Cerulli research highlights the role of financial planning in helping retirees manage inflation, healthcare costs, and market uncertainty
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August 20, 2026, BOSTON—New research finds that retirees with formal financial plans experience substantially less financial stress, highlighting the important role advisors play in helping clients prepare for retirement, according to the latest Cerulli Edge—U.S. Retail Investor Edition.
Among retirees, 40% report experiencing at least a moderate level of financial stress. However, that figure falls to 29% among those with a financial plan, underscoring the value planning can provide.
“Retirement has long been the key financial goal for clients, and investment tailoring has been focused on ensuring the longevity of those investments,” says John McKenna, senior analyst. “A detailed financial plan that is updated periodically can relieve financial stress, while helping advisors determine the best mix of investments and products to support clients’ retirement goals,” he adds.
Cerulli finds inflation is the leading source of stress among retirees, with 21% citing it as a high or very high source of stress, followed by healthcare expenses (16%) and concern about an economic downturn (14%).
Unlike younger clients with longer time horizons, an economic downturn can have an outsized impact on retirees. At the same time, inflation can erode the post-retirement income streams that were once seen as sufficient. Combating these dual threats to retirement savings should begin before a client’s official retirement date.
“Understanding client stressors will help inform financial plans and build resiliency within an investment and product portfolio,” says McKenna. “While neither client nor advisor can predict the future, structuring investments and saving strategies while a client is still working, and when retirement is less than a decade away, will increase the chances of a stable and secure retirement,” he concludes.
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For over 30 years, Cerulli has provided global asset and wealth management firms with unmatched, actionable insights.
Headquartered in Boston, Cerulli Associates is an international research and consulting firm that provides financial institutions with guidance in strategic positioning and new business development. Our analysts blend industry knowledge, original research, and data analysis to bring perspective to current market conditions and forecasts for future developments.
