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Financial services

Icon of hand holding moneySigns of financial pressure
Financial pressure is rising—even in a high-paying sector

Despite above-average compensation, short-term pressures are shaping long-term outcomes.

More employees are switching to lower-cost benefit tiers, reducing retirement contributions and delaying retirement than in other industries.

Workers are making trade-offs that affect long-term financial security
Financial servicesOther industries
28%
18%
Share who reduced retirement contributions in the past five years
19%
14%
Share who switched to lower-cost benefit tiers in the past year
5.1 yrs
3.7 yrs
Gap between expected retirement timing and preferred timing
Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey
Icon of magnifying glass over a clipboardLower retirement plan satisfaction
Retirement confidence is lagging, despite higher engagement

Finance workers more actively manage their retirement plans.

However:

  • Only 63% feel confident navigating retirement decisions, and
  • Only 49% are satisfied with their current plan
Percentage of workers who:
Financial servicesOther industries
Actively review and adjust their retirement savings plan
44%
33%
Feel well-equipped to make financial decisions about retirement
63%
73%
Are happy with or prefer their current retirement plan (non-pensioned workers)
49%
67%
Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey
Icon of a gearThe challenge of using benefits
Benefits are supported in principle—but often harder to use in practice

Access is widespread, but usage is uneven:

  • Nearly a quarter (24%) have skipped or delayed medical care in the past year to avoid costs
  • More than half (54%) say they are not always comfortable using leave or flexible work benefits
Percentage of workers who say the following:
Financial servicesOther industries
I have skipped or delayed medical care in the past year to avoid costs
24%
12%
Frequent use of leave and flexible work is sometimes or often viewed negatively
54%
(not asked in other industries)Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey
2026 findings
Article - 2026High earners, constrained outcomes
Data highlight - 2026Cutting back on retirement contributions
Data highlight - 2026Lower confidence in retirement decisions
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Nuveen and Economist Impact, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries are not affiliated with or in any way related to each other. The research was independently developed by Economist Impact and is sponsored by Nuveen, LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of Economist Impact and do not necessarily reflect the view and policies of Nuveen, LLC.

This material, along with the views and opinions expressed within, are for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market, economic or other conditions, legal and regulatory developments, additional risks and uncertainties and may not come to pass.

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