1 in 3 Investors Say They're Changing Their Retirement Strategy to This in 2026
Despite economic uncertainty, many investors are taking action rather than pulling back.
A recent Nationwide survey found that 1 in 3 non-retired investors say they plan to change their retirement savings approach over the next 12 months. Here's what investors are doing, and what experts say pre-retirees should keep in mind.
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More Investors Are Buying Into Market Opportunities Despite Volatility
According to the survey, 33% of non-retired investors plan to change their retirement savings approach by taking advantage of investment opportunities in 2026, up from 21% in summer 2024. While these investors may see market pullbacks as buying opportunities, experts caution against making decisions based solely on short-term market movements or stock picking.
"Rather than trying to identify the next winning stock, investors may be better served by using periods of market weakness to reassess whether their portfolio remains aligned with their long-term objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance," said Mark Hackett, chief market strategist for Nationwide Investment Management Group.
Hackett said that strong market rallies can leave investors with more risk exposure than they intended. Market downturns can serve as a useful check on whether a portfolio still matches an investor's goals and comfort level.
"In that sense, periods of volatility can serve as an important checkpoint, offering insights that are often obscured when markets are steadily rising," he said.
He added that diversification remains critical.
"At a high level, U.S. equities remain a foundational component of portfolio construction, but the market's history of creative destruction also underscores the importance of diversification across sectors, industries, asset classes and geographies," Hackett said.
Staying invested through periods of uncertainty while maintaining a diversified portfolio can help investors avoid making emotionally driven decisions.
"Investors do not experience returns in a straight line," Hackett said. "Having a holistic financial plan can provide the framework needed to withstand short-term volatility while remaining focused on long-term goals."
Some Investors Are Taking More Risk With Their Retirement Savings
Investors are not simply looking for opportunities to buy or sit on savings; some are considering a broader shift toward more aggressive investing. The survey found that 22% of non-retired investors plan to manage their investments more aggressively, up from 16% in 2024.
"The appropriate level of risk depends on an investor's financial goals, time horizon, liquidity needs and ability to withstand periods of market stress," Hackett said.
One common mistake, according to Hackett, is increasing risk after markets have already rallied and becoming overly defensive after declines.
"The goal is not to maximize returns in every environment, but to construct a portfolio that investors can stick with through the full market cycle without allowing fear or enthusiasm to drive decision-making," he said.
Successful investing is often less about being aggressive or conservative and more about ensuring that portfolio risk aligns with long-term objectives.
Demand for Guaranteed Retirement Income Is Rising
The survey also found growing interest in guaranteed income solutions. More than half (57%) of non-retired investors say recent events have made them more likely to allocate part of their portfolio to an annuity or another guaranteed income product.
"It’s great to see investors recognizing the value of guaranteed income solutions like annuities as we continue to face tumultuous markets," said Brad Carrier, vice president of brokerage annuity distribution at Nationwide.
"Annuities can help strengthen investors’ long-term retirement plans, offering both guaranteed income as well as downside protection, adding greater predictability to a retirement plan and helping create income for essential expenses."
What Financial Experts Say Investors Should Do Next
Financial advisors agree with investors when it comes to guaranteed income solutions.
"Sixty percent of advisors say the events of the last 12 months have made them more likely to recommend one of these solutions as part of a client’s portfolio," Carrier said.
He added that registered index-linked annuities are becoming increasingly popular among advisors seeking ways to manage market risk, with usage rising from 39% in the summer of 2023 to 52% in 2026.
Taken together, the survey suggests investors are not retreating from the market despite ongoing uncertainty. Instead, many are looking for ways to balance growth opportunities with added protection and more predictable retirement income as they prepare for the years ahead.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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