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Pew Finds Broad Retirement Unease and Late Estate Planning Among Americans

A nationally representative survey of 8,750 adults in early September reports widespread uncertainty with stark demographic gaps.

Overview

  • Only 26% of U.S. adults are extremely or very confident their income and assets will last through retirement, while about four-in-ten are not confident or say they will not retire.
  • Confidence rises with age yet remains incomplete, with fewer than half in their 60s and 70s highly confident and about 50% among those 80 and older; men 75+ are the most confident at 61%.
  • Financial insecurity differs sharply by group, including 57% uncertainty among lower-income adults versus 15% among upper-income, higher uncertainty among Hispanic adults, and greater uncertainty among women than men (42% vs. 36%).
  • Among adults under 65 who worry about later life, 30% cite money, Social Security availability or rising costs, while older adults most often advise prioritizing health (49%) followed by finances (37%).
  • Formal planning remains uncommon until later life, with 32% having a will and 31% a living will overall, roughly two-thirds in their 70s holding these documents, and most parents 65+ reporting end-of-life conversations with their children on burial (68%), medical wishes (66%) and belongings (61%).