Retirement Confidence Drops to Lowest Level in Nearly a Decade
The 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey found that only 64 percent of Americans feel confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement, down from the previous year. Worker confidence dropped 6 percentage points to 61 percent.
Only 64 percent of Americans feel 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 is down from the previous year. Worker confidence dropped 6 percentage points to 61 percent, while retiree confidence fell 5 percentage points to 73 percent.
Four in five workers and seven in ten retirees are worried about potential government changes to the U.S. retirement system. Fewer than three in five workers reported having enough savings for an emergency expense, down from 64 percent in 2025.
Rising housing costs are affecting seven in ten workers' ability to save. Nearly six in ten workers say healthcare expenses are cutting into their retirement contributions.
The survey reflects a broader shift from traditional pensions to 401(k) plans and Social Security, placing more responsibility on individuals to manage their own retirement savings. Experian noted that the decline in confidence comes as inflation has pushed up costs across the economy.
On a positive note, 2026 contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457 plans rose to $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. IRA contribution limits increased to $7,500 from $7,000. Workers aged 60 to 63 can now make catch-up contributions of up to $11,250.
Financial advisors recommend reviewing credit, managing debt, and ensuring workers receive their full employer 401(k) match as first steps toward improving retirement readiness.
