Goldman Sachs Finds Both Low and Ultra-High Earners Struggle to Save for Retirement
A Goldman Sachs study shows that Americans making under $50,000 or over $500,000 are the most likely to live paycheck to paycheck and face retirement-saving challenges.
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 "New Economics of Retirement" research, based on responses from 5,106 adults, finds a pronounced K-shaped divide in retirement readiness. More than six in ten people earning under $50,000 and roughly four in ten earning above $500,000 say they survive month to month. These two income brackets also lead in postponing financial goals—about 80% of high earners and 79% of low earners—and in paying only the minimum on credit cards.
For the lower-income group, inflation-driven costs for food, housing and daily expenses are the chief barriers, while the ultra-wealthy cite family caregiving duties and medical bills as the biggest hurdles. The study also notes lifestyle creep among high earners, where rising discretionary spending becomes perceived as essential. Goldman Sachs officials suggest employers could help by offering debt-management tools, cash-flow assistance and personalized financial counseling to improve retirement contributions.
