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As a mom of 3 sons, Molly DeFrank knows firsthand how boys struggle to find their purpose and identity. She offers hope and confidence — encouraging moms to keep planting seeds of the Gospel and remind their boys they belong, they can be brave and tender, be creative, and even have fun!

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Younger investors are reshaping the markets—from crypto and AI to ETFs and gaming. But with so many new platforms, trends, and voices competing for attention, how can believers invest wisely across generations?

Matt Bell, Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, has been tracking these shifts closely, and he joins the show today to share his insights and highlight both what’s changing and what remains timeless—especially when biblical wisdom guides our financial decisions.

Since 2020, millions of new investment accounts have been opened—many by Gen Z and millennials. In fact, a significant portion of today’s investors entered the market during the early pandemic years, despite dramatic market volatility. 

Why? Several factors converged:

• Extra time at home during lockdowns
• Stimulus payments and increased savings
• Commission-free trading platforms
• Social media influencers showcasing day trading
• Apps that made investing feel simple—even entertaining

Instead of retreating when markets dropped, many younger investors leaned in.

Compared to previous generations, younger investors tend to:

• Use mobile apps as their primary investment tools
• Explore emerging sectors like crypto, AI, and fintech
• Get advice from social media and peers rather than advisors
• Trade more frequently
• Favor ETFs over traditional mutual funds

ETFs, in particular, appeal to younger investors because they trade like stocks, often have lower costs, and allow for more active participation.

At the same time, themes like cryptocurrency, gaming-related funds, and sports gambling investments show the sharpest generational divide—drawing the most interest from the youngest investors.

Interest in newer asset classes isn’t limited to younger investors anymore. Crypto, AI, and alternative investments are gaining traction across all age groups.

Major developments—such as the approval of Bitcoin ETFs and growing conversations about private equity in retirement plans—signal that the investing culture is evolving rapidly.

But rapid access can create risk.

Availability and hype can outpace understanding. New investment options often carry complexity, and without careful research, investors may unknowingly take on risks they don’t fully grasp.

One of the most defining features of today’s investing landscape is the role of social media.

Anyone can build a following and offer financial advice—even without credentials. In a crowded digital space, the loudest voices often gain the most attention, not necessarily the wisest ones.

That’s why discernment matters. Before acting on advice:

• Check credentials
• Evaluate track records
• Seek multiple perspectives
• Compare guidance against long-term principles

Wise investing has always required counsel, patience, and humility—traits that don’t trend easily online.

Despite the risks, the growing interest in investing among younger generations is largely positive.

Time is one of the most powerful tools in investing. Starting early allows compounding to work over decades, creating opportunities for steady growth and long-term stability.

Encouraging young investors to begin is wise. Helping them begin wisely is even more important.

For parents, grandparents

What if difficulty is actually your pathway to maturity?  Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe shows how spiritual muscles grow by breaking down and rebuilding.  James 1 teaches us to ask God for wisdom without doubting, and exposes why relying on your own resources sabotages spiritual growth.  Start navigating trials with godly wisdom ... listen to Mark Jobe on Bold Steps.

Bold Step Gift: Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God

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Focus on the Family Vice President Jennifer Arthur explains what her movie producer job actually looks like, what she brought from her years at Amazon, and why Focus chose to create an animated film. Hear more about the realities of moviemaking, the ministry behind the project, and what will make this movie different from anything else.