Four in ten (42%) Americans feel uncertain when thinking about retirement.
Retirement may no longer look the way many Americans once imagined. A new survey from Thrivent paints a complex picture of how people feel about their finan
cial futures one filled with both uncertainty and evolving priorities.
The Thrivent Retirement Expectations Survey, conducted by Ipsos, finds that anxiety about retirement is widespread. Nearly half of non-retirees 42% worry they’ll be less financially secure than their parents, and an equal number feel uncertain when thinking about their own retirement. On top of that, 44% aren’t confident they’re saving enough to retire as planned.
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Economic pressures are influencing real-life decisions. Over the past year, a third of Americans have adjusted their retirement plans because of financial realities. Many people are cutting back on non-essential spending, delaying major purchases, or even canceling subscriptions altogether. At the same time, broader economic and social concerns are reshaping how they view retirement and plan for the future.. Most non-retirees worry about inflation, changes to Social Security, and global economic trends, and more than half fear artificial intelligence could reduce job availability or disrupt their careers in ways that impact retirement.
Younger generations feel the strain even more. While a third of non-retirees believe they may never retire, confidence drops among Gen Z (37%) and Millennials (39%). Many also anticipate retirement may feel isolating, with over a third expecting it to be “lonely” rather than social. Around 35% plan to keep working in some form after leaving their main career, mostly to stay mentally active and avoid boredom.
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Despite these challenges, there’s broad recognition of the value of professional guidance. Among those who work with a financial advisor, 89% say it’s crucial to reaching their goals. Yet only 22% of all respondents currently have one. Jason Rogoff, a Thrivent Financial Advisor in Westbury, N.Y., notes: “Retirement shouldn’t be seen as the end of someone’s financial journey it’s the reward for how they’ve navigated it. While the path may feel uncertain, with the right planning and guidance, retirement can be a chapter of security, freedom, and fulfillment.”
Rogoff encourages Americans to approach retirement with three key strategies. First, plan for a purposeful retirement: it’s about more than money it’s about living with intention and designing a life that reflects your values. Second, work with a financial advisor: they provide clarity in a maze of accounts, investments, and taxes, helping turn your vision into a realistic, actionable plan. Finally, think long-term: saving for retirement is a marathon, not a sprint. Start early, stay consistent, and remember it’s never too late to take steps toward a secure future.
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Ultimately, the survey underscores that while retirement may feel uncertain, thoughtful planning, guidance, and a long-term perspective can transform it into a stage of life that’s both secure and fulfilling.
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