Living in Retirement

Retirees are still absorbing the aftershocks of the worst inflation outbreak in a generation. New data from Schroders reveals the financial pressures, anxieties, and resilience of retired Americans in 2026.

The affordability crisis hits home

Rising costs continue to squeeze retirees — a population with a fixed pool of assets. Key findings from Schroders’ 2026 US Retirement Survey:

  • 9% of retirees describe themselves as "struggling" financially.
  • 49% say expenses in retirement are higher than expected.
  • 58% don't know how long their retirement savings will last.
  • 64% wish they had done more planning before retiring.

The top concerns facing retired Americans in 2026 (% at least slightly concerned)

  • Inflation lessening the value of assets (90%)
  • Higher than expected healthcare costs (87%)
  • A major market downturn reducing assets (81%)
  • Not knowing how to best draw down assets (69%)
  • Outliving assets (68%)

The healthcare burden

Healthcare is one of the most underestimated costs in retirement. On average, retirees report devoting 16% of their total monthly income to healthcare expenses — including insurance premiums, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket spending. Meanwhile, 58% say they expected Medicare to cover a greater share of those costs.

“Retirees are fighting the affordability crisis with a fixed pool of assets and no second chances.”

Deb Boyden

Head of US Defined Contribution

Additional findings:

  • More than a third of retirees (36%) are concerned that financial stress will negatively affect their overall health.
  • 28% have lost sleep worrying about their financial situation, and 27% spend an hour or more per day thinking about money.
  • Just 32% of retirees currently work with a financial advisor — leaving most navigating retirement finances on their own.

Press Release

Half of Retirees Report Their Expenses Are Higher Than Expected Nearly One-In-Five Struggling Financially