A survey by Manulife John Hancock revealed that Geração Z wants to retire at age 59, eight years before the age they actually hope to reach. The study, carried out with 2,500 Americans between May and June 2025, shows a gap between the aspirations and financial reality of young workers.
While millennials target 61 years, Geração However, young people recognize the limitations and expect to leave the job market at age 67.
The research highlights that just the desire for early retirement does not guarantee its viability. Most participants demonstrate a lack of financial preparation to achieve this ambitious goal.
Generational Differences in Retirement
The research identified significant variations in retirement expectations between generations:
- Generation Z: Quer at age 59, wait at age 67
- Millennials: Quer at age 61, wait at age 69
- Generation X: Quer at age 64, wait at age 69
- Baby Boomers: Quer at age 67, wait at age 69
This data reveals a consistent pattern of initial optimism that adjusts to reality as generations mature. Geração Z presents the greatest difference between desire and expectation, with eight years of discrepancy.
Main obstacles to early retirement
Lack of adequate savings represents the biggest impediment to early retirement.
Twenty percent of Americans save nothing for retirement, according to a TIAA study. Outro TD report Bank indicates that a third of the population does not set aside money for this purpose.
Aggravating economic factors:
- Persistent inflation reduces purchasing power
- 50% increase in property prices since 2020
- Salaries that do not keep up with rising living costs
- Student debt and credit cards on the rise
Current economy compromises retirement plans
Young people face a challenging economic scenario that makes it difficult to build reserves for early retirement.
Food inflation could reach between 50% and 100% in the coming years, according to economic projections. Housing costs have skyrocketed, making buying a first home a distant goal for many of Geração Z.
Common strategies among young workers:
- Reduction of non-essential expenses
- Search for extra income through side jobs
- Delay in starting a family to prioritize savings
- Shared housing to reduce fixed expenses
Many professionals with six-figure incomes also face difficulties in maintaining the necessary savings rate. The combination of rising expenses and stagnant wages creates a vicious cycle that compromises long-term plans.
Impact of Previdência Social on decisions
The choice for an early pension benefit directly influences the feasibility of early retirement.
Anyone who applies for Previdência Social at age 62 receives up to 30% less than they would receive at full age. Essa permanent reduction affects financial security over decades of retirement.
Increasing life expectancy extends the necessary reserve period. Americanos who retire at age 59 may need to support themselves financially for 30 years or more.
Strategies to increase chances of early retirement
Some young people take specific steps to try to reach their retirement goals:
Most common approaches:
- Low-Cost Index Fund Investments
- Maximum contributions to 401(k) plans
- Diversification in fixed and variable income assets
- Eliminating High-Cost Debt Before Age 40
Financial discipline from the moment you enter the job market represents a determining factor. Quem starting contributions at age 25 has a significant advantage over those starting at age 35, due to the effect of compound interest.
Reality of current economies by age group
The data reveals striking differences in financial preparedness between generations.
Retirement Savings Distribution:
| Generation | % that does not save | Average booking (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Generation Z | 33% | $25,000 |
| Millennials | 25% | $85,000 |
| Generation X | 18% | $180,000 |
| Baby Boomers | 12% | $250,000 |
These numbers demonstrate that Geração Z faces a double challenge: shorter contribution time and less savings discipline. The average reserve of young people amounts to just 10% of what is needed for a comfortable retirement at age 59.
Financial education as a long-term solution
Financial literacy programs are gaining ground in American companies.
Corporate initiatives include:
- Retirement Planning Workshops
- Financial scenario simulators
- Free individual consultancy
- Progressive automatic savings plans
Companies like Manulife John Hancock implement digital tools that design retirements based on different contribution scenarios. Essas platforms show employees the impact of increasing contributions by 1% or 2% of their monthly salary.
Emerging trends in planning
New approaches emerge to circumvent traditional retirement limitations.
Alternative models on the rise:
- Partial work in “active retirement”
- Collaborative economy models
- Real Estate Investments for Passive Income
- Multiple careers with a focus on flexibility
Many young people plan to maintain some paid activity after the age of 59. Essa hybrid strategy allows you to maintain a standard of living without depending exclusively on accumulated reserves.
The Manulife John Hancock survey shows that 68% of Geração Z consider part-time work an essential complement to retirement. Essa pragmatic mindset can represent the bridge between aspirations and financial reality.
