Money Matters - The Impossible Dream of Stock Ownership: What Minimum-Wage Workers and Gen Z Can Actually Do to Build Wealth

For decades, the American Dream was simple: work hard, save diligently, and one day own a meaningful piece of the country’s prosperity. For many, that meant buying stock in America’s largest companies which meant sharing in their growth and success. But new research from InvestorsObserver paints a very different picture of today’s reality. In 1999, a minimum-wage worker could theoretically accumulate enough earnings in 18 years to buy 1% ownership of the S&P 500. Fast forward to 2025, and that number has reached an unfathomable 440 years. For the country’s current most valuable company, Nvidia, it takes over 2,800 years of minimum wage income to own the same stake.  “These numbers reveal a vast and growing chasm between the fortunes being made on Wall Street and the incomes earned by millions on Main Street. While corporate profits and stock values soar, millions of workers face stagnant wages and rising living costs. This gap shows how the financial system increasingly favors investors over everyday Americans. Obviously, it makes it harder for workers to build real wealth and economic security,” explained Sam Bourgi, lead researcher at InvestorsObserver.  The Great Exclusion This research highlights the erosion of a pathway to economic security for ordinary Americans. The rising cost of entry into the world of stock ownership reflects decades of stagnant wage growth, disproportionate gains for corporate shareholders, and a financial system increasingly inaccessible to those who need it most. For working-class families earning minimum wage, the notion of investing in stocks has become a distant dream rather than an attainable goal. And it’s not just blue-collar workers facing this reality. The trend spells trouble for younger Americans, particularly Gen Z, who have been vocal about their desire and determination to secure their financial futures amid rising inequality and economic uncertainty. In a recent New York Times feature, Gen Z’s financial anxieties were laid bare: confronted with sky-high home prices, mounting student debt, and volatile markets, this generation is searching for new ways to build wealth and protect themselves from economic precarity. What Can Workers Do? The challenge is real, but experts say there are meaningful steps minimum-wage workers – and indeed all Americans – can take to safeguard their financial futures despite these daunting barriers. Start Small, Think Big Bourgi argues that the key isn’t necessarily cashing in from day one but building habits and knowledge that lead to incremental growth over time. “You don’t need to own a big stake tomorrow. What matters is starting with manageable investments and letting time and consistency work their magic.” One recommended approach is dollar-cost averaging: regularly investing a set amount regardless of market conditions. This strategy reduces the risks of trying to time the market and allows even modest income earners to accumulate shares steadily. Micro-investing platforms have democratized access, enabling investments with very small amounts of money. Employer Benefits Matter Maximizing workplace benefits can be another critical piece. “Employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), 401(k) matches, and profit-sharing arrangements can provide powerful leverage for wealth-building,” said Bourgi. “If these aren’t offered, workers should advocate for them. Companies that share profits with employees not only help close the wealth gap but often see better morale and retention.” Financial Literacy as a Foundation Equipping oneself with financial literacy remains foundational. From understanding budgeting basics to knowing how compound interest and investment fees work, this knowledge enables better decision-making. Fortunately, digital resources, community programs, and employer initiatives to promote financial education continue expanding. The Structural Challenge But individual action, while essential, is not a panacea. “The core issue is structural. Stock valuations have soared exponentially while wages sit stagnant. Ample policy interventions – minimum wage increases, expanded worker ownership models, tax reforms – are needed to rebuild pathways to ownership for the broader population,” said Bourgi.  He added that InvestorObserver’s findings invite the society to reassess how capitalism distributes its rewards. They force questions about whether America’s economic system still offers a fair shot at prosperity or if it increasingly serves entrenched wealth. The responsibility lies with policymakers, employers, and investors. Expanding Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) more broadly, mandating financial education, and raising wage floors could reverse some exclusionary trends. The rising push from younger workers demanding economic justice and inclusion offers hope for momentum. What Every American Needs to Know For those earning minimum wage today, the scale of the exclusion can feel overwhelming.  But practical steps remain: Open investment accounts early, even if starting small. Use dollar-cost averaging and consider low-cost ETFs that track broad market indices. Maximize any workplace benefits and advocate for enhancements. Seek out financial literacy resources—many free tools exist online. Support policies and initiatives aiming for more inclusive economic growth. “While the path to shared prosperity has narrowed, working Americans are neither powerless nor invisible. By combining smart personal finance with collective advocacy, the possibility of economic inclusion can be reclaimed,” concluded Bourgi.  ABOUT SAM BOURGI Sam Bourgi is a finance analyst and researcher at InvestorsObserver, bringing over 13 years of expertise in financial markets, economics, and monetary policy. His professional background spans the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, where he has held positions such as senior policy adviser, labor market analyst, and marketing director. Sam’s in-depth research and market analysis have been referenced by leading institutions and organizations, including the U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Bank for International Settlements, Boston University Law Review, Barron’s, and Forbes. Sam regularly appears on TV, including CBN, KFYR TV, and ABC30, and is often quoted by such media outlets as the SF Chronicle and MSN.  ABOUT INVESTORS OBSERVER Investors Observer is a trusted source of independent financial analysis, market insights, and investment research for individuals and institutions. Founded to empower retail investors with actionable intelligence, InvestorsObserver delivers timely commentary, data-driven studies, and accessible financial tools designed to simplify complex market trends. Its research and insights have been featured by various media outlets, including Yahoo, The Guardian, Morning Star, Nasdaq, and more.