Nearly Half of Retirees Left Work Earlier Than Planned; Analysis Shows Financial Impact of Forced Early Retirement
A 2026 Employee Benefit Research Institute survey reveals that 46% of retirees left the workforce earlier than planned, with the average actual retirement age at 62 versus the expected 65. The article analyzes the financial consequences of this three-year gap, including lost savings growth, earlier withdrawals, and over $200,000 in additional spending. It notes that 76% of early retirements in 2025 were due to factors beyond individual control, such as health issues, disability, employer downsizing, and caregiving. The current economic environment with inflation at 332.6 CPI and 10-year Treasury yields at 4.55% compounds the challenge. The piece offers strategies like catch-up contributions and delaying Social Security to mitigate the impact.
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