Household Retirement Savings Grew to $56,000

While median balances increased, many U.S. adults still report significant concerns regarding their long-term financial security.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Retirement Planning

Household Retirement Savings Grew to $56,000

Live Poll

Are you confident that you will be able to afford a comfortable retirement?

Median household retirement savings rose to $56,000 in 2025 from $44,000 in 2020, according to a survey of 10,015 U.S. adults. Despite this growth, 62% of respondents fear they will not be able to save enough to fund a comfortable lifestyle.

Why it matters

Financial confidence remains a challenge for many households as 39% of respondents cite health declines and 38% point to the potential loss of Social Security as primary retirement fears. These anxieties persist even as a majority of U.S. adults now report they have built a sufficient nest egg.

Median household retirement savings reached $56,000 in 2025, an increase from $44,000 in 2020. While 59% of adults feel they have saved enough, only 23% maintain a written retirement strategy.

The players

Transamerica

A financial services company that provides retirement products and publishes research on household financial security.

The Harris Poll

A market research firm that conducts public opinion polling on consumer financial behavior and economic sentiment.

The details

The report shows that while savings balances have trended upward over the last five years, many households still lack a formal, written plan to manage their assets. Data suggests that 69% of non-retired adults are currently contributing to savings, yet reliance on professional financial advice is limited to 31% of the population. Concerns regarding workplace stability also loom, with 46% of non-retired workers worried that artificial intelligence could make their skills obsolete.

2020 served as the baseline data collection period for survey comparisons.
The primary survey was conducted between Sept. 16 and Oct. 17, 2025.
The Transamerica report was published in September 2026.

Money Landscape

This data update follows the 2020-2025 U.S. household retirement savings trend, showing a measured increase in total nest eggs. It highlights the gap between rising median savings and the persistent lack of formal financial planning among the general public.

Review your current retirement strategy and consider whether your savings rate aligns with your long-term goals for a comfortable retirement. Discuss your specific financial roadmap and potential concerns, such as health costs or Social Security, with a qualified financial adviser.

The takeaway

While median savings have grown, the relatively low adoption of written strategies suggests many households are saving without a clear, documented plan. Evaluate your personal savings targets and consult a professional to ensure your strategy accounts for future potential health and income risks.