MementoJpeg / Getty Images Most Gen Zers tell surveyors they lose sleep over money. Experts explain what to do about it. Key Takeaways Gen Z’s biggest money stresses have real fixes. The first goal is to have “fall back money”—$10,000 to $20,000, so one bad month doesn’t send you into debt. You don’t have to choose between paying off debt or investing: A “middle-ground” strategy—do both every month—keeps interest from piling up while still letting you capture market gains. Small habits move the nee ...

Core Insights - An increasing number of Americans are having their rent payments reported to credit bureaus, with 13% of renters experiencing this in 2025, up from 11% in 2024 [1] - Experts are divided on the implications of this trend, with some viewing it as a potential benefit for those with limited credit history, while others warn of negative consequences for struggling tenants [2][4] Group 1: Benefits of Rent Reporting - Reporting rent payments can help individuals build credit, potentially enabling them to secure mortgages in the future [1][3] - A 2021 TransUnion analysis indicated that including rent payments in credit reporting could increase credit scores by an average of 60 points [4] Group 2: Concerns and Challenges - Not all renters are self-reporting; some property managers report on behalf of tenants, which can lead to negative impacts if late payments are recorded [2] - The percentage of property managers reporting rent payments has decreased, suggesting that more renters are self-reporting through third-party agencies [3]

Core Insights - Zillow has launched a new tool called CreditClimb that allows renters to build credit through their rent payments, which can be reported to major credit bureaus for an annual fee of $20 [2][3] - The initiative aims to help renters improve their credit scores, with evidence suggesting that those using similar programs have seen significant increases in their scores [3] Company Developments - CreditClimb enables renters to report on-time payments to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and also allows them to add up to two years of previous rent payments to their credit report [2] - Zillow's senior vice president, Michael Sherman, emphasized that this tool can help renters qualify for better financing options and move towards homeownership [3] Industry Trends - According to TransUnion, the percentage of consumers whose rent payments are reported has increased from 11% in 2024 to 13% in 2025, indicating a growing trend in rent payment reporting [4] - However, the number of property managers participating in rent payment reporting has decreased from 48% to 44%, suggesting a potential shift towards self-reporting by consumers [5] Consumer Behavior - Recent data indicates that consumers are seeking ways to improve their credit scores without necessarily acquiring new credit cards, with many expressing a desire for higher credit limits to enhance financial flexibility [7][8]