Most Americans Won’t Make Retirement Savings

Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial well-being, yet many Americans find themselves unprepared. Last week, I was studying the recent data coming out of the State of Savings Marist Poll 2025. And I tell you, the data highlights a concerning trend: a significant portion of the population appears to be dissatisfied with their current savings and uncertain about their financial future. However, the good news is that it is important to understand the challenges ahead. It may be the first step toward implementing effective strategies to secure a comfortable retirement.

Key Findings from the Marist Poll 2025 National Survey on the State of Savings

The Marist Poll’s 2025 National Survey on the State of Savings provides valuable insights into Americans’ saving behaviors and attitudes:

• Satisfaction Levels: Only 10% of banked households are completely satisfied with their savings, while 52% express some level of dissatisfaction.

  Marist Poll

• Savings Trends: 48% of respondents saved less in 2024 compared to 2023, with only 21% managing to save more.

  Marist Poll

• Gender Disparities: Women report higher dissatisfaction with their savings than men, particularly among Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennials.

  Marist Poll

• Emergency Preparedness: Approximately one-third of households couldn’t cover a month’s expenses if they lost their primary income source.

  Marist Poll

• Generational Optimism: Younger generations, including Gen Z and Millennials, are more optimistic about improving their savings in the coming year.

  Marist Poll

• Cost of Living: The rising cost of living is cited as the most significant barrier to saving.

  Marist Poll

• Financial Support Networks: Gen Zers and Millennials are more likely to seek financial assistance from family and friends during emergencies.

  Marist Poll

The Impact on Individuals

Consider the case of Sarah, a 30-year-old professional who, despite a stable income, struggles to save for retirement. With student loan payments, high rent, and daily living expenses, setting aside funds for the future seems daunting. Sarah’s situation mirrors that of many young adults who face similar financial pressures, highlighting the importance of addressing these challenges early on.

Strategies for Building Retirement Savings

To improve retirement savings, individuals can adopt the following strategies:

1. Create a Realistic Budget: Track income and expenses to identify areas where spending can be reduced, allowing more funds to be allocated toward savings.

2. Establish an Emergency Fund: Aim to save at least three months’ worth of essential expenses to handle unexpected financial setbacks.

   The Guardian

3. Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to retirement accounts to ensure consistent contributions.

4. Take Advantage of Employer Contributions: Contribute enough to retirement plans to receive the full employer match, effectively increasing savings without additional personal expense.

5. Seek Professional Financial Advice: Consult with financial advisors to develop personalized saving and investment strategies.

What’s the Bottom Line?

While the current state of retirement savings in America presents challenges, there is room for optimism. By acknowledging these issues and proactively implementing effective saving strategies, individuals can work toward a more secure financial future.

Call-to-Action

Take control of your financial destiny today. Start by evaluating your current savings plan and implementing the strategies outlined above. For more personalized advice, consider consulting with a financial advisor. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to PersonalOne for more insights on financial planning.

Additional Resources

• Start saving, budget and think long term: how to build financial resilience

• 2024 Spending in Retirement Survey

• Investing in Stock Strategies