CJ Follini’s Millennial Money Predictions for 2025

Good morning and Happy Holidays! This is the last edition of Noyack Wealth Weekly of 2024 and I want to say thank you again to all of our loyal and engaged readers; it is your interest that kept us going with a 53 week streak of publishing our tiny newsletter every Sunday morning. Actually, not so small anymore - we just hit a major milestone of 160,000 subscribers - 🚀💥

12 months ago we published my first Millennial Money Predictions and it went viral so we are making it a tradition to debut the Sunday before New Year’s Day. So without further ado - drumroll please - CJ Follini’s Millennial Money Predictions for 2025

1. AI Begins to Revolutionize Personal Wealth Management 🤖

This is the year of hyper-personalized portfolios. Wealth management platforms will use AI to craft investment strategies tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and even life events. Whether you’re saving for a wedding or buying your dream home, AI tools will adjust portfolios dynamically to keep you on track.

2. Alternative Investment Funds Will Tokenize

In 2025, tokenized funds will transform access to assets like real estate, fine art, and venture capital. Leveraging blockchain for 24/7 trading, fractional ownership, and smart contracts, these funds will offer Millennials enhanced liquidity and cost efficiency, setting the stage for rapid adoption and growth.

3. The Millennial DIY Investing Movement Grows 📈

In 2025, over 65% of Millennials are expected to actively manage their investments, driven by increased access to digital tools and platforms tailored to their needs. This trend reflects a shift toward self-empowerment, as user-friendly apps with integrated financial education and decision-support features make investing more accessible. Millennials are embracing tools that not only provide insights but also allow them to simulate strategies before risking real money, fostering confidence and financial literacy.

Tools to Watch:

• Investment platforms with interactive education modules for building foundational knowledge.

• Pre-built portfolios  investment portfolio especially of  alternative investments that align not with financial return metrics but with life goals such as retirement planning, family finances plan planning, diversification and philanthropy

4. Goals-Based Investing Is Ready For Its Closeup 🎥✨

Money is essential, but seeking it purely for its own sake can make one, as Milton Friedman put it, "a fetishist of little green paper." Conspicuous consumption is out, and Millennials are embracing goals-based investing, prioritizing personal milestones like starting a family, funding education, or achieving early retirement. Research shows that investment decisions tied to clear goals tend to outperform traditional return-focused strategies.

The Shift:

• Investment success = achieving meaningful life goals, not just financial returns.

• Expect platforms to ask for your “why” before offering investment options.

5. Alternative Investments Surge in Popularity 💼

The Great Wealth Transfer is here, and Millennials are allocating their newfound wealth to alternative investments. Commercial real estate, venture capital, and fine art will dominate portfolios, driven by their alignment with long-term goals and values.

Why Millennials Love Alts:

• Diversification beyond stocks and bonds.

• Opportunities to invest in sectors that reflect their passions and priorities.

6. Social Media Influencers Shape Financial Decisions 📱

TikTok and Instagram aren’t just for dance trends—they’re reshaping how Millennials learn about money. Over 33% of Millennials now turn to social media for financial education, with “fininfluencers” driving investment trends in real estate, crypto, and beyond.

Pro Tip:

• Vet advice carefully—follow influencers who collaborate with verified financial professionals.

7. Hybrid Advisory Models Combine AI with Human Experts 🤝

Why pick between a person and technology when you can have the best of both? Hybrid advisory services are combining the speed and smarts of AI with the personal touch of human advisors. This approach helps Millennials handle everything from day-to-day money decisions to big life goals.

What to Expect:

• Quick, AI-powered tips for everyday financial choices.

• Personalized advice from human experts for major milestones, like buying a home or planning retirement.

8. Retirement Interest Deepens Among Millennials 🌅

Over 60% of Millennials are actively saving for retirement, making it a top financial priority. Automated retirement planning apps, employer matching programs, and long-term growth strategies will dominate the scene.

2025 Trends:

• Increased use of robo-advisors for retirement savings.

• Expanded access to employer-sponsored financial education.

9. Philanthropy Goes Digital and Impact-Focused 💻

Millennials are reshaping philanthropy by integrating charitable giving into their financial plans. From supporting social justice to funding education initiatives, digital platforms will make it easier than ever to align giving with personal values.

Key Stats:

• 58% of Millennials are planning for philanthropy alongside traditional investments.

• Platforms like GoFundMe and DonorsChoose are seeing record participation.

Find more stats here in our comprehensive Millennial Wealth Survey

10. The NY Rangers are NOT winning the Stanley Cup

The NY Rangers will graciously give their fans yet another year to perfect the art of disappointment. The Stanley Cup? Not happening in 2025—maybe they're just saving it for their centennial.

Bottom Line

As we navigate the financial shifts and opportunities of 2025, it's clear that Millennials are at the forefront of transforming personal wealth management. From embracing cutting-edge tools like tokenized funds and hybrid advisory models to prioritizing long-term goals such as retirement and impact-driven philanthropy, this generation is reshaping financial priorities in ways that align with their values and ambitions. Armed with knowledge, technology, and a focus on purpose-driven investing, 2025 offers an incredible opportunity to take control of your financial destiny and build a future that truly matters.