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Retirement Anxiety Intensifies for Midlife Americans as Savings Fall Short of Targets

New surveys show nearly half of 45–54 year-olds worry daily about retirement, with many expecting to work past 70.

Overview

  • BlackRock data reported by Investopedia finds 47% of Americans ages 45–54 think about retirement savings at least once a day.
  • Transamerica research cited by Yahoo Finance shows 36% of workers expect to retire at age 70 or later or not retire at all.
  • Federal Reserve figures put median savings for ages 55–64 around $185,000, versus roughly $1.26 million many say is needed for comfort.
  • Yahoo Finance highlights tradeoffs of delaying retirement, including health risks from chronic job stress and higher taxes when required minimum distributions begin after 73.
  • For 2025, contribution limits are $23,500 for 401(k)s and $7,000 for IRAs with catch-ups for those 50+, and early retirees are urged to target larger balances, use lower withdrawal rates, and plan to bridge years before Social Security and Medicare.