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.comIs it too late to fix my retirement at 50?No — the 50s are the catch-up years by design. Catch-up provisions let you contribute above the standard limits to 401(k)s and IRAs, the HSA offers triple tax advantages for future healthcare costs, and a backdoor Roth can build a tax-free bucket even if your income is too high for direct contributions. Pair those with a segmented "bucket" strategy — instead of retreating to CDs and cash — and most late starts can still be rescued. The first step is knowing your income need, not chasing a number.