Retirement Anxiety: Why So Many Americans Feel Unprepared

About this episode

The episode discusses the prevalent issue of retirement anxiety among Americans and offers insights into financial planning and emotional well-being.

61% of Americans now fear running out of money in retirement more than they fear death itself. Half of all U.S. households approaching retirement are at risk of falling short of their current standard of living.This week on Money On Tap, Ben Brayshaw and Dan Michelon sit with the topic that shows up in the conference room more than any other these days: retirement anxiety — and why so many Americans feel unprepared.What you'll learn: The five fears inside retirement anxiety — and which one most plans don't address Why retirement is structurally more anxious today than a generation ago The Honeymoon, the Shock, and the Reframe — the three phases of every retirement Why men, executives, military, and first responders are hit hardest by the identity loss The new 100% income rule (the old 60–70% rule of thumb is dead) The six-part income plan that actually reduces anxiety Sequence-of-returns risk — and why the first five years of retirement determine everything Social Security in 2026: 77% benefit, $1.5T bipartisan proposal, what it means for you Why phased / consulting retirement is the underrated soft landing The emotional plan nobody writes down — hobbies, friendships, purpose…

People in this episode

Host: Ben Brayshaw

Guest: Dan Michelon

Topics covered

• retirement anxiety
• financial planning
• income strategies
• Social Security
• emotional well-being
• identity loss

Keywords

• retirement
• financial anxiety
• income plan
• Social Security
• sequence-of-returns risk
• hobbies
• identity loss

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Social Security, CATL, Ford

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