DETROIT – Young adults, aged 18-26, in metro Detroit and nationwide have a different definition of adulthood, a new survey reports. It is less about age and more about financial independence.

In a Bank of America/USA Today Better Money Habits report. Some key metro Detroit findings include: 

Metro Detroiters ages 18-26:

  • 71 percent are worried about finding a career path that will support the lifestyle  they’ve envisioned for themselves
  • Still, 73 percent feel somewhat or very optimistic about their financial prospects
  • A majority of the 22-26 year olds don’t do their own taxes, pay their own rent, or have their own health insurance. 
  • One in three carry student debt, and 79 percent of them say it will impact the way they vote
  • While concerned about their pocketbooks, if forced to choose between two candidates – one who is best for their personal finances and one who is best for the country – the majority (83 percent) would prioritize what’s best for the country.
  • The majority of first or second time voters in this age group say when voting economic issues are more important (66 percent) compared to social issues (34 percent) 
  • More mark adulthood with a financial milestone (34 percent) than traditional life milestones such as graduating from high school/college (8 percent) or getting  married/starting a family (7 percent).
  • When asked what they wish they had learned more about in school, nearly all said personal finance, more so than any other life-readiness skill: 

          46 percent wish they had learned how to do taxes. 

          41 percent wish they had learned how to invest.

          35 percent wish they had learned how to manage student loans.

  • Only 40 percent of high school graduates said their education succeeded in teaching them good financial habits

To read the full report, click on Bank of America/USA TODAY Better Money Habits®