Americans are losing ground on retirement readiness

Americans are losing ground on retirement readiness
A Fidelity survey produces a retirement score of 78 in 2022, down from 83 in the previous survey in 2020.
MAR 22, 2023

Americans’ retirement readiness has deteriorated amid the market volatility seen over the last couple of years, according to a Fidelity Investments study released Tuesday.

The study, based on a survey conducted last August and September, shows America’s retirement score fell to 78 in 2022, down from the all-time high of 83 in the previous survey in 2020. That score means Americans saving for retirement have only 78% of the income they need to cover their costs in retirement.

The data suggest that more than half (52%) of the respondents would have to make modest to significant adjustments to their lifestyle in retirement if they don’t catch up on their retirement savings, while more than a third (34%) would have to make significant adjustments.

Fidelity links the deterioration to the market volatility and uncertainty, which it says caused individuals to save less and to invest their savings more conservatively.

Looking at the generational differences, millennials cut their savings rate by 0.2% and boomers cut theirs by 2.2%, but Gen Xers boosted their savings rate by 1.4%.

When it comes to asset allocations, overall, just 59.4% of respondents have asset allocations that are age-appropriate, down 0.6% from 2020.

“American savers continue to navigate through uncertainty, and as a result, may consider pulling back on saving for the future,” Rita Assaf, vice president of retirement at Fidelity Investments, said in a statement. “When it comes to long-term investing, staying focused on your individual goals is critical.”

Why flexibility is essential when it comes to retirement spending

Latest News

Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech
Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech

Summit Financial unveiled a suite of eight new tools, including AI lead gen and digital marketing software, while MassMutual forges a new partnership with Orion.

SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud
SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud

A new analysis shows the number of actions plummeting over a six-month period, potentially due to changing priorities and staffing reductions at the agency.

MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm
MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm

The strategic merger of equals with the $27 billion RIA firm in Los Angeles marks what could be the largest unification of the summer 2025 M&A season.

Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs
Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs

Report highlights lack of options for those faced with emergency expenses.

LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says
LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says

However, Raymond James has had success recruiting Commonwealth advisors.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.