Nearly Half of Americans Fear They May Never Be Able To Fully Retire

Nearly half of working Americans fear they may never fully retire due to financial uncertainty.

A 2026 Retirement Expectations Survey from Thrivent reveals widespread doubts among U.S. workers about their ability to retire comfortably. This signals structural challenges in retirement planning amid economic pressures and evolving labor patterns.

The survey, conducted by Ipsos in June 2026 with over 2,000 American adults, found that 47% of workers doubt full retirement is attainable, while 58% believe they will have enough money to retire on schedule. More than half of respondents cited inflation, potential Social Security shortfalls, Middle East conflicts, and artificial intelligence as threats to retirement security. More than a third feel behind in their savings compared to peers, and half experience anxiety when thinking about retirement. Financial adviser Jason Rogoff emphasizes the importance of consistent saving, even in small amounts, noting retirement has become a transition rather than a definitive endpoint.

Although many workers plan to continue earning income after retirement, only a fraction of retirees actually do. Retirement savings remain unevenly distributed, with higher-net-worth individuals more likely to have substantial accounts. Emergency savings are an important part of a retirement plan, helping to cover unexpected financial shocks.

Montanans may face distinct challenges or opportunities in navigating retirement amid these national trends with its rapidly aging population.

Half of workers fear they will never fully retire
By Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY