New Survey: Americans Are Rethinking Retirement

According to Thrivent’s 2026 Retirement Expectations Survey, just 58% of non-retirees are confident they’ll have enough money to retire from their primary career on schedule. Meanwhile, 47% are skeptical they’ll ever be able to fully retire.

Some of the survey’s key findings include:

• Retirement planning is taking a back seat.
  • 64% are more focused on current finances than retirement planning.
  • 35% feel behind their peers in preparing for retirement.

• Economic uncertainty is changing retirement expectations.
  • Retirees report greater concern about inflation, political instability, and global economic conditions than they did in 2025.

• Retirement is becoming a transition, not a destination.
  • 36% expect they’ll need to earn income after retiring from their primary career.
  • 37% say not receiving an inheritance has affected their retirement outlook.

The full study also shares practical strategies to help navigate today’s retirement landscape, including staying flexible, setting realistic goals, and working with a financial advisor.