Prudential Finds Only 14% of Older Americans Comfortable Spending Retirement Savings
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Oct 3
Prudential Finds Only 14% of Older Americans Comfortable Spending Retirement Savings
3 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Oct 3
Summary
Only 14% of adults 50 and older in Prudential’s 2026 Retirement Pulse survey said they felt comfortable spending monthly in retirement on travel, hobbies and dining out.
More than half said they would rather leave too much money behind than risk running out, reflecting what Prudential called “Fear of Running Out”; among people with over $500,000 in investable assets, that rose to 70%.
Nearly half cited doubts about Social Security, more than two in five pointed to inflation and living costs, and a third named long-term care expenses as reasons for holding back.
The anxiety persists even among wealthier savers: 39% of respondents with more than $500,000 felt comfortable spending for enjoyment, while 44% still did not know how long their money would need to last.
Two-thirds said they would prefer a guaranteed monthly check over a lump sum, suggesting demand for annuities or similar income products as many pre-retirees still lack a clear plan.