NFP's 2026 U.S. Retirement Trend Report: Bridging the Confidence Gap

NFP, a leading property and casualty brokerage, has unveiled its 2026 U.S. Retirement Trend Report, highlighting a significant disconnect between employees’ trust in employer-provided financial advisors and their confidence in retirement readiness. According to the report, while 89% of employees trust these advisors, 69% remain uncertain about their ability to retire comfortably. This suggests that although trust exists, proactive engagement is lacking, exacerbated by economic pressures and rising costs that hinder retirement preparations.

The report emphasizes the impact of engaged interactions with financial advisors, noting that 62% of respondents find one-on-one meetings most beneficial for retirement planning. Despite this potential benefit, many employees refrain from participating due to perceived financial constraints, doubts about the advice’s value, costs, and a lack of understanding of how a financial advisor could assist them.

Personalized Guidance and Proactive Steps

Jessica Espinoza, National Practice Leader for Retirement Advisory at NFP, stated that personalized guidance from employer-provided advisors can significantly aid employees in making informed retirement decisions. However, many do not take the essential initial steps, despite the clear advantages of doing so.

Rising economic stress has compounded these challenges, increasing the number of employees feeling unprepared for retirement from 68% in 2025 to 72% in 2026. Many employees aged 55 and above now anticipate relying on Social Security as their primary retirement income source. Furthermore, 46% of respondents are unable to prioritize savings due to immediate financial obligations such as housing and healthcare.

Empowerment and Communication

Stephen Jans, National Practice Leader for Wealth Management at NFP, highlighted that empowering employees to make realistic and achievable financial decisions enhances both personal and organizational outcomes while also benefiting the broader community. Additionally, there is declining awareness of employer-sponsored financial resources, with only 42% of employees currently aware, down from 55% the previous year.

This decline underscores the need for employers to better communicate the availability and benefits of retirement resources. The study illustrates the necessity for employers to facilitate better engagement and awareness among employees regarding retirement planning resources. Espinoza emphasized that employers need clear strategies to bridge the gap, allowing employees to confidently access and utilize available financial resources, ultimately improving their retirement preparedness.