During the 2008 financial crisis, Millennials experienced distinct challenges, including high unemployment levels, parents losing their jobs, savings and investments, while facing their own financial hurdles. Fast forward to 2017, and Millennials manage more student loan debt than previous generations, with the class of 2016 graduates averaging $37,172 in debt, according to Student Loan Hero. Meanwhile, the cost of living continues to rise and wage growth has slowed.