Young people's trust in financial services is at an all-time low; 71% of Gen Yers would rather visit their dentist than hear what banks have to say. But San Francisco-based Affirm is hoping that a transparent approach to lending can restore some faith in customers and show that credit isn’t all bad.

American Gen Yers have never been in so much debt – those aged 30-39 owe a combined total of $408.4 billion in student loans alone – and as they start to have families, their money worries are only growing. How can apps like Wela helping these young households tackle their financial crises?

Stagnant wages and rising living costs have many Americans delaying traditional life milestones. At the same time though, new moments have gained significance, and a campaign from fintech firm SoFi has honed in on the final payment of one’s student loans as an occasion worth celebrating.

The investing world can seem daunting, especially to those who don’t have much saved up. But with a $5 entry point, no need for major outlays, and a constant stream of information, condensed into an easy-to-understand smartphone app, Stash is helping Gen Yers build their portfolios.