New research shows retirement confidence has fallen, but advice can help members plan ahead
2 July 2026
Australians are significantly less confident about retirement than they were six months ago, with retiree confidence1 falling from 60% to 47% and pre-retiree preparedness declining from 38% to 31%, according to 2026 research findings by Brighter Super.
New data from Brighter Super’s 2025-26 State of Retirement2 report suggests the gains in 2025 may have been influenced by stronger investment markets and easing inflation, rather than sustained improvements in long-term financial preparedness.
The decline in 2026 comes amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures, market volatility and renewed uncertainty about the global economic outlook.
“This report reinforces how quickly sentiment can shift with changing economic conditions, and the need to focus on long-term preparedness rather than short-term confidence,” said Brighter Super’s CEO Kate Farrar.
"The data suggests many Australians still judge their retirement readiness through the lens of recent market performance rather than long-term financial preparedness,” she said.
The findings are drawn from surveys2 in 2024, 2025 and 2026 conducted by Investment Trends, an independent and well-respected research and insights company.
“The data also shows Queensland continues to outperform national averages, while Brighter Super members report stronger outcomes than both state and national benchmarks,” said Investment Trends’ Head of Research, Julian Cappe.
Across all states, retiree confidence and pre-retiree preparedness declined. Despite this, Queensland’s 50% retiree confidence rate outperformed the national rate of 47%, and pre-retiree preparedness in Queensland is at 33% compared to 31% nationally.
“It’s pleasing to see that Queensland sitting just ahead of the national results, but there is more work to be done. Our research shows that Australians who plan early are nearly twice as likely to enjoy a comfortable retirement,” explained Ms Farrar.
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Retiree confidence
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Pre-retiree preparedness
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| Australia
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47% Down 13 points from 60% in 2025
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31% Down 7 points from 38% in 2025, close to the 2024 low of 29%
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| Queensland
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50% Outperformed the national average of 47% in 2026
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33% Down 6 points from 39% in 2025, still above the national average of 31%
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| Brighter Super
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76% Up 26 points from 50% in 2024 Well above the national average of 47%
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38% Held steady between 2025 and 2026 while the national figure fell 7 points to 31%
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The sharp reversal in national sentiment underscores a broad challenge for the superannuation sector: Confidence remains highly sensitive to market conditions. Previous Brighter Super research found retirees experiencing financial strain were significantly more likely to fear outliving their retirement savings, highlighting the gap between short-term confidence and long-term financial resilience.
“This reinforces the importance of engaging members earlier in their retirement journey, before uncertainty and market volatility begin to influence decision making,” said Ms Farrar.
At a fund level, Brighter Super outperformed both state and national benchmarks, with members’ retirement confidence rising to 76% in 2026, up from 50% in 2024, and pre-retiree preparedness steady at 38% despite national and state declines of seven points and six points, respectively.
“This highlights the impact of our sustained investment in accessible guidance and affordable advice. We’re committed to ensuring all members can retire confidently with the help of advice,” she said.
This commitment was recognised by Chant West in Sydney on 27 May when it awarded Brighter Super ‘Best Fund: Advice Services 2026’3. This award recognises funds offering a strong range of advice services that are relevant and accessible to members and reflects its commitment to helping members access quality advice.
2025-26 State of Retirement report is available here for download.
1Retiree confidence is measured as the proportion of retirees who are confident their savings will last through retirement.
2The 2025-26 State of Retirement report draws on the 2026 Investment Trends Super Member Engagement Survey, the Brighter Super and Investment Trends 2025 Retirement Income Survey and the Brighter Super and Investment Trends 2024 Retirement Income Survey.
3Zenith CW Pty Ltd ABN 20 639 121 403 AFSL 226872/AFS Rep No. 1280401 Chant West Awards issued 27 May 2026 are solely statements of opinion and not a recommendation in relation to making any investment decisions. Awards are current for 12 months and subject to change at any time. Awards for previous years are for historical purposes only. Full details on Chant West Awards at https://www.chantwest.com.au/fund-awards/about-the-awards/
The information contained is up to date at the time of publishing. Some of the information may change following its release. Any questions can be referred to Brighter Super by calling 1800 444 396, or by emailing info@brightersuper.com.au.
Brighter Super Trustee (ABN 94 085 088 484) (AFSL 230511) (the Trustee) as trustee for Brighter Super (ABN 23 053 121 564) (RSE R1000160) (the Fund). Brighter Super may refer to the Trustee or the Fund as the context may be. Brighter Super products are issued by the Trustee on behalf of the Fund.
You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision to acquire any products. A TMD is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the PDSs and TMDs at www.brightersuper.com.au/pds-and-guides
This article provides general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs prior to making any decision. You should consult a licensed financial adviser if you require advice which takes into account your personal financial circumstances.
