Gen Z is getting hit harder than most when it comes to delinquency rates—at least that's what the data shows. According to VantageScore's economist Rikard Bandebo, this younger generation faces some serious headwinds. "The reality is, they've been disproportionately crushed by student loans," Bandebo explains, noting that while other generations have felt the squeeze too, Gen Z's situation stands out. The burden of education debt combined with higher living costs means less disposable income—which has real implications for spending power, credit health, and broader economic resilience. When millions of young people are trapped in debt cycles, it ripples through the entire system. This kind of generational financial stress worth watching, especially as it shapes consumer behavior and investment priorities for years to come.