Retirement in America Podcast | Episode 6: Retirement Anxiety in the Age of AI

Why do eight in 10 Americans say the nation faces a retirement crisis—and could AI help people plan for a more secure future? In Episode 6 of Retirement in America, National Institute on Retirement Security Executive Director Dan Doonan speaks with Doug Kincaid of Greenwald Research about rising retirement anxiety, the financial pressures making it harder to save, and AI’s potential role in retirement planning and financial advice. Drawing on NIRS’ Retirement Insecurity 2026 public opinion research, they explore why 61 percent of Americans worry about their own retirement security and 68 percent say preparing for retirement is becoming harder as today’s financial demands compete with saving for the future. The conversation also examines Americans’ support for pensions, concerns about Social Security, and the challenge of turning savings into dependable income that will last throughout retirement. Doug and Dan discuss how AI could help people understand their options—and why trust and personal guidance from a financial advisor remain essential. Topics covered include: • What is driving Americans’ growing retirement anxiety • How everyday expenses affect the ability to save for retirement • Americans’ views on pensions and Social Security • The importance of dependable lifetime retirement income • AI’s potential to support budgeting and retirement planning • Why many Americans remain uncomfortable with AI-generated financial advice • The role of trusted financial advisors in turning information into action Retirement in America is a podcast from the National Institute on Retirement Security exploring the economic, workforce, and policy issues shaping Americans’ retirement security. Learn more: https://www.nirsonline.org Subscribe for future conversations on pensions, Social Security, retirement planning, and the future of retirement security in America. #RetirementInAmerica #RetirementSecurity #RetirementPlanning #AI #Pensions #SocialSecurity