A recent 2025 retirement survey reveals a stark reality: competing priorities like housing costs, healthcare, and debt are reshaping household finances, with 65% of Americans seeking advisor guidance to secure income amid these pressures.
For most Americans, this means traditional savings alone may not suffice in an era of structural shifts.
At Davenport & Associates, we help navigate these challenges with tailored strategies. What does the 2025 retirement survey reveal about competing priorities? It highlights how rising expenses erode confidence, urging a focus on diversified income and protection.
This article explores key insights and solutions to realign your finances. How can you adapt to these shifts? Read on to safeguard your retirement.
What are the main competing priorities? The survey shows housing (up 5% YoY) and debt (average $100K per household) consuming 40% of budgets, leaving just 10% for retirement contributions.
Why is this reshaping finances? Pre-retirees delay saving, while retirees dip into principal, risking depletion.
How to counter? Refinance or downsize for equity release, funding IRAs or trusts to preserve assets.
How do healthcare costs impact priorities? Projected at $315K for a couple in 2025, they divert 15% of income from savings.
The survey notes 65% prioritize health over investments, with chronic illness forcing early withdrawals.
Structural shifts? SECURE 2.0 expands HSAs for tax-free coverage. Strategy? Maximize HSAs ($4,150 limit) and add long-term care riders to annuities for protection without sacrificing growth.
Why seek advisors? 65% of survey respondents report higher confidence with guidance on annuities and Roth strategies amid volatility.
What shifts are occurring? Hybrid plans like cash balances offer predictability, but 58% still lag.
How to rebuild? Use MoneyGuidePro to model scenarios, integrating trusts for tax-efficient income streams.
2025 Survey Insights: Priorities vs. Solutions
| Priority/Shift | Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Housing/Debt (40% budget) | Squeezes savings contributions | Downsize/refinance for IRA funding |
| Healthcare ($315K/couple) | Diverts 15% income | HSAs, LTC annuities |
| Income Security (65% seek help) | Volatility erodes confidence | Advisor-led Roth/annuity plans |
| Structural Changes | Hybrid plans, SECURE 2.0 | Trusts for tax-efficient legacy |
How do priorities affect legacy? They can deplete assets, but trusts shield inheritance from taxes.
What’s the advisor role? 65% gain 20% more confidence with personalized reviews. Our 30+ years deliver results.
Competing priorities are reshaping retirement, but the survey shows 65% succeed with guidance. Don’t let them derail your legacy—70% without plans regret it.
Ready to prioritize your future? Schedule a free consultation below.