This study examines the "living well" aspirations of an emerging adult sample and compares them with earlier results of middle and high school samples. The tenor of emerging adult responses was more stridently extrinsic and more convincingly intrinsic than adolescent responses, revealing less middle ground as emerging adults more clearly take a position. Less than half of their responses characterized intrinsic aspirations that would use financial resources to build individuals, families, and communities. Slightly larger numbers of emerging adults expressed aspirations that were extrinsically oriented; living well was about the socially acceptable external self. Aspirations among emerging adults were more self-indulgent than those of adolescents and articulated a more nuanced perception of social image and a no worries lifestyle. Implications for parenting and financial education are discussed. (Contains 1 table, 6 figures and 3 endnotes.)