Although Americans are more worried than ever about how they’ll manage to save enough for retirement, they’re apparently more upbeat about their overall financial situation.

That’s according to new research from Hearts & Wallets, which found that nationally, investors are actually feeling better about the U.S. economy, inflation and retirement as compared to 2015.

As total household investable assets and retirement asset growth are failing to grow this year, ever, despite growing in years past, consumers are more focused on building an emergency fund. That lack of growth in household assets is also driving consumers to take more risks with market volatility in the pursuit of gains in a low-interest-rate environment with 27 percent overall chasing returns despite volatility; that’s up from 22 percent in 2015.

Younger investors in particular are taking more investment risks than they have since 2010, with nearly a third being comfortable with volatility. Retirees, however, aren’t taking any chances. And while nearly all respondents said they wish they were saving more, optimism is by far not the only emotion they’re experiencing; in fact, 35 percent of younger Americans now say they’re experiencing high or moderate anxiety. That’s up from 27 percent in 2014.

Less than a third of those saving for retirement believe they’re on track to achieve their goals — and that’s down 7 percent from two years ago. The decrease was across all age levels, with the biggest decrease, as might be expected, among those closest to retirement. In that group, which Hearts & Wallets termed “late careers” — those aged 53-64 — optimism about their retirement savings fell 5 points in a single year.

And 31 percent saving for retirement are unsure how they will fund their retirement, especially households with less than $100,000 in investable assets.

In addition, consumers looking to find retirement income are becoming more open to using resources offered by their employer-sponsored retirement savings plans. Those aged 40–52 are now as receptive as younger consumers, with 45 percent agreeing they would “use retirement planning resources provided through my employer, or would if they were offered.”

Instant Insights /

Americans fearful about retirement funds, but upbeat about finances

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