Among other significant findings:

Artificial intelligence users are more engaged, more anxious and more risk-forward. Only 22% of employees use AI tools for financial planning overall, but among these users. Sixty-eight percent say their financial wellness has improved in the last year vs. 41% of non-users.
Alternative assets no longer are niche in the client mindset. Nearly 9 in 10 workers are at least somewhat interested in including alternatives in their retirement accounts.
Gender confidence gaps are stark and persistent. Nine in 10 men feel at least somewhat confident in their retirement planning knowledge vs. 69% of women. In addition, 8 in 10 men are confident they will have enough saved vs. 62% of women.
Gen X is a critical, underserved segment. Only 61% of Gen X are at least somewhat confident in their retirement savings.
Retirement delay risk is widespread. Fifty-four percent of employees have considered delaying retirement because of inadequate savings.
Although emergency funds are more common, employees frequently use them. The share of employees with emergency funds rebounded to 68% in 2025, but 45% of those with emergency funds tapped them during the year, suggesting ongoing cash flow strain.
Advisors face a multigenerational expectations gap. Although nearly half of employees expect to need more than $1 million in retirement, just more than one-quarter expect to actually have that amount saved. This reveals a clear advisory opportunity around realistic planning and catch-up strategies.

Instant Insights /

U.S. workers remain confident in retirement readiness despite having high anxiety