67 Percent of Americans Fear Outliving Their Money as Social Security Solvency Concerns Mount
A new survey finds that 67% of Americans fear outliving their savings in retirement, up from 57% in 2022. The anxiety is driven by Social Security solvency concerns, inflation, and a declining personal savings rate, with Generation X showing the highest levels of worry.
Sixty-seven percent of Americans say they fear outliving their money more than they fear death itself, according to a 2026 retirement survey. That figure is up from 57% in 2022, a 10-point jump in four years.
The Schroders 2026 U.S. Retirement Survey found that the fear is especially acute among Generation X, with 73% of that cohort expressing concern about exhausting their financial resources before they die.
The anxiety has a mathematical basis. Eighty-two percent of Americans recognize that the cost of goods and services will likely double over a 30-year retirement. Yet the personal savings rate has dropped from 6.2% in early 2024 to 3.7% in early 2026.
Social Security is a major source of uncertainty. The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report projects that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will be able to pay full benefits only through the fourth quarter of 2032. After that, revenue is expected to cover about 78% of scheduled benefits, creating a 22% funding gap.
About 60% of respondents in recent studies say they worry Social Security will not be available throughout their full retirement. That fear is influencing behavior: approximately 51% of Americans have filed or plan to file for Social Security as early as possible, even though early claiming results in lower monthly payments.
Nearly half of Americans, 48%, do not have a written financial plan. Research shows a stark divide based on professional guidance: 72% of people working with a financial advisor said they could survive a 25% cut in Social Security payments, compared to only 39% of those without an advisor.
Financial planners say the most effective steps are to increase savings rates, delay Social Security claiming if possible, and build guaranteed income streams through annuities or pension plans.
