10/16/2026
Only 61% of workers now say they're confident they'll have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement.
That number from the latest Benefit Research Institute Retirement Confidence Survey caught my attention.
But what interests me even more is why confidence is falling
It's not just investment returns. People are thinking about inflation, debt, healthcare, housing costs, Social Security, and whether the money they've accumulated will actually support the retirement they want.
That's why I think retirement planning has to go beyond asking: “How much have I saved?”
A better question is: “What will my savings actually need to do for me?”
Income. Taxes. Healthcare. Inflation. Longevity. Unexpected expenses.
The account balance matters. But what that balance can realistically support matters more.
I'm curious: What creates the most uncertainty for you when you think about retirement?