Build Enduring Wealth Reference
Current figures on retirement saving, workplace access, income, and contribution limits, with a primary source and data date for every statistic.
Last updated August 15, 2026
A Useful Snapshot
These statistics provide context for conversations about retirement income, savings, workplace benefits, and the years ahead. They are not a benchmark for an individual household, whose priorities, resources, health, taxes, and family circumstances may be very different.
Every figure below links to the primary source that published it. Source dates matter, especially when limits, rules, and survey findings change over time.
Current Figures
01
67%
The Federal Reserve counted tax-preferred retirement accounts, defined benefit pensions, and other assets people may be able to use for retirement expenses.
Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 ↗Survey year 2025, published May 2026
02
47%
The remaining 53% said they were either not comfortable or only slightly comfortable, a useful reminder that access to accounts and confidence using them are different things.
Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 ↗Survey year 2025, published May 2026
03
61%
The Federal Reserve reported that 67% of adults had either a tax-preferred retirement account or a defined benefit pension in 2025.
Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 ↗Survey year 2025, published May 2026
04
73%
This was higher than the 63% of adults ages 25 to 54 and the 62% of adults age 65 and older who reported having one.
Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 ↗Survey year 2025, published May 2026
05
35%
The share was unchanged from 2024 and below the 40% reported in 2021. It reflects how respondents viewed their own progress, not an external assessment of readiness.
Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 ↗Survey year 2025, published May 2026
06
78%
In the same 2024 Federal Reserve survey, 81% of retirees reported at least one source of private income, including pensions, interest, dividends, rental income, or labor income.
Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024 ↗Survey year 2024, published June 2025
07
$24,500
For 2026, the IRA contribution limit is $7,500. The IRS also announced higher catch-up limits for eligible savers. Eligibility and tax treatment depend on the account and individual circumstances.
Internal Revenue Service, cost-of-living adjustments for retirement plans ↗Tax year 2026 limits, released November 2025
Putting Data In Context
Retirement planning becomes more useful when income sources, investments, taxes, protection planning, and legacy priorities are considered together. The national figures above can help frame a conversation, but they cannot determine a personal retirement date, savings target, or claiming decision.
Explore retirement planning →Methodology & Sources
This page uses public data from primary sources, including the Federal Reserve and Internal Revenue Service. Statistics are selected for relevance to retirement planning and are presented with the source's published data year or effective date.
Figures are reviewed regularly. When a source publishes an updated number, the existing statistic is updated in place so its permanent link continues to work.
Last reviewed August 15, 2026.
Cite This Page
Build Enduring Wealth. “U.S. Retirement Planning Statistics for 2026.” Accessed August 15, 2026.
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