Adults Surveyed Reported Retirement Income Concerns

Most U.S. adults feel the current retirement system is outdated and lack guaranteed income options.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Retirement Planning

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an hourglass on a pedestal, representing the long-term nature of retirement planning. — A recent Harris Poll found that 76% of U.S. adults believe the current national retirement system is inadequate for modern financial needs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel confident that your personal retirement savings will be sufficient for your future?

A Harris Poll of over 2,000 U.S. adults conducted between June 26 and July 7, 2026, revealed that 76% of respondents believe the national retirement system was designed for previous generations. Many households are now reevaluating their strategies due to rising costs and market uncertainty.

Why it matters

The shift away from traditional pensions toward more volatile savings vehicles has left many feeling unprepared for long-term financial security. Respondents increasingly prioritize guaranteed income, citing health care costs and inflation as significant barriers to meeting their goals.

Among the survey participants, 63% expressed concern regarding Social Security fund exhaustion, while 67% identified rising health care costs as a primary financial burden. Only 40% of respondents have established a concrete plan to convert their savings into sustainable retirement income.

The players

Harris Poll

A market research firm that provides consumer sentiment and opinion data regarding financial trends and economic outlooks.

The details

The survey results indicate that fewer guaranteed income options, such as pensions, are forcing households to manage market risk personally. While 86% of those familiar with annuities find them appealing as a source of guaranteed income, only 23% have actually purchased such a product. Many households struggle to project the total length of their retirement, with only 29% having fully accounted for their expected lifespan in their current financial planning.

June 26 through July 7, 2026: The Harris Poll survey was conducted.
October 6, 2026: The survey findings were published.

Money Landscape

This data reflects a broader, multi-decade shift in the U.S. retirement landscape as employer-sponsored pensions become increasingly rare. Households are now navigating a transition from institutional security to self-directed financial management, where inflation and longevity risks are primary concerns.

If you have not yet mapped out how your current savings will convert into consistent monthly income, consider reviewing your retirement timeline and projected health care costs. You may wish to consult a qualified financial professional to discuss whether your existing portfolio aligns with your goals for long-term income stability.

The takeaway

The primary takeaway is that most households feel the existing retirement system is mismatched with modern economic realities like high inflation. You can improve your financial security by finalizing a specific income-conversion plan and regularly reviewing your budget to ensure it accounts for rising long-term health care expenses.