234: Retirement Confidence in Focus: How Savers Navigate Volatility and Change

Retirement confidence is under pressure. While younger generations are entering the workforce with optimism, the latest Read on Retirement report reveals troubling gaps between savers, plan sponsors, and retirees. Only 38% of employers believe their employees are on track, and confidence among retirees has dropped to historic lows.

In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Jamie Magyera, Head of BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory and Retirement Business, about the findings from a decade of retirement data. Together, they explore what’s driving the confidence gap and the bold actions needed to close it.

Jamie highlights three calls to action for the retirement industry: expand access to professional management, deliver guaranteed income solutions, and broaden portfolios to include private markets. She also underscores the need for education and re-enrollment so savers fully benefit from these innovations. With retirement confidence at a crossroads, this episode offers both a reality check and a roadmap for plan sponsors, policymakers, and individuals alike.

Sources: BlackRock’s Read on Retirement Survey, September 2025

Key insights include:

·      Why retirement savers’ confidence often outpaces employers’ assessment, and what this paradox reveals.

·      How target date funds and auto-enrollment are making retirement saving easier and more effective.

·      Why guaranteed income solutions are increasingly vital to ensure retirees don’t outlive their savings.

·      The growing importance of private markets in delivering long-term returns and diversification alongside public markets.

·      Differences across generations and genders in retirement confidence — and how advice and professional management can help bridge gaps.

·      How market volatility, student debt, and competing financial priorities continue to challenge long-term savers.

Timestamps:

00:00 Retirement Confidence at a Crossroads

01:59 Key Findings and Confidence Gaps in the latest Read on Retirement Report

04:40 Calls to Action for Retirement Preparedness

08:39 Generational Differences in Retirement Planning

10:35 Gender Gaps in Retirement Confidence

12:12 Challenges and Future of Retirement Planning

16:50 Personal Reflections and Advice

18:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out episode 225 on retirement planning where we discuss what new legislation could mean for your retirement account: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mH8LyNQFsYSV0bxEH1NGU?si=ed429467800b4617

Check out this playlist on investing for retirement here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Fx1iZaBwLclqpswIbjUq

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Retirement confidence, Retirement planning, Target date funds, Private markets, Capital markets, Financial security, Megaforces

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