Retirement confidence has hit its lowest point since post-COVID — and for good reason. From skyrocketing Medicare premiums to housing costs, Social Security uncertainty, growing debt, and the crushing weight of Caregiving, retirees are facing a financial storm no one fully planned for.
In this episode, Terry, Richard, and Pam break down the top 5 worries from the brand-new 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey (Employee Benefit Research Institute) and, more importantly, what you can actually do about them.
What we cover:
- Why 40% of retirees say expenses are higher than expected
- The shocking truth about Medicare costs in 2026 (Plan G premiums up 40%!)
- How housing — even if you downsize — can blow up your retirement budget
- Social Security: what the 2033 trust fund depletion really means for YOU
- The debt crisis is quietly growing among retirees (39% are affected)
- Why 74% of workers plan to work in retirement — but only 31% actually do
- Caregiving: the retirement wildcard nobody budgets for
Links:
Pam Krueger is an investor advocate, personal finance journalist, and author. She is the founder and CEO of Wealthramp, an advisor matching platform that connects consumers with rigorously vetted and qualified fee-only financial advisors. Pam created and co-hosted the award-winning investor education TV series, MoneyTrack, seen on 250+ public stations on PBS. With over 25 years in the industry, Pam is one of the leading voices on financial literacy and financial empowerment. When she’s not writing about financial planning for Worth, she’s talking about investing strategies on her podcast, Friends Talk Money.
