Falling Retirement Confidence: Why It’s Time to Redesign the 401(k)

A new nationwide survey has revealed a worrying trend: only one-third of 401(k) participants now feel “very likely” to reach their retirement goals, down sharply from 43% just one year ago. The optimism that once fueled retirement saving is slipping away — replaced by anxiety over inflation, rising healthcare costs, and persistent market volatility.

This decline in confidence exposes a deeper issue than just market fluctuations. It highlights a growing gap between having a retirement plan and having one that’s designed to work — one that adapts to changing economic realities, promotes active participation, and protects employees through smarter structures and engagement.

Too many plans today still operate on autopilot, relying on outdated defaults, minimal guidance, or administrative models that leave both sponsors and participants unsupported. The result? Workers feel unprepared, and employers shoulder the weight of plans that look good on paper but fall short in practice.

At RetireBetter, we’re helping employers close that gap by rethinking what retirement readiness truly means. Our approach blends deep plan design expertise with comprehensive administration support, ensuring every plan isn’t just compliant — but effective. Whether you sponsor a 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), or Cash Balance plan, our team delivers solutions built around:

• Participant experience: intuitive, transparent tools that guide smarter saving and investing.
• Intelligent matching: tailored employer contributions that drive engagement and retention.
• Automatic features: auto-enrollment and escalation strategies that build long-term habits.
• Dependable administration: fiduciary or non-fiduciary support to simplify oversight and reduce liability.

When employees feel supported, confidence grows — and so does participation. In an environment where fewer savers believe their future is secure, now is the time to move from “adequate” to exceptional.

RetireBetter helps organizations design plans that don’t just exist — they deliver measurable peace of mind.

‍