Retirement Confidence Steady? Survey Reveals Non-Retirees Doubt Full Escape

The conventional wisdom suggests retirement confidence is holding firm, but a closer look at recent surveys reveals a starker reality for those still in the workforce. While 58% of non-retirees in a Thrivent survey express confidence in retiring on schedule

"According to Thrivent's 2026 Retirement Expectations Survey of more than 2,000 Americans, 58% of non-retirees say they're confident they'll have enough money to retire from their primary career on schedule, remaining steady from 2025. Yet nearly half (47%) remain skeptical they'll ever be able to fully retire as artificial intelligence, rising costs and economic uncertainty reshape expectations for the..."

, a significant 47% remain skeptical they will ever achieve full retirement. This skepticism is fueled by a confluence of factors, including the burgeoning impact of artificial intelligence on job markets and persistent inflation that erodes purchasing power

"According to Thrivent's 2026 Retirement Expectations Survey of more than 2,000 Americans, 58% of non-retirees say they're confident they'll have enough money to retire from their primary career on schedule, remaining steady from 2025. Yet nearly half (47%) remain skeptical they'll ever be able to fully retire as artificial intelligence, rising costs and economic uncertainty reshape expectations for the..."

. The Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates, with signals of holding steady but potential for future hikes [c1, c2, c3, c4], adds another layer of economic uncertainty. This contrasts with the sentiment among those already retired, who often report higher satisfaction, underscoring a widening gap in expectations and anxieties about the future of financial security in later life.

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword; it's a palpable force reshaping the labor market, and its implications for retirement planning are profound. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies points out that AI and robotics are significant concerns for Americans as they contemplate the future of work and their ability to retire

"Americans are navigating a turbulent economy, the high cost of living, the impacts of AI and robotics on the future of work, and the nerve-wracking countdown to the depletion of the Social Security trust funds," said Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of Transamerica Institute and TCRS. "These megatrends are driving the doldrums in Americans' retirement outlook."

. For those nearing retirement age, the prospect of AI automating jobs or devaluing existing skill sets can create immense anxiety. This isn't just about job displacement; it's about the potential for wage stagnation and the increased difficulty in accumulating sufficient retirement savings in an AI-influenced economy. The fear is that the 'retirement on schedule' many are planning for might become an untenable goal as the nature of work itself transforms.

The persistent rise in the cost of living is a direct assault on retirement savings, silently eroding the purchasing power of nest eggs. The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) notes that financial strain and rising costs are weighing heavily on workers and retirees alike, contributing to a dip in overall confidence

"Down from last year, 64% of Americans say they feel confident they have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement, as financial strain, rising costs and growing concern about the future of Social Security and Medicare continue to weigh on workers and retirees alike, according to the 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey..."

. This means that even for those who feel they have saved enough, the actual cost of living in retirement could be significantly higher than anticipated. The Federal Reserve's efforts to control inflation, while aiming for stability, have kept interest rates at levels that, while steady for now [c2, c3], have contributed to the elevated cost of goods and services. This creates a double bind: saving is harder, and retirement itself is more expensive.

The Federal Reserve's monetary policy plays a crucial role in the retirement landscape, and its recent decisions underscore the economic tightrope it's walking. Officials have signaled intentions to hold rates steady, with some indications of potential hikes earlier in the year [c1, c4]. However, the Fed has also shown a divided stance, grappling with persistent inflation

An unusually divided Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its key interest rate steady as policymakers grappled with the policy impact of persistent inflation and awaited a looming leadership transition at the central bank. In what may have been Chair Jerome Powell’s final meeting…

— CNBC link

. For individuals planning for retirement, this means continued uncertainty. Higher interest rates can make borrowing more expensive but can also boost returns on savings. Conversely, lower rates might stimulate the economy but could decrease savings yields. The Fed's balancing act directly impacts the cost of debt, the returns on investments, and ultimately, the viability of retirement plans for millions of Americans.