakes.

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Money

Big tech stocks slide amid AI spending concerns

Tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon lose billions as investors prioritize earnings over AI, while TSMC and Samsung thrive.

Published

10 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon lose billions as investors prioritize earnings over AI, while TSMC and Samsung thrive.

Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Nvidia, and Alphabet have all suffered steep losses this year, with Microsoft dropping 17% and Amazon falling nearly 14%. Investors are growing cautious as AI spending concerns weigh heavily on valuations.

This shift signals a market focus on immediate earnings rather than the long-term promise of AI, marking a notable change in investor sentiment across the tech sector.

Despite the setbacks for these giants, the tech landscape is not uniform, with other companies managing to grow despite market turbulence.

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Money

AI fears rattle global markets and investors

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Global stock markets are experiencing heightened volatility as concerns about AI disruption sweep across industries. Investors are closely monitoring which sectors could be most affected as the technology continues to evolve.

Recent announcements from major US AI companies sent waves through international markets, highlighting the interconnected nature of global finance and technology. European software giants such as Dassault Systèmes and RELX saw significant declines, underscoring the global reach of AI developments.

UBS analysts warn that the impact of AI disruption could intensify in 2026 and 2027, with potential ramifications for a wide range of sectors.

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