72% of Americans Plan Non-Traditional Retirement Paths as Financial Pressures Reshape Expectations
Event summary
- 72% of Americans now expect to retire on their own terms, up 5 percentage points from last year.
- 61% plan a phased retirement transition, with gig work (35%), small businesses (29%), and consulting (26%) as top alternatives.
- $18 trillion in assets under administration for Fidelity Investments as of December 31, 2025.
- 81% of Americans believe retirement-related healthcare costs will exceed $172,500 per individual.
The big picture
Fidelity's study highlights a generational shift in retirement planning, with younger Americans increasingly prioritizing flexibility over fixed timelines. This trend aligns with broader industry movements toward personalized financial products and underscores the growing importance of healthcare cost management in long-term planning. With $18 trillion in assets under administration, Fidelity is well-positioned to capitalize on demand for sophisticated retirement solutions.
What we're watching
- Phased Retirement Adoption
- How the shift toward non-traditional retirement paths will impact financial product demand.
- Healthcare Cost Pressures
- Whether rising healthcare expenses will accelerate or delay retirement timelines for older Americans.
- Financial Planning Tools
- The pace at which digital platforms and advisors adapt to support flexible retirement strategies.
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