The Goldman Sachs Retirement Survey Found That 67% of Americans Say Too Many Monthly Expenses Are Killing Their Ability to Save

"67% of working Americans say too many monthly financial expenses are hurting their ability to save for retirement. The firm calls it the “Financial Vortex,” the pull of housing, healthcare, childcare, and student loans that has taken a larger share of income since 2000."

"The cost of home ownership rose from 21% of income in 2000 to 36% in 2025, renting climbed from 18% to 29%, childcare from 10% to 25%, public college from 8% to 16%, private college from 9% to 33%, and family healthcare coverage from 12% to 33%. These increases have narrowed the gap between income and expenses, leaving less room for retirement savings."

"Financial hardship affects 64% of workers. Caring for and financially supporting family members affects 62%. Credit card debt affects 58%. Paying down existing loans affects 57%. Time out of the workforce affects 55%. These pressures show up across generations and form the core of the Vortex."

"Inflation in key household categories has risen faster than headline CPI for decades and is projected to continue outpacing wages through 2035. Tuition, medical care, hospital services, and childcare have all grown at multiples of overall inflation. These are the expenses that absorb raises before they ever reach savings accounts."

Sixty-seven percent of working Americans report that monthly financial expenses prevent them from saving for retirement. The “Financial Vortex” describes how housing, healthcare, childcare, and student loans have taken a larger share of income since 2000. Home ownership costs rose from 21% of income in 2000 to 36% in 2025, while renting rose from 18% to 29%. Childcare increased from 10% to 25%, public college from 8% to 16%, private college from 9% to 33%, and family healthcare coverage from 12% to 33%. Financial hardship affects 64% of workers, family support affects 62%, credit card debt affects 58%, paying down loans affects 57%, and time out of the workforce affects 55%. Inflation in key household categories has outpaced headline CPI for decades and is projected to continue outpacing wages through 2035, reducing room for retirement savings.

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