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Rising living costs and retirement savings shortfalls are prompting more Americans to push back their plans to leave the workforce

• 35% of workers say their expected retirement age has moved later over the past three years, with 64% citing rising living costs as a major barrier.

• More than half of workers (51%) say theyre behind on retirement savings or havent started saving, while 32% arent confident theyll ever be able to fully retire.

• Career expert Dr. Jasmine Escalera recommends focusing on earning potential, taking full advantage of employer retirement benefits, and exploring additional income opportunities when possible.

For many Americans, retirement is supposed to be the point when they can finally step away from work and enjoy more freedom. But for a growing number of workers, that milestone is starting to feel further out of reach.

New research suggests that rising costs and concerns about having enough savings are causing many people to rethink when or even whether theyll be able to retire.

According to MyPerfectResumes Retirement Reality Gap Report, 35% of workers say their expected retirement age has gotten later over the past three years. Meanwhile, 64% say the cost of living is making it harder to retire as early as they would like.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with career expert Dr. Jasmine Escalera who explained whats behind these changing expectations and what workers can consider as they plan for the future.

Absolutely. Id keep this pretty tight so it gives readers the methodology without bogging down the story.

What the survey found

MyPerfectResumes findings are based on a national survey of 1,000 U.S. workers conducted through Pollfish in May 2026. Respondents answered a combination of single-selection and multiple-choice questions about their retirement expectations, savings progress, confidence about retiring, barriers to early retirement, and views on the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. The survey included respondents across a range of ages, from 18 to 65 and older.

The results point to a growing gap between when workers would like to retire and when they believe they realistically can. Heres a look at the key findings:

• 35% say their expected retirement age has moved later over the past three years.

• 55% expect to retire at 65 or later.

• 64% said rising expenses are keeping them from retiring as early as they would like.

• More than half of workers (51%) say they are behind on their retirement savings or haven't started saving.

• 32% aren't confident they'll ever be able to fully retire.

• 51% say retiring before 60 isn't realistic for someone with a typical full-time job.

• 71% say the FIRE approach is unrealistic for most people or is mainly achievable for high earners and wealthy households.

The impact on career

With 35% of respondents saying theyre delaying retirement due to living costs, Dr. Escalera says this can also have impacts on long-term career goals and expectations.

Staying employable for longer becomes a major consideration, Dr. Escalera said. Workers may need to think about keeping their skills current or whether the work they're doing today is something they can realistically continue doing later in life.

If people are going to spend more years in the workforce than they originally planned, they may need to start thinking earlier about how their careers can evolve with them.

She also said that some workers may consider secondary sources of income, such as part-time work, consulting, or freelance opportunities, to build a greater financial cushion for the future.

For workers considering this path, it's important to weigh the additional income against the impact that working more may have on their careers and other areas of their lives, Dr. Escalera said.

Getting on track with retirement saving

If saving for retirement feels out of reach, Dr. Escalera has some tips.

A great immediate first step is to assess whether there are opportunities in your career to increase your earning potential, she said. That could mean exploring whether a raise or promotion is possible in your current role, or considering whether your skills and experience could get you a higher salary elsewhere.

It's also important to understand the retirement benefits available through your current job, including whether your employer offers a retirement match and whether you're taking full advantage of it.

Is retirement possible?

The survey also found that 14% of respondents dont think retirement will ever be possible. Dr. Escalera hopes that consumers dont give up hope here. Instead, she recommends planning as soon as possible.

If retirement feels unattainable right now, one of the best things a worker can do is get a clearer understanding of what might actually be possible based on their income, expenses, savings, and current financial situation, she said. That could mean finding out whether your company offers access to financial planning resources or looking for organizations that provide free or low-cost financial education and support.

When facing financial pressure, it can be really difficult to imagine a future in which retirement is possible. Getting support from someone who understands retirement planning can help you think through what that future could realistically look like and create a plan to start working toward it.

Rising costs are leaving many Americans with little room in their budgets for unexpected home or car repairs

• 67% of home and auto policyholders say covering an unexpected $1,000 expense would be a struggle.

• One-third of policyholders who have filed an insurance claim say their coverage fell short of expectations.

• Experts say building an emergency fund and regularly reviewing your insurance coverage can help you prepare for unexpected costs.

An unexpected home or car expense can put a serious strain on a household budget, especially at a time when many Americans are already juggling higher everyday costs.

A new survey from VIU by HUB suggests that a $1,000 surprise expense could be more than many policyholders can comfortably handle.

The survey found that 67% of people with home or auto insurance say covering an unexpected $1,000 expense would be a struggle. And for some consumers, the financial pressure doesnt end there: One-third of policyholders who have filed an insurance claim say their coverage fell short of what they expected.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Jeff Wilcoxon, Senior Strategy and Corporate Development Principal at VIU by HUB, to learn more about these findings, how consumers can start saving today, and more.

The survey

The VIU by HUB Insurance Experience Survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of VIU by HUB from June 16-18, 2026. The survey included 2,087 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, including 1,663 people who have home or auto insurance.

The survey points to a number of financial and coverage concerns among policyholders. Here are some of the key findings:

• About two-thirds (67%) said covering an unexpected $1,000 home or auto expense would be a struggle, including 21% who said it would be a serious hardship or significant struggle.

• Among those who have filed an insurance claim, 33% said their coverage fell short of expectations, with 14% saying none of their claim was covered

• Forty-one percent said they haven't made any changes to their homeowners or auto insurance in more than a year.

• 20% haven't made changes since they first purchased their policy.

• 88% said they would value an insurance provider that proactively lets them know when their coverage no longer fits their needs.

Building an emergency fund

With nearly 70% of those surveyed saying they wouldnt be prepared in the event of an unexpected $1,000 expense, Wilcoxon emphasized the importance of building a strong emergency fund.

Start by looking at the expenses you'd be responsible for after an unexpected home or auto incident, he said. That means understanding your policy's deductibles, reviewing whether your coverage limits still reflect today's repair and replacement costs, and identifying any gaps that could leave you paying out of pocket. From there, you can set a savings target that accounts for those potential costs.

The best advice is to work with an insurance professional who can help you understand the nuances of your coverage, address gaps proactively, and plan for any outside expenses to make sure your emergency savings and insurance work together.

The importance of reviewing your policy

Another key finding from the survey was that 65% of people think switching insurance policies is too time consuming. However, Wilcoxon explained that taking the time to regularly review your policies can be beneficial for a few reasons.

There are really two things keeping people from reviewing their coverage, he said. First, many may assume a review means shopping every carrier from scratch, so they put it off. But its simpler than that. Its checking whether your limits still match what it actually costs to rebuild your home or replace your car today, since material and labor costs have climbed over the past few years.

Second, some people have felt stuck with the coverage they have. In tighter markets, options narrowed, so shopping felt pointless. Thats starting to loosen and having an independent insurance advisor who can check multiple carriers on your behalf makes it easier to see whats actually out there now.

This becomes especially important during different life stages, like home renovations or even taking in an aging parent.

Renovations can increase the value of the home itself, while taking in an aging parent or adding another household member can affect personal property, liability, and other coverage needs, Wilcoxon said. Reviewing with an insurance expert can help assess the changes, identify potential gaps or unnecessary costs, and present options that fit your new lifestyle.

The goal is simple: making sure your insurance keeps up with you, rather than leaving you to figure it out when something goes wrong.

Before taking their advice, make sure they're human

• Fake AI doctors are promoting supplements online. They sometimes impersonate real medical professionals without their permission.

• Verify the expert before you buy. Search their name, credentials, and medical affiliation and be skeptical if they exist only on social media.

• Watch for miracle claims and pressure tactics. Promises of dramatic results, secret cures, and limited-time offers are strong signs to slow down and investigate.

That friendly doctor or wellness expert showing up in your social media feed may not be a real person.

A recent New York Times investigation found that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing-looking health influencers who promote supplements with exaggerated, or completely false, claims. Some videos even use AI to imitate the faces and voices of real doctors without their permission.

As AI tools become more sophisticated, it's getting harder to tell what's real and what's fake. But there are still several warning signs consumers can watch for before clicking "Buy Now."

The 'expert' doesn't seem to exist

Before trusting health advice, take a minute to verify who's giving it.

Go to Google and search for the person's name along with terms like "MD," "clinic," or "hospital." A legitimate physician or registered dietitian should have an online presence beyond just social media. These should include either a medical practice website, hospital profile, or a professional licensing record of some sort.

If the only search results you find are copies of the same ad or social media accounts, consider that to be a big red flag.

The claims sound too good to be true

Promises of dramatic results are one of the biggest warning signs.

Be skeptical of supplements that claim to reverse chronic diseases, melt away fat without diet or exercise, erase wrinkles overnight, or deliver "miracle" results. Legitimate health experts generally discuss both the benefits and limitations of a product rather than guaranteeing life-changing outcomes.

Watch for subtle AI clues

Many AI-generated videos are remarkably realistic, but some still contain telltale signs.

Look for lip movements that don't quite match the audio, unnatural blinking, overly smooth skin, awkward facial expressions, or hands that briefly appear distorted. While these flaws are becoming less common, they can still reveal that a video was generated by AI.

High-pressure sales tactics

Scam ads are designed to make you buy before you think.

Phrases like "Only today," "Limited supply," or "Doctors don't want you to know this secret" are meant to create urgency and discourage you from doing your own research.

A reputable company wont mind if you take a day to compare products and read independent reviews. Theyd actually encourage it.

Verify the company not just the product

Before purchasing, spend a few minutes looking at the company's website.

Missing contact information, vague "About Us" pages, poor grammar, and unrealistic customer testimonials can all signal that a seller isn't trustworthy. It's also smart to search the product name along with terms like "FDA warning," "lawsuit," or "consumer complaints" to see whether problems have already been reported.

The bottom line

Artificial intelligence is making fake health influencers more convincing than ever, and experts expect these to become even more common.

Before spending money on a supplement recommended by someone on social media, pause, and do a little homework. Verifying who's behind the recommendation, checking for independent evidence, and resisting high-pressure sales tactics can help protect both your wallet and your health.

When it comes to medical advice online, remember that a white lab coat and a polished video are no longer proof that the person on your screen is actually real.

Rossmonster and E-One are part of this week's auto recall roundup

Living in one of the nation's best school districts can come with a surprisingly high price tag

• Families may need to earn more than $450,000 a year to live comfortably in some of America's top school districts.

• Illinois has the most affordable top-rated school districts, with four districts on the list requiring less than $100,000 in annual income.

• Experts say families should weigh the cost of housing and other expenses against the benefits of a top school district and avoid stretching their budgets too far.

For many parents, living in a highly rated school district is a major priority when choosing where to raise their children. But getting access to some of the country's best schools may require more than a competitive home-buying budget families may also need a hefty income to comfortably afford the overall cost of living.

New research from MoneyLion looked at the income needed for married couples with children to live comfortably in the 50 best school districts in the country, based on Niche.com's 2026 rankings. The findings show just how expensive that trade-off can be: In five of the top districts, families need an annual income of more than $450,000 to live comfortably.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Rudri Patel, Certified Financial Health Counselor at MoneyLion, who explained that families should look beyond the appeal of a highly rated school system and consider the full financial picture before deciding where to put down roots.

How the study was conducted

MoneyLion analyzed the top 150 school districts in Niche.com's 2026 Best School Districts in America ranking, looking at factors including each district's location, number of students, and number of schools.

Researchers then used U.S. Census data, Sperling's BestPlaces cost-of-living indexes, Zillow home values, and Bureau of Labor Statistics spending data for married couples with children to estimate the cost of living in each area. They also factored in the cost of a 30-year mortgage, assuming a 10% down payment and the national average mortgage rate.

To estimate the income needed to live comfortably, MoneyLion doubled the calculated cost of necessities based on the 50/30/20 budgeting rule.

What the study found

The cost of living in America's top school districts can vary dramatically. Families would need to earn more than $450,000 a year to live comfortably in five of the 50 districts, including Palo Alto, California, where the estimated salary needed is $592,025.

Old Westbury, New York, ranked second-highest at $494,991, followed by Los Gatos, California, at $459,632; San Marino, California, at $454,334; and Palos Verdes Estates, California, at $451,714.

At the other end of the spectrum, four districts could be considered relatively affordable by the study's measure, with families needing less than $100,000 annually to live comfortably: Normal, Illinois ($94,468), Pittsburgh ($91,013), Cincinnati ($90,793), and St. Louis ($81,003).

Illinois also had the largest number of districts on the list, with 12, compared with 11 each in California and New York.

What factors link the most affordable states?

Patel explained that housing costs arent the main drivers in places like Normal, IL, Pittsburg/North Allegheny, Cincinnati/Mariemont, and St. Louis/Ladue.

Salaries arent high six figures in these areas, but they arent necessarily low either, he said. Average salaries range between $80,000 to $95,000.

Heres why salaries dont necessarily need to rise as high:

1. These arent areas where housing supply is necessarily low. There are plenty of houses available so consumers can shop around and get better prices on homes.

1. Homebuyers dont have to compete with geography and tech-driven demand. These areas arent near the ocean or in areas that drive niche industries.

1. Income can keep up with housing costs. Moderate home prices allow families to still settle in high-demand school districts with plenty of remaining funds to dedicate to other expenses.

Managing housing costs in high-income areas

So, how exactly are consumers in the highest-income districts making it work? Patel said it likely isnt on one income alone.

Its likely that these are dual income households with both earners bringing in substantially high salaries, he explained. Some of these salaries are in tech, and earners may also have additional perks like stock options and other extras that traditional salaries dont offer.

Additionally, buying early may be a key to getting a home in these areas. Houses in these expensive districts may have been bought years ago. The value of these homes incrementally increased over the last decade. People who wish to buy now will likely be priced out.

Another factor: buying older or smaller homes.

You cant assume everyone has a large or over-the-top home in these areas, Patel said. Some families may choose to buy lesser homes just so their kids can have access to these districts.

Balancing education with financial pressure

If you find yourself torn between wanting your children to get top-tier education, but also living within your means, youre certainly not alone. Patel shared some of his best tips for parents dealing with this struggle.

• Do what works for your budget. Dont get caught up in keeping up with others, to land in a top-tier district if it stretches your budget so much that you cant afford anything else.

• Look at other school districts near the more expensive districts. There may be quality schools in a nearby area that have more affordable housing. Dont dismiss the qualities of other schools if they arent necessarily located in the most expensive district.

• Dont let the school drive you to struggle financially in other areas of your life. The school district is important, but so is saving for retirement, affording extracurricular activities for your children, and enjoying travel.

• Make a clear budget with real numbers. Dont estimate your affordability without running the numbers. Plug in real numbers to determine the other areas youll have to sacrifice to afford the district.