Retirement outlook: Strong national progress, opportunities ahead

The outlook for retirement readiness in the U.S. presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the interactions between retirement policy, the economy, and individual saving is critical in improving America’s retirement outlook and increasing the likelihood of retirement success. Below are a selection of perspectives that shine a light on preparedness and potential solutions that can help more Americans retire with confidence. 

Vanguard Retirement Outlook (Whitepaper)

By better understanding the factors that influence retirement readiness, Vanguard can help build solutions that help more workers achieve retirement security. In this report, Vanguard explores how American workers across generations and income levels are navigating today’s challenges, and Vanguard continues to advocate for greater retirement security for all.

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How America Saves 2025: Key trends and insights (Whitepaper) 

This detailed study of employer-sponsored retirement plans offers a blueprint for meeting the needs of all employees, setting them up for success at every stage of their lives, and enhancing outcomes through better plan design.

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Moments that matter: Savings and the silver tsunami (Expert insight)

Everyone can make smart moves with their investments. Each aspect here offers an opportunity to create a moment that can matter for us, our parents, or the next in line. As baby boomers retire, it’s a great time to think about who’s next in line and to show up for them in those savings moments that matter most.

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Mitigating 401(k) leakage with emergency savings (Research summary) 

American workers are making strides in saving for retirement- among eligible workers in Vanguard - administered retirement plans, 82% participated in 2024 (Vanguard, 2025). Yet Vanguard’s research shows that what goes in sometimes comes out earlier than expected. This research explores why early withdrawals happen and share survey insights about how emergency savings can help preserve retirement savings.

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Retirement ready: 6 steps to prep for health care needs (Research summary)

New Vanguard research lays out a framework to help investors and their financial planners navigate retirement health care priorities. Retirees and those who care for them need a plan to prepare for the changing needs brought on by advanced aging - failing health, physical frailty, and cognitive decline - as well as the related costs.

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A "BETR" way to assess Roth IRA conversions (Research summary)

The break-even tax rate (BETR) offers a smarter, more comprehensive way to evaluate Roth IRA conversions. By factoring in current and future tax rates, funding sources, and investment horizons, the BETR can help investors and advisors make informed, tax-efficient decisions that support long-term retirement goals.

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