
Outliving savings eclipses death fear, fueling retirement planning
Americans fear running out of money in retirement more than death, a finding from Allianz’s annual survey (67% choose money over mortality). Longer lifespans, inflation, and rising health/long-term-care costs help explain the worry, with life expectancy at birth at 79 in 2024 and a looming Social Security shortfall that could trim benefits by 2032 if unaddressed. The Transamerica Center also lists money-related fears (long-term care, Social Security cuts, outliving savings) as top retirement concerns. Practical steps include delaying Social Security to age 70, maxing 401(k)/IRA contributions (2026: 401(k) up to $24,500, catch‑up up to $8,000; older savers have higher limits; IRA max $7,500 with $1,100 catch-up), creating a retirement plan, consulting advisers, and considering long-term care insurance or life policies with LTC riders.













