Nearly half of working Americans question whether they will ever be able to fully retire, according to a new survey highlighting growing concerns about retirement readiness.
The 2026 Retirement Expectations Survey from Thrivent found that many workers are approaching retirement with uncertainty, with concerns ranging from savings shortfalls to inflation and broader economic risks.
- 47% of workers doubt they will be able to fully retire.
- Only 58% believe they will have enough money to retire on schedule.
- 36% expect to continue earning income during retirement.
“People are looking at retirement more as a transition than a finish line,” said Jason Rogoff, a financial adviser at Thrivent.
Inflation and AI Add to Retirement Concerns
Workers are facing retirement worries at a time of ongoing concerns about inflation, Social Security funding, geopolitical uncertainty and the economic impact of artificial intelligence.
More than half of survey respondents said they fear these issues could negatively affect their retirement plans.
The findings also highlight the challenges of a retirement system where individuals are increasingly responsible for building their own financial security through accounts such as 401(k) plans and IRAs.
“Retirement is a big math problem,” said Robert Brokamp, a senior retirement adviser at The Motley Fool. He noted that workers often need either reliable planning tools or professional guidance to determine whether their savings are on track.
Many Workers Feel Behind on Retirement Savings
More than one-third of workers surveyed said they feel behind others their age when it comes to retirement savings, while half said thinking about retirement makes them anxious.
When asked how much they believe they need to retire comfortably, only 23% selected an amount below $1 million.
“The average person doesn’t know what ‘enough’ is,” Brokamp said.
Retirement Savings Gap Remains Significant
Many Americans continue to worry they will not have enough money to retire. Some recent estimates place the retirement savings target around $1.2 million, though individual needs vary depending on income, expenses, healthcare costs and expected Social Security benefits.
Federal data shows that only around half of Americans have retirement accounts. Retirement savings are also unevenly distributed, with higher-net-worth households significantly more likely to have retirement accounts and larger balances.
“We’ve all heard of the K-shaped economy,” Brokamp said. “And I think there’s a K-shaped retirement trajectory.”
Many workers assume they will continue working after retirement. Around three-quarters of workers plan to earn income after officially retiring, according to the 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. However, only 31% of retirees are actually working.
Three Ways to Improve Retirement Readiness
Save Consistently Every Year
Even small retirement contributions can grow significantly over time through compounding. Financial advisers recommend building the habit of saving regularly, even when contributions are modest.
Consistent retirement savings can help workers gradually build financial security and improve their long-term outlook.
Consider Retirement Planning Guidance
Basic retirement rules often suggest saving a percentage of income and investing in diversified funds, but a complete retirement plan requires evaluating multiple scenarios, including retirement timing, life expectancy, spending needs and market conditions.
A financial adviser or retirement planning tool can help estimate when someone may be able to retire and how much they can safely spend.
Build Emergency Savings
Emergency savings are another important part of retirement planning because unexpected expenses can disrupt long-term savings goals.
Financial advisers generally recommend keeping enough accessible savings to cover three to six months of expenses rather than relying on retirement accounts that may involve penalties for early withdrawals.
