Dear Signature Solutions Community,
As we move deeper into 2025, I want to address the financial realities and opportunities shaping the future for our team, clients, and the broader community, especially those approaching or already in retirement. At Signature Solutions, we are committed to bringing clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to your financial journey, no matter where you are in your retirement planning.
Facing Retirement: What’s Keeping Baby Boomers and the Next Generation Up at Night?
For many Baby Boomers and others, the dream of a secure and comfortable retirement feels increasingly uncertain. Rising costs, market volatility, and policy changes are reshaping the retirement landscape, and as a result, many are facing stark realities about their financial future.
1. Retirement Savings Shortfalls
The harsh truth is that many Baby Boomers are far from the savings they need for a secure retirement.
- A Worrying Gap: Over half of Baby Boomers nearing retirement have less than $250,000 in total assets, including savings and real estate.
- No Nest Egg: Shockingly, 20% of Americans over the age of 59 have no retirement savings at all.
- The Reality Check: Experts suggest that at least $1.1 million is needed to retire securely. Yet the median Baby Boomer has only $120,000 to $225,000 saved.
Sources:
2. Debt and Financial Stress
Financial stress isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a significant health risk.
- Financial Worries: At least one in three Americans report experiencing distress over their finances, which affects their relationships, health, and overall outlook on life.
- Debt Delays Dreams: Over 72% of Gen X and Baby Boomers carry debt, with average credit card balances nearing $9,000. On average, Gen Xers have $140,643 in total debt, and Baby Boomers have $97,290 in total debt.
- Medical Debt: 17% of Americans face crushing medical debt, averaging $9,144, and Baby Boomers average $94,880.
Money problems affect more than just your bank account—they impact your health, happiness, and even your relationships, including marriages, divorce rates, business partnerships, and dreams. Helping people secure their finances means you’re helping save lives and futures.
Sources:
- Debt Delaying Retirement for Generation X, Baby Boomers
- Here’s How Much Average Debt Americans Have At Every Generation
- Who Has the Most Debt? Average American Debt by Age
- Average American Household Debt in 2025: Facts and Figures
- Americans borrowed $74 billion to cover medical bills. Here’s who paid the most. By Ken AlltuckerUSA TODAY
- Who Had Medical Debt in the United States?
- The Burden of Medical Debt in the United States
- Medical Debt Statistics
3. Social Security and Policy Changes
Unfortunately, relying on Social Security alone is often not enough to sustain your lifestyle in retirement.
- Social Security Dependence: 70% of working Boomers expect to depend on Social Security in retirement, but benefits often fall short.
- Rising Retirement Age: Starting in 2025, the full retirement age increases to 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959. Claiming early (at 62) will reduce benefits by about 30%.
- Small Cost-of-Living Adjustments: In 2025, Social Security’s COLA is just 2.5%, the smallest increase since 2021, reflecting cooling inflation.
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4. Market Volatility and Investment Risks
The stock market can feel like a rollercoaster, and many Baby Boomers are worried about recent downturns affecting their nest eggs and how to respond.
- Stock Market Exposure: Baby Boomers own nearly half of all U.S. stocks—about $20 trillion. However, recent market declines have caused many to rethink their retirement timing and spending. Since February 2025, the market has lost $9.6 trillion, with a $5 trillion loss over a few days, from April 2 to April 4.
- Longevity Concerns: With life expectancy nearing 80, outliving savings is a real fear. Healthcare costs alone can exceed $165,000 in retirement, with long-term care averaging over $64,000 annually.
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Actionable Insights for a More Secure Retirement
While these challenges can seem daunting, there are ways to take control of your financial future and set yourself up for a more secure retirement.
- Confirm Your Income Sources: Differentiate between protected income (such as Social Security, pensions, and annuities) and probable income (like investments).
- Plan for Healthcare: Factor in rising healthcare and long-term care costs into your retirement planning.
- Budget Wisely: Create a clear budget that takes into account inflation and healthcare expenses.
- Review and Adjust Investments and Other Cash Accumulation Tools: Now is the time to stress-test your portfolio and consider shifting toward more stable and guaranteed income sources as you approach retirement.
If the above are insufficient to achieve your financial priorities and lifetime income, then consider:
- Delaying Retirement: A phased retirement or working part-time and delaying Social Security can supplement income, preserve retirement assets, and may boost your financial security.
- Creating Financial and Legacy Protection Plans: Insure your money and other assets just like you insure your car, home, appliances, air travel, and electronics.
- Using Financial Services: Work with a licensed financial professional who can uncover strategies and programs to enhance retirement income.
- Establishing a 1099 income source – or enhancing the one you may have to minimize the time to retirement and to experience the lifestyle of your dreams.
- Experience a recession-proof industry. Schedule a 1:1 meeting or special workshop for your group at: https://calendly.com/joindrwebb/services. Check out this presentation too: https://umustsee.net/ITO5XV Professionals are replacing annual incomes within months just by helping others on their path to financial health and independence.
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We’re Here to Help—Stay Connected
At Signature Solutions, your financial well-being is our top priority. If you have questions about your retirement plan or want to review your options with licensed professionals, our team is ready to support you. We help with tax strategies, estate and legacy planning, and asset repositioning opportunities to stretch your resources, including securing lifetime income.
Take the next step:
- Schedule appointment: https://calendly.com/joindrwebb/services
- Email us: info@signaturesolutionscr.com
- Call: (510) 381-9110
Together, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring your retirement years are as fulfilling and secure as you deserve.
Best regards,
Dr. Elñora Tena Webb, PhD
