Retirement Readiness. Redefined.
It’s so much more than account balances and performance.
Today’s definition of retirement readiness needs to address savings progress, protecting progress, preparing for transitions and, ultimately, turning hard-earned savings into income.
2026 Retirement Survey Highlights
Our 13th annual national survey of plan participants and sponsors revealed a clear priority: retirement readiness and its changing definition. Readiness isn’t a moment. It’s a journey that begins long before the retirement date and continues well beyond it.
The research results can help you understand how participants navigate retirement. Use those insights to guide better conversations and plan decisions.
SAVE
Real Life Interrupts Savings Progress
Retirement remains a top priority, but competing financial demands, market uncertainty and health care concerns make saving harder. Sponsors underestimate participants’ struggles: Only 31% think participants feel strapped to save.
The retirement system has improved, but participants still want help making progress.
PROTECT
Protecting Progress Is As Important as Growth
Nearly 8 in 10 participants would like the full value of their retirement savings protected, compared with 65% of plan sponsors.
Retirement readiness is more than building assets; it's managing risks and protecting participants' progress.
TRANSITION
Readiness Means Preparing for Transitions
Life doesn't always follow a retirement plan. Health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, and unexpected events can alter the path long before a planned retirement date arrives.
Readiness means being prepared to navigate life’s disruptions and the transition to retirement, both emotionally and financially.
GENERATE INCOME
Income is the New Retirement Benchmark
Participants are looking for help turning savings into income: 84% want guidance, while only 36% of sponsors believe their education efforts are effective.
Retirement income is a growing priority, but support has not kept pace with the demand.
Full Retirement Survey Findings
2026 Participant Survey Results
2026 Plan Sponsor Survey Results
A Tool for Retirement Advisors
Target-Date Blueprint
Narrow the TDF universe to focus on only funds with investment profiles that align with a plan’s demographics, risk profile and preferences.
Let’s Connect
Call your American Century Investments Wholesaler to discuss in-plan options and for help identifying the right solutions for clients.
Methodology: The participant survey was conducted between June 2, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The survey included 1,521 full-time workers between the ages of 25 and 70 saving through their employer’s retirement plan. The data were weighted to reflect key demographics (gender, income, and education) among all American private sector participants.
The sponsor survey was conducted between May 21, 2026, and June 18, 2026. Survey included 500 plan sponsor representatives holding a job title of Director or higher and having considerable influence when it comes to making decisions about their company’s retirement plan (either 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plans). The data were weighted to reflect the makeup of the total defined contribution population by plan asset size.
Percentages in the tables and charts may not total 100 due to rounding and/or missing categories.
Greenwald Research of Washington, D.C., completed data collection and analysis.
This material has been prepared for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal or tax advice.
You could lose money by investing in a mutual fund, even if through your employer's plan or an IRA. An investment in a mutual fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Investment return and principal value of security investments will fluctuate. The value at the time of redemption may be more or less than the original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.