# How big is the investment gap between the rich and the poor? The data has caused an explosion.

The latest survey hits hard: Americans have an average investment asset of $246,000, but the Baby Boomers have doubled that to $472,000—almost twice the median.

But this group actually started the latest. Boomers started investing at an average age of 31, in contrast:
- Gen Z: 20 years old
- Millennial: 26 years old
- Generation X: 28 years old

**Why did they eventually surpass?** The main reasons are a longer accumulation period + property appreciation. Current position comparison:
- Boomers: 472,000
- Generation X: 311,000
- Millennials: 173,000
- Gen Z: Only 32,000

**Investment goals are also different:** Boomers and Generation X aim for retirement savings, Millennials are eager to pay off debt, while Generation Z wants to quickly accumulate wealth.

The most interesting thing is that 86% of Boomers believe that real estate investment is the core of long-term wealth - this is also the reason they can sit on substantial assets. They repeatedly trade properties through 1031 exchanges (a tax-deferred strategy), avoiding capital gains tax while relying on rental income for passive retirement.

**Insight:** There is no absolute early or late; the key is to choose the right asset class and compounding period.