November 10, 2025

Only 37% of Americans now believe retirement between 65–70 is realistic. Discover what this shift means for business owners and legacy-focused families preparing for the future.
For decades, retirement at age 65 has been the conventional milestone. But in today’s economic climate, this expectation is quickly becoming outdated. According to recent survey findings, only about a third of Americans still believe retiring between ages 65 and 70 is realistic. This shift is particularly important for those managing business transitions, multigenerational legacies, or portfolios following a liquidity event. Understanding this evolving landscape is the first step toward aligning expectations with today’s retirement reality.

A Snapshot of Current Retirement Confidence

Recent national data highlights growing concern about retirement readiness:

• Only 37% of adults believe they will retire “on time” between ages 65 and 70.
• Two-thirds consider that age range unrealistic based on their financial outlook.
• One in five individuals aren’t saving for retirement at all.
• Nearly a quarter expect to work longer just to meet essential expenses.
• Interestingly, 10% believe playing the lottery or buying high-end goods could somehow contribute to their retirement funding.

These findings paint a picture of uncertainty—and reveal an increasing disconnect between aspiration and preparedness.

Why This Matters for Business Owners and High-Net-Worth Families

While the general population faces challenges like under-saving and limited access to financial advice, high-net-worth individuals and family stewards face a different kind of complexity: not just how to retire, but how to do so in alignment with broader goals such as preserving wealth, transferring assets efficiently, and maintaining continuity across generations.

Here are key reasons this shift in retirement perception matters for those managing greater assets or family enterprises:

• Timing Adjustments: If conventional retirement ages are slipping further into the future, business owners may need to rethink succession plans or delay transitions.
• Income Security: Those who expect to rely heavily on traditional sources of retirement income may find those vehicles insufficient without proper planning.
• Legacy Goals: Extended working years or rising expenses can encroach on legacy strategies, especially if liquidity is needed sooner than anticipated.
• Financial Confidence vs. Literacy: Even with wealth, many individuals don’t feel informed about income tools like annuities, structured withdrawals, or legacy planning options.
• Risk Mitigation: Rising health care costs, inflation, and market volatility make it more critical than ever to ensure a portion of retirement resources are protected against downside risk.

Educational Considerations for Future Planning

While each individual’s financial path is unique, some general educational themes emerge from this data:

1. Rethinking Retirement Age
For many, 65 may no longer represent the “finish line.” It’s increasingly valuable to understand the implications of working longer, transitioning into part-time roles, or redefining what “retirement” looks like.

2. Exploring Income Certainty
There is growing interest in guaranteed income tools that offer reliability through market cycles. Learning more about options that provide steady income—even amid uncertainty—can be a worthwhile part of the planning process.

3. Evaluating Your Time Horizon
Retirement is lasting longer. Many individuals today could spend 25–30 years or more in post-career life. That makes asset allocation, health care preparation, and estate flexibility all the more vital.

4. Refreshing Estate and Succession Strategies
As plans shift due to economic or personal changes, updating key documents—wills, trusts, buy-sell agreements—ensures continuity and reduces future legal or tax complications.

5. Seeking Ongoing Education
Understanding the tools and strategies available for retirement income, tax mitigation, and wealth transfer can empower individuals to make informed choices that reflect their values and long-term vision.          

The idea that retirement at 65 is a given is being reevaluated across all income levels. For those with more complex financial lives, the evolving retirement landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Taking the time to understand today’s shifting norms—and how they may impact your broader goals—is a valuable step in preparing for a future that’s secure, flexible, and aligned with your legacy vision.

Whether you’re considering how to transition your business, structure long-term income, or prepare for a multigenerational wealth transfer, knowledge is the foundation of clarity.

Contact Omni 360 Advisors to schedule a consultation for your retirement planning needs.

This blog was developed with the assistance of AI-based tools for research, drafting and editing support (Chat GPT), and reviewed by OMNI 360 personnel for accuracy and relevance.