Most people think they’re fine until retirement sneaks up and proves them wrong.
Planning for retirement isn’t just about stashing a little cash away—it’s about making sure all the pieces of your financial puzzle actually fit together when the time comes. A lot of folks assume they’re doing okay because they contribute to a 401(k) or have some savings sitting in a bank account. But there are plenty of warning signs that, if ignored, can leave you scrambling in your 60s or 70s, wondering how things went off the rails.
The earlier you recognize these red flags, the better your chances of fixing them while there’s still time. Retirement isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, habits, and having a clear picture of what your future really requires. Here are 12 signs you may not be on track for the kind of comfortable retirement you’re hoping for.
1. You don’t have a specific retirement savings target.
If you don’t know exactly how much you’ll need to retire, you’re essentially flying blind, according to the authors at Landsberg Bennett. Having a vague idea isn’t enough—without a real target based on your lifestyle goals, expenses, and life expectancy, you risk severely underestimating what’s required.
A solid retirement plan starts with a clear number that accounts for inflation, healthcare costs, housing, and the kind of lifestyle you want. Without that, you’re likely saving too little or failing to adjust as your circumstances change. The sooner you nail down that target, the better your odds of getting there.
2. You’re still carrying high-interest debt into your 40s and 50s.
Credit card debt, personal loans, and other high-interest obligations eat away at your ability to save for retirement, as reported by the authors at AMP. Every dollar going toward debt is a dollar not compounding for your future.
While some debt like a mortgage may be manageable, lingering consumer debt well into midlife is a huge red flag. If you’re still battling balances at a time when you should be accelerating savings, it’s a sign you’re behind and need to adjust your financial priorities fast.
3. You haven’t increased your savings rate in years.
Life changes, income rises, and expenses shift over time—but many people stick to the same savings contribution year after year without adjusting. If you’re still putting away the same amount you did in your 20s or 30s, you’re likely falling short, as stated by Adam Palasciano at Nasdaq.
As your income grows, your savings rate should grow with it. Failing to increase contributions means missing out on the power of compound growth during your highest earning years. Regularly revisiting and bumping up your savings is critical for staying on track.
4. Your retirement plan depends on Social Security alone.
While Social Security may provide some income, it was never designed to fully fund anyone’s retirement. Relying on it as your primary source is risky, especially with ongoing debates about its long-term stability.
If your plan doesn’t include significant personal savings, investments, or other income streams, you’re setting yourself up for a very lean retirement. Treat Social Security as a supplement, not the foundation, of your retirement income.
5. You have no idea what your monthly expenses will be in retirement.
Retirement isn’t about hitting a lump sum—it’s about managing ongoing monthly expenses for decades. If you don’t know what your spending will realistically look like, you’re not truly prepared.
Healthcare, travel, housing, hobbies, and unexpected costs all play into your monthly budget. Failing to map out these details leads to nasty surprises once the paychecks stop. A detailed expense forecast is one of the most powerful tools you can use to stay financially secure.
6. You’re not investing aggressively enough in your early years.
Many people play it too safe with their investments when they’re young, missing out on years of growth potential. If your portfolio is overly conservative early on, you sacrifice compound gains that make the biggest difference down the line.
While protecting your investments becomes more important as you near retirement, early on you should be leaning into growth. Playing it safe too soon is often a major reason people fall short later when it’s much harder to catch up.
7. You’ve never worked with a financial advisor or planner.
Trying to wing it entirely on your own may feel fine when you’re young, but retirement planning involves complex tax rules, investment strategies, and withdrawal calculations that most people aren’t fully equipped to handle solo.
Even one or two sessions with a qualified advisor can help identify blind spots, optimize your savings plan, and ensure you’re making the most of your available options. Skipping professional guidance often leaves costly gaps that catch up to you later.
8. You plan to work forever without a real backup plan.
It’s great to love your job and plan to work into your later years—but assuming you’ll always be able to work is risky. Health issues, layoffs, or caregiving responsibilities can force early retirement when you least expect it.
If your entire plan hinges on indefinite employment, you’re leaving yourself exposed. Build your retirement savings as if you’ll stop working earlier than planned, and treat any extra working years as a bonus rather than a necessity.
9. You don’t have long-term care insurance or healthcare plans.
Healthcare is one of the biggest wild cards in retirement costs. Without adequate insurance or savings set aside for medical expenses, even a few years of long-term care can wipe out decades of savings.
Many people fail to plan for this expense, assuming Medicare will cover everything—which it won’t. Factoring healthcare into your retirement strategy is critical for protecting your savings and ensuring you maintain your quality of life later on.
10. You haven’t accounted for inflation in your savings plan.
What seems like a large nest egg today may lose significant purchasing power over a 20- or 30-year retirement. If you haven’t built inflation adjustments into your projections, you’re likely underestimating how much you’ll need.
Even modest inflation erodes your spending power over time. A retirement plan that doesn’t factor in rising costs will leave you increasingly squeezed as the years go on. Accounting for inflation helps ensure your savings truly last.
11. You’re constantly dipping into retirement accounts early.
Withdrawing from retirement accounts before reaching retirement age might solve short-term problems but can severely damage your long-term security. You lose both principal and years of compound growth that can’t easily be replaced.
Frequent early withdrawals often signal a lack of emergency savings or poor budgeting habits, both of which make it even harder to get back on track. Preserving retirement accounts for their intended purpose is critical to ensure you have enough when you finally need it.
12. You don’t regularly review or adjust your retirement plan.
Life changes constantly—your savings strategy should too. Failing to revisit your retirement plan every few years leaves you vulnerable to outdated assumptions, missed opportunities, and shifting financial realities.
Regular check-ins help you course-correct early while there’s still time to make meaningful changes. Whether it’s adjusting your contributions, reallocating investments, or updating your income needs, staying actively engaged with your plan keeps you firmly in control of your retirement future.