183Tired of throwing away your money on rent? Are you considering retirement? You’re not the only one. Here’s a look at four major financial trends and expectations facing Americans in 2015.

Housing

The cost of rent is rising faster than most Americans’ paychecks. This leaves many consumers stuck in a hard place when it comes to housing. With rent costs rising, and mortgage rates lowering, more millennials who have postponed homeownership in favor of renting will be buying homes in 2015. Others will be putting their pride aside and getting roommates to share the costs. This trend has been increasing for several years and will continue to grow in 2015, especially since rents are projected to continue to increase around 3 percent this year.

Work

A recent study shows that 53 million Americans are currently working as freelancers. That’s 34 percent of the workforce. Some workers chose this arrangement, but companies are ultimately driving the trend. After all, temp workers and consultants are often cheaper for companies because they don’t have to pay benefits.

Investing

2015 is predicted to be another good year for stocks. It is expected to be a bumpier, more volatile ride than last year, but there will be plenty of opportunities if you know where to look.

Retirement

Americans are still putting retirement on the back burner and delaying it for as long as possible. In 1991, 11 percent of workers planned to retire after age 65. In 2013, 36 percent expected to wait until after age 65, and 7 percent said they didn’t plan to retire at all. The bottom line: retiring at age 65 is obsolescent. For many Americans, they are waiting because they need the money — especially since everyday costs are rising and we’re living longer.