One third of retirement savers expect to keep working, T. Rowe Price finds

One third of retirement savers expect to keep working, T. Rowe Price finds
New survey reveals doubts about financial readiness and fading excitement for retirement
DEC 09, 2025

Another survey is backing up the changing shape of retirement as financial requirement and lifestyle preferences converge.

The global survey from T. Rowe Price suggests the traditional concept of retirement including stepping away from work for good is rapidly shifting, not just in the United State but internationally with about 34% of savers expecting to continue working after they retire, whether by choice or necessity. The US stands out with an above-average 37% of savers anticipating having a job during retirement years.

Economic concerns loom large in shaping those expectations with around half of respondents believing that a recession is likely within the next 18 months. Inflation, geopolitical instability, and elevated interest rates were highlighted as the biggest threats to financial security.

Only around a third of savers describe themselves as “excited for retirement” with those who feel more positive tending to have higher incomes, be married, and report stronger progress toward their savings goals.

Just 31% of those surveyed think they’ll be able to match or improve their current lifestyle once they stop working. Meanwhile, 17% fear they could deplete their savings, and only 27% feel prepared to withstand a major financial setback in retirement.

The firm’s report emphasizes that both individuals and the financial industry must adapt to these new expectations.

“Longer life spans, financial uncertainty, and shifting expectations are redefining retirement — transforming it from a fixed destination to an evolving journey that demands new thinking from both savers and the industry,” says retirement strategist Jessica Sclafani.

With many workers planning for extended careers but uncertain about what comes after, advisors and employers may face growing pressure to design strategies that support a more flexible and financially resilient version of retirement.

Latest News

Mesirow acquires part of flexPATH in second retirement deal of 2026
Mesirow acquires part of flexPATH in second retirement deal of 2026

Chicago-based Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions adds flexPATH's plan-level outsourced fiduciary book, boosting its retirement market reach to $164 billion.

Advisor moves: LPL lands $350M veteran advisor duo in Florida
Advisor moves: LPL lands $350M veteran advisor duo in Florida

Also, Raymond James's employee advisor channel adds breakaways from Wells Fargo and Stifel, while UBS welcomes an ex-Morgan Stanley duo in Indiana.

SEC accuses crypto firm founder of running $425 million Ponzi scheme
SEC accuses crypto firm founder of running $425 million Ponzi scheme

It promised guaranteed principal and 10% monthly returns. The SEC says it invested nothing.

MassMutual Ascend tops $2 billion in RIA annuity sales as advisors warm to income products
MassMutual Ascend tops $2 billion in RIA annuity sales as advisors warm to income products

Ten years after entering the fee-based annuity market, MassMutual Ascend says nearly half its lifetime sales came in the past two years alone – but barriers remain among fee-only advisors.

Fintech bytes: Wealth tech firms target advisor productivity with new integrations
Fintech bytes: Wealth tech firms target advisor productivity with new integrations

Amplify, WealthReach, Zeplyn and Zocks have unveiled partnerships aimed at automating portfolio management, content creation, account opening, and client communication.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income