Drawing on data from its expansive 401(k) plan platform, Charles Schwab has published its annual survey of retirement savers. The research intends to assess how confidence in Americans’ retirement prospects has evolved over the past 12 months. In a word, the results for 2025 are concerning.
“401(k) investors continue to face uncertainty,” Lee McAdoo, managing director of Schwab Retirement Plan Services, said in a statement. “Inflation and market volatility remain top of mind, which can make it difficult to develop a long-term retirement strategy.”
McAdoo said it is encouraging that most savers are prioritizing consistency in their contribution rates and are largely avoiding dipping into their retirement savings. So, even as people are more worried, they are maintaining a strong focus on their futures.
On average, workers expect to retire at age 66 and believe that they will need $1.6 million saved. They estimate that their savings will last 22 years in retirement.
These are big goals, according to Marci Stewart, director of client experience at Schwab Workplace Financial Services. Employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s are doing a good job at giving people a sense of motivation and structure as they save for the long-term future, she noted.
“While the outlook for inflation is cloudy and market volatility remains a part of life, workplace benefits, including holistic financial support, can provide a welcome sense of stability and confidence for employees,” Stewart said.
See the accompanying slideshow for seven key findings from the 2025 Charles Schwab Participant Survey.
Credit: Adobe Stock
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