Middle-Class Retirement Confidence Declines Amid Economic Uncertainty
Nearly one-third of middle-class Americans aged 50 to 85 report diminished confidence in their retirement plans compared to last year, according to a CNO Financial Group survey. Inflation, longevity risk, and potential Social Security reductions dominate concerns for households with $50,000-$100,000 incomes and under $1 million in assets.
Economic volatility—including tariff impacts and tax policy shifts—has forced a reassessment of retirement strategies. "Middle-income Americans are under pressure as they navigate rising costs and market turbulence," the study notes, highlighting the erosion of traditional safety nets.
Proactive measures like portfolio diversification, maximizing catch-up contributions, and strategic Social Security claiming could mitigate risks. The findings underscore a growing disconnect between retirement expectations and the realities of prolonged inflation and fiscal uncertainty.
