From market volatility to inflation to the sharp decline of pension ownership, the need for a reliable source of retirement income is more important than ever. In our annual Retirement Outlook Survey, we talked to consumers and financial professionals about retirement readiness to understand how they are preparing for income needs, protecting assets, and addressing concerns about having enough income to last a lifetime.
This year’s survey makes clear that protection of assets is the foundation of many consumers’ retirement plans. It also identifies opportunities for financial professionals to discuss protection in greater depth and detail.
We’ve reproduced some of the key findings for you below. Interested in how we can help? Learn more about our products.
2026 Retirement Outlook Survey at a glance
Creating or utilizing a retirement income plan that provides lifetime income remains this group of consumers’ top financial priority.
Only one-third of those polled feel very confident in being able to financially cover important lifestyle hobbies in retirement.
The number of people who say protecting assets is more important than accumulating assets is on the rise.
Pension envy and lack of retirement preparation are creating opportunities for financial professionals to address retirement needs.
Retirement income planning remains a focus
Creating or using a retirement income plan that provides lifetime income remains this group of respondents’ top financial priority. Yet, our findings reveal there is still work to be done — 38% do not have a specific retirement income plan. When we break this down even further, we find:
- 19% have a general retirement income plan, but it doesn't go far enough
- 15% have a set of goals or a direction in mind but it's not a well-developed retirement income plan
- 4% don't have any plan to receive income in retirement
Our survey also found that many consumers who are not-yet retired do not feel “very ready” to transition to living off retirement income.
Making retirement income last a lifetime
Many respondents are concerned about income lasting a lifetime, with 60% saying they were “extremely, very, or somewhat concerned.” Once we dug a little deeper, we found some interesting stats: those who don’t have an annuity or employee-sponsored (pension) are most likely to be extremely or very concerned (24% vs. 15% who have an annuity, a pension, or both).
In addition, we found that just 35% of respondents are very confident about covering important lifestyle hobbies and even fewer (25%) are very confident about covering their discretionary wants.
Having an annuity and a pension increases confidence about covering both needs and wants in retirement compared to those who don’t have either one.
| Investors feel 'very confident' about covering: | Annuity Only | Pension Only | Both | Neither |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investors feel 'very confident' about covering: | ||||
| Essential needs: housing, healthcare, food, utilities | 65% | 59% | 66% | 53% |
| Important lifestyle expenses: travel, hobbies, dining out | 35% | 39% | 41% | 25% |
| Discretionary wants: luxury purchases, extras, gifts | 24% | 26% | 32% | 17% |
Consumers prioritized protection over growth in 2026
Security was on the mind of many of those surveyed — 61% said protection of their assets was more important than growth. This number is on the rise — only 56% of respondents said the same thing in our last survey.
We also found that protection of assets was the top priority for nearly half of those we polled.
Pension decline and the rise of “pension envy”
The prevalence of pensions has diminished considerably, and our respondents are feeling it. We found 43% of respondents do not have a pension, and of that cohort, 47% say they have “pension envy” and wish they were covered by a pension in retirement.
Pension envy plus lack of preparation among many pre-retirees is creating opportunities for financial professionals to address retirement income needs.
The opportunity for financial professionals
As part of the survey, we also polled financial professionals, and while many of their priorities mirrored those of consumers, the results reveal certain opportunities to get more closely aligned.
This is especially true when it comes to protection. Over half of financial professionals say it is important to protect clients’ retirement portfolios while they grow, limiting the downside risk, compared to 80% of respondents who indicated they seek growth while limiting risk.
Consumers said they value consistency, a steady income stream, guaranteed retirement income, and protection much more than financial professionals, and financial professionals said they value the opportunity to make money more than consumers.
Take the next step
At Global Atlantic, we work with financial professionals to help their clients address their concerns and achieve their retirement income goals. Interested in learning more? See how our annuities provide for a variety of retirement needs, including income for life, while offering elements of protection from market volatility.