Australia’s retirement confidence rose marginally between 2025 and 2026, while that sentiment measure for those aged 65 and over went backwards, according to the “2026 AMP Retirement Confidence Pulse” report.
The survey found 52 per cent of Australians feel financially confident about retirement, up from 50 per cent in 2025. However, while the overall confidence levels are higher, for those aged 65 and over, it dropped from 65 per cent in 2025 to 61 per cent in 2026.
The report, which surveyed 2000 Australians, also found 58 per cent of Australians worry about running out of money in retirement. Of this cohort, just 28 per cent feel financially confident. That figure compares to 84 per cent of those who are not worried about the occurrence of this scenario.
“Australia has built one of the world’s largest retirement savings pools, but these results show we have a lot of work to do to turn those savings into confidence about retirement,” AMP chief executive Blair Vernon noted.
“The fact that almost three in five Australians worry about running out of money tells us the challenge is no longer only helping people build a larger balance, but giving them greater certainty that their income will last.”
When asked what the biggest threat to their retirement security was, 47 per cent of respondents nominated cost of living, while 13 per cent indicated it was not having enough super savings and 10 per cent suggested it was aged-care costs.
More than eight in 10 respondents (84 per cent) admitted they would be more confident to spend if they knew they had an income for life.
“Retirement planning should start with the life and regular income someone wants, not an intimidating lump-sum target. Super funds have an important role to play in making the options easier to understand and helping members take action well before retirement,” AMP growth and customer solutions director Julie Slapp explained.
“Knowing when you want to retire, understanding where your income will come from and regularly reviewing your plan can turn uncertainty into confidence.”
