A recent national survey reveals that 72% of U.S. adults consider retirement a major life objective, defying high-profile critics who have dismissed it as impractical. The finding underscores a persistent generational commitment to long-term financial planning.
- 72% of Americans view retirement as one of their top five life goals
- 78% of adults aged 35–54 see retirement as a critical life milestone
- 63% of workers aged 35–54 participate in 401(k) plans with at least 5% contribution
- 67% of respondents believe they need over $1 million in retirement savings
- Retirement-focused ETFs saw $28 billion in inflows during 2025
- Employers offering retirement matches report 81% higher employee retention
Despite vocal skepticism from public figures like Ben Shapiro and Grant Cardone, who have labeled retirement planning as a 'stupid idea' or outdated, the majority of Americans continue to prioritize it as a central life milestone. According to a nationwide survey conducted in late 2025, 72% of respondents ranked retirement among their top five long-term goals, reflecting a strong cultural and personal investment in post-work life. The data, collected from a representative sample of over 1,800 adults across all 50 states, shows that individuals aged 35 to 54 are the most likely to view retirement as a critical goal, with 78% expressing strong intent to retire by age 65. This group also demonstrates the highest rate of participation in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, with 63% contributing at least 5% of their income. Interestingly, younger adults (18–34) show slightly lower commitment, with 58% viewing retirement as a top goal, though 47% of them are already contributing to individual retirement accounts. The survey also found that 67% of respondents believe they will need more than $1 million in retirement savings to maintain their standard of living, a figure that aligns with financial planning benchmarks. The persistence of retirement as a goal has implications for financial markets and investment behavior. Mutual fund assets tied to retirement products rose by 11% in 2025, while ETFs focused on retirement income strategies saw inflows totaling $28 billion. Employers offering retirement match programs report higher employee retention rates, with 81% of companies with matching contributions seeing staff stay longer than those without.