Disclaimer: This piece is based on my contribution to an article originally published by MediaDecision on April 1, 2025, titled “Gen X Is Turning 60 — Their Retirement Anxiety Is Growing” by Liam Gibson. To read the complete original article, please visit MediaDecision’s website.
When MediaDecision reached out to me about the retirement challenges facing Generation X, I knew this was a conversation that needed to happen.
As someone who works with clients across all generations at RGA Investment Advisors, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique anxiety many Gen Xers feel as they approach their golden years.
What struck me most about participating in this piece was how universal these concerns have become. Nearly 70% of Americans across all age groups worry they won’t have enough saved for retirement, according to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.
But for Gen X specifically, this anxiety runs deeper — they’re the first generation navigating retirement without the safety net of traditional pensions.
Table of Contents
The Procrastination Problem
During my interview, I emphasized something I tell my Gen X clients every day:
“Procrastination is the real enemy — taking action today makes all the difference.”
I’ve seen too many people let shame or overwhelm prevent them from starting their retirement journey. The truth is, it’s never too late to make meaningful progress.
Beyond Basic Contributions
What I want people to understand is that retirement planning isn’t just about stuffing money into a 401(k). As I explained to MediaDecision:
“Retirement savings aren’t just about what you contribute — it’s about how you allocate and grow those funds. Maxing out tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, leveraging catch-up contributions, and investing with a long-term mindset is critical.”
My fellow advisor Melody Townsend made an excellent point about the “sandwich generation” phenomenon affecting Gen X. She noted that about one in four Gen Xers are financially supporting both their children and aging parents. This reality makes strategic planning even more crucial.
Social Security Question
The article explored widespread concerns about Social Security’s future, with over 70% of survey participants expressing worry.
Lawrence Sprung, who’s been in this profession for over 28 years, offered a perspective I found reassuring: while Social Security will likely change, it’s not going to disappear entirely.
Charles Petitjean’s approach of planning for clients to receive only 50% of their projected benefits provides a conservative buffer that I often recommend as well.
The 10-15 Year Window
When clients come to me saying they only have 10-15 years until retirement, I see opportunity, not crisis. As I told MediaDecision:
“If you only have 10-15 years, there’s still time to make a meaningful impact by increasing savings rates, optimizing tax strategies, and ensuring your portfolio is positioned for growth.”
The key is to start immediately. Don’t waste energy on regret — channel it into action. Max out those employer matches, take advantage of catch-up contributions if you’re over 50, and consider diversifying income streams.
The article mentioned that nearly 40% of Americans have side hustles, and this can be a game-changer for accelerating retirement savings.
Conclusion
What gives me hope is that Gen X still has time to course-correct. Unlike the perception that it’s “too late,” the reality is that focused, strategic action over the next decade can significantly improve retirement outcomes.
The advisors featured in the article — from Arieller Tucker discussing Gen X’s unique crossroads to Cecil Staton emphasizing the importance of insurance protection — all share this optimistic yet practical view.
My message to fellow Gen Xers is simple: acknowledge where you are, but don’t let it paralyze you. Every dollar saved, every tax strategy optimized, and every investment decision made with long-term growth in mind moves you closer to the retirement you deserve.
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Disclaimer: This excerpt represents my personal insights shared with MediaDecision. For the complete article featuring additional expert perspectives and detailed statistics, please visit the original piece “Gen X Is Turning 60 — Their Retirement Anxiety Is Growing” by Liam Gibson at MediaDecision.