FOMO & Finance: Why Millennials Are Sitting on Cash and Stress

"High cash position? Invest or regret? FOMO’s got me shook."

You could say today’s BanterGPT slogan hits different, because it does. So does the title: Money Moves Millennial. Created straight from the community’s collective cortex, this one’s serving ✨low-key panic✨ in a high-interest-rate world. The frustration? A growing pile of cash, and the existential question: to invest or not to invest?

If this sentiment gives you déjà vu, it’s not because you’ve heard it in a finance bro podcast—it’s because, increasingly, millennials are holding onto cash...and clawing their faces off trying to decide what to do with it.

FOMO, Meet the Fed: Why Everyone’s Sitting on Cash

From 2020 through most of 2021, ultra-low interest rates made cash feel worthless—until 2022 flipped the script. Fast forward, and many millennials are still sitting on uninvested reserves. According to the 2024 Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey, 71% of millennials report not being confident in their investing strategy—blasted by market volatility and lack of clarity (Charles Schwab 2024 Survey)^[1].

Meanwhile, high-yield savings accounts are paying ~4–5%—a tempting return considering stagnating wages. Why risk a down market when your cash pile is suddenly working for you?

Corporate Vibes: Burnout, Bad Bosses & Bonus Blues

This hesitation isn't purely financial—it's cultural. A 2025 Deloitte Gen Z & Millennial Survey found that nearly 46% of millennials report feeling financially insecure, and purpose, well-being, and earning power now deeply influence job decisions (Deloitte 2025 Survey)^[2]. Expecting instability? Hoarding liquidity becomes self-care.

Financial Decision Fatigue Is Real

Decision fatigue is no joke. Columbia Business School research shows that mental exhaustion makes financial choices feel impossible—even the smart plays get avoided. Your money isn’t idle; your brain is buffering.

But Also… FOMO

Still—you feel that itch. Tesla rallies, crypto whispers, early-retiree spreadsheets—all taunt with “Did you miss it, too?” It’s the pull between wanting safety...and wanting in.

Today's Cash, Tomorrow’s Confidence?

Maybe this isn’t overcautious—it’s conscious. Pausing before jumping might just be your strongest move yet.

What am I building this cash pile for? Fear? Freedom? Flexibility? Or just vibes?

Because whether you dollar-cost average into ETFs or chill on liquid gold, the real money move might be staying curious, conscious, and slightly chaotic. 🌚

—The Bantermugs Editorial Team

1. 71% of millennials report not confident in investing strategy (Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey 2024) (Charles Schwab 2024 Survey)
2. 46% of millennials say they don't feel financially secure; money, meaning, and wellbeing drive career choices (Deloitte 2025 Gen Z & Millennial Survey) (Deloitte 2025 Survey)