Retirement confidence is slipping. In the 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, 61% of workers said they were confident they would have enough money to retire comfortably, down from 67% a year earlier and the lowest level since 2017. Among retirees, confidence fell to 73%, the lowest since 2015. Inflation, debt, and the cost of health care and housing were among the top concerns.
There is no single fix for that uncertainty, but avoiding a few common investment mistakes can make a real difference in how prepared you are.
Mistake #1: Not contributing enough
If you can afford it, contributing the maximum to your workplace retirement plan improves your chances of reaching your goal, and the earlier you start, the longer your money has to grow tax-deferred. In 2026 you can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan, plus $8,000 if you are 50 or older, or $11,250 if you are 60 to 63. At a minimum, contribute enough to receive your full employer match.
Mistake #2: Not having a concrete plan
Clear goals with a timeline are the starting point for an investment plan. Without one, it’s hard to know whether your savings will support the lifestyle you want, for as many years as you may need it.
Mistake #3: A short-term mindset
Stock prices can swing sharply in the short run. Over long periods, however, stocks have historically provided higher returns than bonds or cash, although past performance is no guarantee of future results. Selling every time the market dips is a reliable way to lock in losses and undermine your long-term goals.
Mistake #4: Trying to be perfect
Buy low and sell high is timeless advice, but trying to time the exact bottom or top is risky and often leads to missed opportunities. See Thinking of Timing the Market? for why.
Mistake #5: Putting all your eggs in one basket
Concentrating your savings in a single stock, fund, or type of investment exposes you to large losses if that one holding stumbles. Spreading your money across a mix of assets can help manage risk during sharp market swings. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining market, but it can reduce the impact of any one investment.
Avoiding these pitfalls won’t eliminate uncertainty, but it can put you in a much stronger position as retirement approaches. If you would like a second opinion on your retirement plan, please reach out.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
