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2026-07-01
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Retirement Confidence Is Falling — What You Can Do Now

Americans are feeling less confident about retirement than they did a year ago.
According to the 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald Research, 64% of Americans say they feel confident they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement. That number includes 61% of workers and 73% of retirees, both down from 2025.
 For many members, this reflects a growing mix of short-term financial pressure and long-term uncertainty. The good news is that thoughtful planning can still help create a stronger path forward.
 

Why Confidence Is Dropping

The survey, conducted among 2,544 Americans ages 25 and older, found that retirement concerns are being shaped by several major issues at once. Workers and retirees alike are worried about:
  • The future of Social Security and Medicare
  • Inflation and rising everyday costs
  • Debt that limits saving
  • Higher-than-expected health care expenses
  • Ongoing housing costs
These concerns are making it harder for people to feel secure about retirement, even when they are actively saving.  

A More Complicated Retirement Picture

The survey also highlights a gap between expectations and reality. While workers expect to retire at age 65 on average, many retirees say they actually retired earlier than planned, often because of health issues, caregiving needs, or job changes.
 At the same time, many Americans are unsure where to turn for help. More than 2 in 5 workers and 1 in 4 retirees said they do not know where to go for financial or retirement planning advice. In a time when retirement decisions can feel more complex, trusted guidance matters.  

Why Proactive Planning Matters

Retirement planning today is about more than simply saving money. It also means understanding how different pieces of your financial life work together. That may include:
  • Contributing to a Traditional or Roth IRA
  • Reviewing or consolidating old 401(k) accounts
  • Understanding Social Security benefit options
  • Building an investment strategy that reflects your goals and comfort with risk
  • Creating a personalized financial plan
Taking these steps can help you feel more prepared, no matter where you are on your journey.
 

Talk With Capital Investment Group

If these findings feel familiar, you are not alone. Every member’s retirement path is different, and having the right support can make a meaningful difference.
 The numbers tell a clear story. People who work with a financial advisor are far more likely to feel confident about their future:
  • 79% of advised individuals have a long-term plan that accounts for life's ups and downs, compared to just 38% of those who go it alone.
  • 84% of advised individuals have an emergency fund in place, versus 48% of those without an advisor.
  • 62% of advised individuals know exactly how much they need to save for a comfortable retirement, compared to only 34% who don't.
  • 84% of advised individuals feel highly confident about their financial future, versus just 30% of the general public.
Capital Investment Group is here to help you explore your options with personalized, practical guidance. Whether you are just getting started, getting closer to retirement, or already living it, Capital Investment Group is ready to partner with you every step of the way.
  Reach out at investments@capitalcu.com, call 920.494.2828 ext. 79052, or visit capitalcu.com/capital-investment-group to learn more.
Employee Benefit Research Institute. "2026 Retirement Confidence Survey Finds Americans Less Confident About Retirement as Worries Grow Over Social Security, Medicare, and Rising Costs." https://www.ebri.org/media/press-releases/content/2026-retirement-confidence-survey-finds-americans-less-confident-about-retirement-as-worries-grow-over-social-security--medicare-and-rising-costs Northwestern Mutual. "Planning & Progress Study 2024." https://news.northwesternmutual.com/planning-and-progress-study-2024

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Capital Credit Union and Capital Investment Group are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Capital Investment Group, and may also be employees of Capital Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Capital Credit Union or Capital Investment Group. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency
Not Credit Union Guaranteed
Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations
May Lose Value
 





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