Retirement Anxiety: Why So Many Americans Feel Unprepared

61% of Americans now fear running out of money in retirement more than they fear death itself. Half of all U.S. households approaching retirement are at risk of falling short of their current standard of living.This week on Money On Tap, Ben Brayshaw and Dan Michelon sit with the topic that shows up in the conference room more than any other these days: retirement anxiety — and why so many Americans feel unprepared.What you'll learn:The five fears inside retirement anxiety — and which one most plans don't addressWhy retirement is structurally more anxious today than a generation agoThe Honeymoon, the Shock, and the Reframe — the three phases of every retirementWhy men, executives, military, and first responders are hit hardest by the identity lossThe new 100% income rule (the old 60–70% rule of thumb is dead)The six-part income plan that actually reduces anxietySequence-of-returns risk — and why the first five years of retirement determine everythingSocial Security in 2026: 77% benefit, $1.5T bipartisan proposal, what it means for youWhy phased / consulting retirement is the underrated soft landingThe emotional plan nobody writes down — hobbies, friendships, purpose, marriagePlus Money In The News:Can the stock market save Social Security? A $1.5T bipartisan proposal from Cassidy and KaineFord stock surges on a $2B (becoming $10B) pivot to stationary energy storage with CATLStudent loan changes hit July 1 — payments rising $300–$350/month under IBR and RAP plansFree resource: Email us with "Retirement Anxiety white paper" in the subject and we'll send the companion document.Read the companion blog: brayshawfinancial.com/blogSchedule a free consultation: app.greminders.com/t/9f3ce72e/initialconsultaFull Money On Tap episode library: brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tapContact UsPhone: 855-226-8551Email: [email protected]: 116 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110Web: brayshawfinancial.comWhy doesn't inflation feel like the official 3%?Because inflation is the rate at which prices rise, while affordability is the level of prices you have to live with — and that level never resets. Retirees also buy a different basket than the CPI emphasizes: shelter costs, insurance, property taxes, healthcare, prescriptions, food, and fuel, several of which run far hotter than headline inflation. Oil compounds it, touching every leg of the delivery chain. A resilient retirement plan stress-tests income needs well above the Fed's target and fights back with pricing-power equities, reasonable bond yields, guaranteed lifetime income for core expenses, and tax mitigation that lets you keep more of every distribution.