Americans Worry That Their Retirement Savings Aren’t Keeping Pace With Inflation

Inflation continues to weigh on the minds—and wallets—of both retirees and those who are still years away from retirement.

Nearly eight in 10 pre-retirees and a majority of current retirees said that their savings and investments not keeping up with inflation was a concern, a survey by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) found. The survey polled respondents between the ages of 45 and 80.

Retirees were less likely to say they were “better off than expected” financially in 2024 than in 2021. While inflation has cooled from levels seen in the the summer of 2022, prices on everything from rent to food remain elevated, eroding people’s purchasing power.

“Even though inflation rates have come down, many are still affected by high prices for housing and groceries,” said Anna Rappaport, chair of the SOA Committee on Post-Retirement Needs and Risks.

More than half of pre-retirees and nearly a third of current retirees say that rising costs have impacted their food and daily expenses. Higher prices have caused some pre-retirees —especially those with annual incomes of less than $100,000—to adjust their savings strategies.

Americans are also grappling with caregiving responsibilities as they deal with financial concerns.

More than one-in-10 pre-retirees currently provide care or have cared for family members who are not their children. And if they needed to financially help out a family member, 38% and 27% of pre and current retirees, respectively, feel unprepared to take on a family member’s medical emergency or health issue.

“The costs and caregiving obligations connected to a medical emergency or health issue can be very high,” said Rappaport.