A 2026 survey of 1,007 workers and 1,045 retirees found confidence fell to 61% from 67% for workers and to 73% from 78% for retirees.
About half were confident Social Security and Medicare will keep providing benefits of equal value, while debt, inflation, healthcare and housing costs weakened financial wellbeing and emergency readiness.
Roughly 60% of workers said healthcare costs hurt retirement saving, 40% of retirees faced higher-than-expected medical expenses, and more workers now expect to retire later or keep working.
As lifetime healthcare costs approach $1 million, is a secure American retirement becoming a mathematical impossibility for most?
With Social Security's trust fund nearing depletion, are benefit cuts for millions of Americans now inevitable?
The 2026 Retirement Confidence Crisis: How Soaring Costs and Social Security Uncertainty Undermine Security
Overview
The 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey reveals a sharp decline in Americans' confidence about having enough savings for retirement, with only 69% of retirees and 57% of workers feeling secure. This drop is driven by rising financial pressures such as high housing costs, increasing healthcare expenses, and significant personal debt, all of which compete with the ability to save. Additionally, widespread worry about the future of Social Security and Medicare adds to the uncertainty. These challenges are causing many workers to delay retirement, while some retirees face forced early retirement due to health or job loss. Weaknesses in financial guidance and savings gaps further deepen concerns, highlighting the need for better support and policy solutions.