5 reasons for financial professionals to call their clients about retirement plans right now

Feeling financially confident has become increasingly challenging for Americans, and many could benefit from the advice of a financial professional.

The 2025 Annual Retirement Study* found that Americans are worried about inflation, market volatility, and the risk of outliving their savings. With pressing concerns and a lack of planning, Americans are in need of financial professionals who can help them address their concerns head-on and navigate the complexities of planning to secure their financial future. Financial professionals have an opportunity to reach out to their clients to offer guidance and support with the mounting challenges in preparing for retirement.

Here are five reasons why financial professionals should call their clients now.

1

Americans could use a confidence boost

The percentage of Americans who feel confident about their ability to financially support all the things they want to do in life has been on the decline. It has fallen 13 percentage points in the last five years, down to 70% in 2025.

Younger Americans are the least confident, with just 61% of millennials saying they feel confident about financially supporting their future. This is compared to 73% of Gen Xers and 76% of boomers.

Financial professionals can help their clients improve their confidence in their retirement strategy by addressing their concerns and creating a detailed plan toward their financial goals.

2

They worry more about running out of money than death

Nearly two in three Americans (64%) say they worry more about running out of money than death.

The top factors fueling this concern are high inflation, Social Security not providing enough support, and high taxes. Financial professionals can help ease these concerns by addressing them with risk-management strategies as part of a long-term financial strategy.

3

Most are not saving enough as much as they would like

The majority of Americans (62%) say they aren’t saving as much for retirement as they would like. That can leave them vulnerable to missing their retirement goals. And they have big goals. On average, Americans who know how much they want to save say they need more than $3.3 million to retire comfortably.

Financial professionals can help their clients understand the steps needed to achieve their retirement goals and keep them on track.

4

Too many don’t have a plan

Nearly half of Americans (47%) don’t have a written financial plan. A written financial plan can help Americans turn their retirement aspirations into achievable goals. This can help lay out the steps needed to work toward big dreams like a comfortable retirement.

Breaking down these goals into actionable steps can help increase confidence in their ability to meet their goals. Without a written financial plan, it’s difficult for clients to know if they are on track toward their goals or not. Helping clients create a written financial plan is one of the most helpful things a financial professional can do.

5

Financial professionals are the top resource

Most Americans (61%) view financial professionals as a top resource for financial guidance. Yet just 38% are currently working with a financial professional. This is an opportunity to offer financial guidance.

Americans say it would be valuable to have a financial professional help to:

  • Make sure their money lasts their lifetime
  • Maximize return on investments
  • Provide a personalized, comprehensive financial plan
  • Protect savings from market loss
  • Develop a plan to minimize tax burden

*Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement™ conducted an online survey, the 2025 Annual Retirement Study, in January/February 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 respondents age 25+ in the contiguous U.S. with an annual household income of $50K+ (single)/$75K+ (married/partnered) OR investable assets of $150K+.

The Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement™ produces insights and research as a part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.

Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of all principal.

Annuities and life insurance are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.com. In New York, annuities are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York, www.allianzlife.com/new-york. Registered index-linked annuities are distributed by their affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297.

Only Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York is authorized to offer annuities in the state of New York.