If you’ve been feeling a little uneasy about your retirement accounts lately, you aren’t alone. According to the recently released 2026 EBRI/Greenwald Retirement Confidence Survey, worker confidence in a comfortable retirement has dipped to 61%, down six percentage points from just last year.
Even those already in retirement are feeling the squeeze, with their confidence dropping to 73%. So, what’s driving this collective anxiety, and more importantly, what can you do about it?
The New "Magic Number": $1.46 Million
The latest
While that number sounds daunting, it’s important to remember that retirement isn't "one size fits all." A common benchmark is the Rule of 25: aim to save 25 times your expected annual spending. To find your personal number, you need to look at:
Housing & Transportation: Will your mortgage be paid off?
Healthcare: Costs are rising at an estimated 6.8% annually.
Lifestyle: What do you want your "day-to-day" to look like?
The Two Pillars of Uncertainty: Social Security and Medicare
A major source of stress in the 2026 survey is the future of safety-net programs. With trust funds for
The Reality Check:
Social Security: Even if the trust fund "runs dry," incoming payroll taxes would still cover roughly 77% of promised benefits. It's unlikely benefits for current retirees will be slashed, but future retirees may see adjustments.
Medicare: Part B (outpatient services) is funded by general tax revenue and remains stable, though Part A (hospital stays) faces similar trust fund pressures.
Knowledge is Power (and Peace of Mind)
The most striking finding in the data is the "Confidence Gap" between those with a plan and those without.
66% of people working with a financial advisor know exactly how much they need to retire.
Only 36% of those without an advisor can say the same.
“There is so much power and comfort in knowing where you stand, whether that’s fantastic or you have some work to do,” says Jaime Eckels of Plante Moran Wealth Management.
3 Steps to Take Today
Run the Numbers: Use a
retirement healthcare cost calculator Audit Your Debt: Debt is cited as a primary obstacle to saving. Prioritize high-interest balances to free up cash flow.
Build a "Flex" Plan: Consider options like downsizing or part-time "bridge" employment. Having a Plan B for your expenses can significantly lower your financial stress.
The "magic number" might be getting bigger, but a clear plan is the best hedge against an uncertain future.