Retirement Confidence: Why Only 50% of Australians Feel Secure

A new national barometer on how Australians feel about their financial preparedness for retirement paints a sobering picture. According to AMP’s inaugural Retirement Confidence Pulse, only half of Australians feel financially confident about life after work with the headline confidence score sitting at 50 out of 100. 

The research, commissioned by AMP and conducted by Dynata in July 2025, surveyed 2,000 Australians across ages, incomes, employment types and family situations. It’s designed to be an annual measure of how secure people feel about their retirement outlook. 

Key Findings: Confidence Isn’t Equal 

The report highlights several clear themes: 

• Many Aussies are feeling uncertain Only half of respondents overall feel financially secure about retirement, a stark reminder that having a super balance doesn’t always translate into confidence. 

• Confidence varies sharply by income Australians with higher incomes are far more likely to feel confident. Around three-quarters of people earning between $190,000 and $250,000 report confidence about retirement, compared with about 40 % of those earning under $45,000. 

• Women feel less confident than men Just two in five women feel financially confident about retiring, versus nearly three in five men. 

• Life stage matters Those in their 40s often juggling mortgages, kids and ageing parents are among the least confident groups. Even among older Australians aged 65 and over, more than one in three still feel unsure that their money will last. 

• Relationship status and life events affect outlook Partnered Australians tend to feel more secure than singles, and separated or divorced women report particularly low confidence levels. 

What’s Behind the Unease? 

It’s a bit of a paradox. Australia’s superannuation pool continues to grow, now one of the largest in the world, yet many people still worry about running out of money in retirement. AMP and commentators point to rising living costs and increasing expectations of what a “comfortable” retirement looks like, with latest The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) figures showing the cost for a couple has climbed significantly over recent years. 

Financial insecurity isn’t just about balances; it’s tied to confidence in lasting income, rising expenses and uncertainty about how to best use retirement savings. That’s reflected in the Pulse’s findings. 

These findings reinforce just how important clear, personalised advice can be. If you’re unsure whether you’re on track, worried about whether your money will last, or simply want greater confidence about retirement, now is a good time to talk it through. 

Our financial planners at Zinc Wealth work closely with clients to turn uncertainty into clarity helping them understand where they stand today and what practical steps they can take to improve their long-term outcomes. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, a tailored plan can make a meaningful difference to how confident you feel about the future. Contact our team today to find out more.