Feeling financially confident has become increasingly challenging for Americans, and many could benefit from the guidance of a financial professional.
The 2026 Annual Retirement Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement® found that Americans are worried about inflation, health care, 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.
Here are five reasons why financial professionals should call their clients now.
Two in three Americans (67%) say they worry more about running out of money than death.
Several factors are fueling this fear: high inflation, increasing health care costs, Social Security shortfalls, unknown future health crises – the list goes on. Financial professionals can help ease these concerns by addressing them with risk-management strategies as part of a long-term financial plan.
The majority of Americans (62%) say they aren’t saving as much for retirement as they would like, which can leave them short of their goals.
What’s getting in the way?
Financial professionals can help their clients understand the steps needed to achieve their retirement goals and stay on track.
The majority of Americans say they lack basic knowledge around their retirement strategy. For example, the majority of Americans said they don’t know:
A financial professional can help fill these knowledge gaps.
Nearly half of Americans (48%) 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.
Most Americans (64%) view financial professionals as a top resource for financial guidance. Yet just 40% 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:
Learn about how Americans feel about retirement in 2026 – and where they need the most support.
Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement® conducted an online survey, the 2026 Annual Retirement Study, in January 2026 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 for Retirement® produces insights and research as a part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.
Allianz, Allianz Life of NY, and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC do not offer financial planning services.
Investments are subject to market risk, including possible loss of principal. Investment strategies cannot guarantee a profit or protect against loss.
Annuities and life insurance are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz), www.allianzlife.com. In New York, annuities are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York (Allianz Life of NY), 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.
For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.
