According to the fifth annual Protected Retirement Survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute, 79 percent of workers self-report a positive outlook on their retirement savings – a 14-point increase over 2024.
The share of employees who feel on track with their retirement preparedness has also risen, from 65 percent in 2024 to 71 percent this year.
Yes, but: This improved outlook comes despite uncertain market conditions.
- For some, the uncertainty has encouraged more active engagement: 44 percent of workers say they are checking their retirement account balances more frequently in recent months due to market fluctuations.
- However, for others, that same volatility has also prompted reactive decisions, with 48 percent shifting savings to more conservative assets, potentially sacrificing long-term growth for short-term reassurance – or locking in losses in down markets.
What they’re saying: “These findings show that feeling confident isn’t the same as being prepared. Even confident investors make decisions that undermine their long-term financial security,” said Cathy Marasco, vice president of Protected Retirement at Nationwide.
- “To prevent letting emotion drive decisions, workers should make sure they’re taking advantage of the best advice they can get from a financial professional or resources provided by many workplace retirement plans for those who may not have access to an advisor.”
