Research
Last updated: November 2026Published by Rarified Life
Published 2026 research shows Americans are less confident about retirement than a year ago, and that retirement can last decades, which makes planning the lifestyle side as important as the money.
The Preferment Guide collects the most relevant published statistics here, each quoted as published with its source. None of these figures are Rarified Life's own data. They describe the wider retirement picture that frameworks like Preferment respond to.
Part of our retirement lifestyle planning guide.
Less confident than in 2025. EBRI's 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey found workers' confidence in living comfortably in retirement fell to 61% and retirees' to 73%. NIRS reports 80% of Americans say the nation faces a retirement crisis, up from 67 percent in 2020.
80%
of Americans say the nation faces a retirement crisis, up sharply from 67 percent in 2020.
61%
of Americans are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement.
85%
say policymakers should make retirement security a higher national priority, up from 76 percent in 2020; 84 percent say leaders in Washington do not understand the retirement savings challenges Americans face.
61%
Workers' confidence in having enough money to live comfortably in retirement fell 6 percentage points from 2025 to 61%, while retirees' confidence fell 5 percentage points to 73%.
Under 3 in 5
workers said they have enough savings to handle an emergency expense, down from 64% in 2025. Among retirees, fewer than 7 in 10 said the same, down from 74%.
1 in 2
Half of workers have credit card debt, and nearly 1 in 3 have more than $25,000 in non-mortgage debt.
34%
of caregivers had less than $10,000 in savings and investments, compared with 25 percent of non-caregivers.
61%
of caregivers were female compared with 47 percent of non-caregivers.
About 50%
A 65-year-old couple has approximately a 50% chance that at least one spouse lives to 90.
$16,600
A study of university employees found a modest 10 percent increase in the likelihood of calculating retirement income need was related to $16,600 in additional retirement savings for respondents over 40 (Mayer, Zick, and Marsden 2011).
9% to 19%
Bernheim (1993) concluded that actual savings rates are 9 percent to 19 percent lower annually than optimal for young households aged 35 to 45.
The numbers point to two gaps. One is financial, and it belongs with a licensed professional. The other is personal: if at least one spouse in a 65-year-old couple has about a 50% chance of reaching 90, retirement could fill 25 years or more. That is a long time to spend without a clear sense of purpose.
Rarified Life built Preferment for the personal gap. Read how the Preferment framework works or practical steps to enjoy life after retirement.
Confidence is falling. EBRI's 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey found workers' confidence fell 6 percentage points to 61% and retirees' fell 5 points to 73%. NIRS reports that 80% of Americans say the nation faces a retirement crisis, up from 67 percent in 2020. See our by the numbers page for sources.
More answers in the FAQRetirement can be stressful, even when it is wanted. Losing a role, daily structure, and work relationships all at once is a major change. Money worry adds to it: EBRI's 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey found workers' confidence in having enough to live comfortably fell 6 percentage points to 61%. Planning both lifestyle and finances reduces the uncertainty.
More answers in the FAQPlan for retirement on two tracks. The financial track covers savings, income, healthcare, and timing, ideally with a licensed professional. The lifestyle track covers identity, purpose, relationships, and how your weeks will look. Start both early. The Preferment framework from Rarified Life focuses on the lifestyle track and works alongside financial advice, not instead of it.
More answers in the FAQNo. Rarified Life presents Preferment as a framework for redesigning life after work around values, purpose, and meaningful activities. It is not presented as financial planning. For investments, income, taxes, and benefits, work with a licensed financial professional, and use Preferment for the identity and purpose side of your retirement.
More answers in the FAQThe age people actually retire varies widely, and many leave work earlier or later than they planned because of health, caregiving, or job changes. For current figures, EBRI's annual Retirement Confidence Survey tracks expected and actual retirement ages. Whatever your age, Preferment encourages starting the identity work before your last day.
More answers in the FAQThe 3 rule usually refers to withdrawing about 3 percent of your savings in the first year of retirement, a more conservative version of the widely cited 4 percent guideline. A lower rate aims to make savings last longer. It is a rule of thumb, not advice, so confirm a withdrawal rate with a licensed financial planner.
More answers in the FAQPublished by Rarified Life
