Motley Fool Money How Gen X Can Rescue Their Retirement
Nov 8, 2025
Kerry Hannon, a Senior columnist for Yahoo Finance and co-author of Retirement Bites, tackles the retirement challenges facing Generation X. She reveals that many are unprepared due to high debt levels and shifting responsibilities with 401(k)s. Hannon emphasizes the importance of catching up by budgeting and leveraging peak earning years. She shares strategic advice on starting a business in midlife and suggests using holiday gatherings to discuss vital estate planning. Her insights are both a wake-up call and a guide for securing financial futures.
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Shift To 401(k) Changed Retirement Trajectories
- Gen X entered the workforce as pensions faded and 401(k)s arrived, creating a do-it-yourself retirement era.
- Many Gen Xers started saving late and lacked early financial education, which still affects retirement readiness.
High Anxiety About Retirement Among Gen X
- One in four Gen Xers lack a retirement account and three in five doubt they'll reach their dream retirement.
- Half of Gen Xers fear outliving their money, producing widespread retirement anxiety even if some savings exist.
Auto Enrollment Shifted Savings Patterns
- Gen X started saving later (average age 31) compared with younger generations who began earlier due to later plan features.
- Auto-enrollment and auto-escalation now help younger cohorts save more effectively than early Gen Xers did.
