Americans Retirement Confidence Drops to Lowest Point in Nearly a Decade

The 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey, conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, found that only 64 percent of Americans feel confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement. That is down from 70 percent the year before, marking the lowest level of confidence in nearly a decade.

Worker confidence fell 6 percentage points to 61 percent. Retiree confidence dropped 5 percentage points to 73 percent.

The survey identified several factors driving the decline. Rising housing costs are affecting 7 in 10 workers' ability to save for retirement. Nearly 6 in 10 workers say healthcare expenses are cutting into their retirement contributions. Fewer than 3 in 5 workers reported having enough savings to cover an emergency expense, down from 64 percent in 2025.

Concerns about government policy are also weighing on confidence. Four in 5 workers and 7 in 10 retirees said they are worried about potential government changes to the U.S. retirement system, including Social Security and Medicare.

Financial advisors say the survey results reflect real economic pressure, not just anxiety. Inflation, which rose to 3.3 percent in March 2026, is eroding purchasing power and making it harder for workers to set aside money for the future.

For 2026, the annual contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), and similar plans rose to 24,500 dollars, up from 23,500 dollars. IRA contribution limits increased to 7,500 dollars. Workers aged 60 to 63 can make additional catch-up contributions of 3,250 dollars.

Experts recommend reviewing asset allocation, eliminating high-interest debt, and ensuring you are capturing any employer 401(k) match before making other financial decisions.

"The fundamentals of retirement planning have not changed," said one financial planner. "But the environment has gotten harder, and people are feeling it."

The full survey report is available through the Employee Benefit Research Institute.