Retirement Confidence Among Americans Drops to 64 Percent in 2026 Survey
The 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey found that only 64 percent of Americans feel confident about having enough money for retirement, down from the previous year. Worker confidence fell six percentage points to 61 percent. Rising housing costs and healthcare expenses are the top reasons people say they cannot save enough.
Only 64 percent of Americans say they are confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement, according to the 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research.
That figure is down from the previous year. Worker confidence fell six percentage points to 61 percent, while retiree confidence dropped five points to 73 percent.
Four in five workers and seven in ten retirees said they are concerned about potential government changes to the U.S. retirement system. Fewer than three in five workers reported having sufficient emergency savings, down from 64 percent in 2025.
Rising housing costs affect seven in ten workers' ability to save for retirement. Nearly six in ten cite healthcare expenses as a factor cutting into their retirement contributions.
Financial experts say the findings point to a need for better financial planning tools and education. They recommend reviewing retirement strategies, maximizing employer 401(k) matches, and using Health Savings Accounts as a triple tax-advantaged savings vehicle.
For workers aged 60 to 63, catch-up contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans increased in 2026. Those workers can contribute an additional $11,250 beyond the standard limit.
Experian reported the survey results as part of its monthly personal finance news roundup for May 2026.
