61% of Older Workers Already Tapping Retirement Savings to Cover Expenses

LiveCareer survey reveals deep unease among over-50 workers facing inflation, healthcare costs, and volatile markets.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LiveCareer®, a trusted online resume builder, reveals that retirement may be further out of reach than ever for older Americans. Based on responses from 878 U.S. workers aged 50 and over, the Retirement Reality Check report paints a stark picture: retirement is no longer a milestone, it's a moving target, shaped by inflation, health costs, and financial instability. Due to market volatility in recent months, a full 75% of respondents say they have delayed retirement due to stock market volatility, and 91% report that inflation or tariffs have impacted their retirement plans.

Key Findings:

• The rising cost of care is the biggest financial concern among older workers: 55% cite healthcare or long-term care expenses as their top worry.
• Many fear their savings won't last: 49% say they're worried about outliving their retirement funds.
• Confidence is eroding in the face of economic instability: 91% say inflation and tariffs have affected their retirement outlook.
• Volatile markets are triggering action: 41% have made changes to their investment strategy due to stock market uncertainty.
• Retirement savings are functioning as a safety net: Six in ten workers over 50 are actively withdrawing from retirement accounts to cover everyday expenses.

Retirement Is Being Rewritten by Uncertainty

Most older workers aren't stepping into retirement with confidence.

• 55% say their biggest worry is the cost of healthcare or long-term care
• 49% fear they will outlive their savings
• 30% cite stock market instability as a major concern
• 21% worry about inflation reducing their buying power

Only 2% of respondents said they aren't worried at all about their financial future.

Most Are Rethinking Their Retirement Plan

When asked how inflation and tariffs have affected their retirement confidence:

• 45% said they're rethinking their entire plan
• Another 46% have made smaller adjustments

Only 9% say those concerns have had little or no impact on their retirement outlook.

Delayed Retirements, Adjusted Expectations

Along with delaying retirement, many older workers are also making significant lifestyle and investment changes:

• 41% have made changes to their investment strategy due to market instability
• Just 8% say they're staying the course with no changes

"People aren't just tweaking their timelines, they're fundamentally rethinking what retirement looks like," said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at LiveCareer. "Even those with solid investments are worried about what comes next. It's not about giving up on retirement, but about staying afloat, adapting to uncertainty, and protecting what they've built."

Most Are Already Tapping Their Retirement

Even as they delay retirement, many older workers are already drawing from their retirement savings, often out of necessity.

• 61% are regularly withdrawing from their retirement accounts
• 30% dip into savings occasionally, for specific expenses
• 8% are holding off and saving their funds for later

These numbers underscore the ongoing financial strain many over-50 workers face, even as they try to preserve long-term security.

Methodology:

This report is based on a survey conducted by LiveCareer in February 2026 with 878 U.S. workers aged 50 and older. Respondents answered a mix of single- and multiple-choice questions regarding their retirement planning, financial concerns, investment behavior, and perceptions of modern retirement realities.

To view the full report and more information, please visit https://www.livecareer.com/resources/careers/retirement-reality-check or contact Elizabeth Buccianti, senior manager, public relations, at elizabeth.buccianti@bold.com.

About LiveCareer

LiveCareer's online resume builder is designed to empower its users to get better jobs and improve their job search. A one-stop shop among AI resume builder tools, LiveCareer features cutting-edge resume templates, a powerful cover letter builder, and extensive free career resources to support job candidates in reaching their professional goals. Trusted by over 10 million users around the world, LiveCareer has been publishing expert advice from Certified Professional Resume Writers since 2005. LiveCareer's career tips have been featured in renowned media outlets, including Bloomberg, Forbes, and Newsweek. Stay connected with LiveCareer's latest updates to improve your job search on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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SOURCE LiveCareer