Timeline summaries by decade provide context about milestone events that influence a generation during its formative years—between the ages of 14 and 24. Events are in five categories: world events, US events, pop culture, technology, and the economy. Active links are for regulations and legislation that affect the financial-services industry and household economics.

• The Silent Generation's formative years: 1950s and 1960s
• Older Baby Boomers' formative years: 1960s and 1970s
• Younger Boomers' formative years: 1970s and 1980s
• Gen Xers' formative years: 1980s and 1990s
• Older Millennials' formative years: 1990s and early 2000s
• Younger Millennials' formative years: mid-2000s and 2010s
• Generation Y's formative years: 2010s and 2020s