Lower confidence in retirement decisions

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Confidence in retirement decisions lags in finance—particularly among Gen Z and commercial roles

“I am well equipped to make financial decisions about retirement”Percentage who agree

73%

63%

40%

68%

69%

62%

69%

63%

51%

Other industriesAll finance workers

Gen ZMillennialsGen X/Baby boomerFinance workers by age

Finance and riskProfessional and leadershipOperations and supportCommercialFinance workers by job role

Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey

Only 63% of financial services workers feel well equipped to make retirement decisions, compared with 73% in other industries, according to the latest Benefits 2.0 survey conducted by Economist Enterprise and supported by Nuveen. This gap may reflect the complex and variable financial decisions workers often face in the sector.

Confidence is particularly low among Gen Z workers (40%) and those in commercial-facing roles (51%), despite higher levels among those in professional and leadership roles (69%).

These differences point to a broader challenge: even in a financially sophisticated sector, confidence is uneven and shaped by role and experience. This suggests that the complexity of benefits—alongside differences in financial position, experience and expectations—may be limiting how effectively workers understand, navigate and act on their options.

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Disclosure statement:

Nuveen and Economist Enterprise, 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 Enterprise and is sponsored by Nuveen, LLC.

This material is 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. All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information, and it should not be relied on as such.

Any guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

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