Frazer Harrison/Getty Images The average American millennial is better off financially than they were five years ago. Higher salaries have allowed many to grow their wealth and buy homes. Under the weight of student debt and childcare, they may still be worse off than prior generations. This story is kicking off a series called Millennial World, which looks at the state of the generation around the globe.Millennials are growing up.The oldest of the generation, which includes anyone born between 1981 and 1996, is now past the age of 40.