What if one of the strongest predictors of retirement readiness had nothing to do with income level, career path, or even investment strategy? New research reveals that optimism itself may be the game-changer.
According to a 2025 study from the Nationwide Retirement Institute and The American College, optimists are 237% more likely than pessimists to be financially prepared to live to 100, and 75% more likely to save at least 10% of their income for retirement.
Key takeaways
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- Optimists are 237% more likely to be financially prepared to live to 100.
- Longevity literacy matters: half of men 65 today will live to 85, and half of women to 88.
- Younger generations like Gen Z are the most optimistic and most open to long-term planning.
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