Rising consumer prices are driving economic stress.

A majority of non-retired investors (77%) and financial professionals (75%) expressed concern about a U.S. recession in the next 12 months. Rising costs are the biggest reason why.

Among non-retired investors, which factors pose the biggest long-term challenges to their retirement portfolios?

Chart detailing: Amont non-retired investors, which factors pose the biggest long-term challenges to their retirement portfolios?

Man and woman sitting down looking at a phone and smiling.

Investors aren’t sitting still—they’re taking action.

In recent years, non-retired investors have become more proactive with their portfolios, taking control of their financial future in an uncertain economic climate.

Percentage of non-retired investors will change their approach to saving for retirement over the next 12 months by: Planning to take advantage of investment opportunities now: 2026: 33%, Summer of 2024: 21%; Planning to manage my investments more aggressively: 2026: 22%, Winter of 2024: 16%

Couple sitting with their financial professional and looking over documents

Guaranteed income can help clients face the future with confidence.

While non-retired investors are more inclined to take action, many still have gaps in their financial plans that expose their retirement savings to market risk. Guaranteed income solutions have emerged as popular choices for financial professionals and clients seeking to counter these risks.

6 in 10
financial professionals

say events in the last 12 months have made them more likely to recommend a guaranteed income solution as part of a client’s portfolio.

57%
of non-retired investors 

say the same events have made them more likely to put part of their portfolio in an annuity or other guaranteed income solution.

Investors with access to professional guidance and personalized strategies can prepare for their financial future with confidence. As a financial professional, you can turn to Nationwide for the support you need for your planning conversations with clients.

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Find resources from Nationwide to help clients plan for the future.

Disclosure

For financial professional use only.

This material is not a recommendation to buy or sell a financial product or to adopt an investment strategy. Investors should discuss their specific situation with their financial professional.

Methodology

The Harris Poll, on behalf of Nationwide, conducted an online survey in the U. S. among 528 advisors and financial professionals and 2,012 investors ages 18+ with investable assets (IA) of $10K+, from January 15-February 6, 2026. Among the investors, there were 1,411 non-retired investors./p>