Prudential survey shows 86% of retirees lack “license to spend” savings on enjoyment
PRU•Prudential Financial’s 2026 Retirement Pulse survey found 86% of respondents did not feel free to spend savings on enjoyment, while 61% of households with at least $500,000 in investable assets felt the same.
1. Retirees hesitate to spend
Prudential Financial’s 2026 Retirement Pulse survey found that 86% of respondents did not feel free to spend savings on enjoyment, including 61% of households with $500,000 or more in investable assets. Social Security doubts, cited by 44%, inflation at 42%, and healthcare or long-term care costs at 34% were the top spending brakes.
2. Concerns about depletion
The survey found 54% preferred leaving money behind over risking depletion, rising to 70% among households with $500,000 or more in investable assets. Planning, withdrawal strategies and pension or annuity-style lifetime income correlated with greater spending comfort; 58% wanted guaranteed coverage of basic expenses for life.
