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More Than Half Of Recent Retirees Have Regrets About How They Saved For Retirement
Nationwide Retirement Institute study finds many new retirees wish they had saved differently
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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A new Advisor Authority study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute, found that more than half (55%) of Americans who retired in the last five years have regrets about how they saved for retirement. Many wish they had started saving earlier (28%) or contributed more each year (13%). Just 40% of recent retirees say they're on track with their original budget and decumulation plan, while 21% have had to be more conservative with spending compared to their pre-retirement expectations.
Why it matters
The transition from earning a paycheck to living off savings is bringing an uncomfortable reality check for many recent retirees, highlighting the importance of comprehensive retirement planning. Market volatility is also hitting recent retirees harder, with half (50%) making at least some changes to their retirement portfolio due to turbulence, compared to just one-third (33%) of those retired longer.
The details
The Nationwide Retirement Institute's 11th annual Advisor Authority study explores critical issues facing advisors, financial professionals, and individual investors. It found that only one in five (20%) recent retirees have avoided the need to tap retirement savings by relying solely on guaranteed income from a pension and/or Social Security. This has left a majority who may need to lean on self-invested retirement funds accumulated during their working years. Financial advisors also recognize the unique challenges recent retirees face, with 60% saying adjusting to not having a paycheck is a top challenge, and 42% citing dealing with anxiety about market volatility.
- The Advisor Authority study was conducted in August-September 2025.
The players
Nationwide Retirement Institute
A division of Nationwide, a Fortune 100 financial services and insurance company based in Columbus, Ohio.
Kevin Jestice
President of Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
What they’re saying
“Many recent retirees told us they wish they had saved differently, highlighting a critical truth: retirement planning isn't just about setting a number—it's about building a strategy that anticipates life's changes and regularly revisiting that plan as life happens.”
— Kevin Jestice, President of Nationwide Retirement Solutions
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This study underscores the importance of comprehensive retirement planning and the value of working with a financial advisor, especially in the critical first few years of retirement when market volatility and adjusting to life without a paycheck can create significant challenges for new retirees.
