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2025-26 State of Retirement in Australia

Retirement confidence improved in 2025, but just 6 months later, momentum has slowed.

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Australians' retirement confidence slips after brief rebound

Australians are significantly less confident about retirement than they were six months ago, according to new research from Brighter Super.

The 2025–26 State of Retirement report found retiree confidence¹ has fallen from 60% to 47%, while the proportion of pre-retirees who feel prepared for retirement has declined from 38% to 31%.

The findings suggest the confidence gains recorded in 2025 may have been driven by stronger investment markets and easing inflation, rather than lasting improvements in long-term financial preparedness.

Key insights

Preparing for retirement: Pre-retirees expect

Preparing for retirement

Living in retirement: Retirees experience

Living in retirement

Key findings

Planning for a Brighter retirement
Early planning and guidance lead to greater confidence and comfort in retirement.

Transitioning to retirement
Flexible transitioning to retirement is preferred, but it could come sooner than expected.

The knowledge gap - understanding of Retirement Products
Knowledge is limited, but those who use retirement income products are highly satisfied.

The role of super funds
While members trust their super funds, guidance remains the biggest opportunity - with personal advice the top request.

Explore the Research

2025-26 State of Retirement report

Download

2025 Women and Retirement

Download

 

2025 National White Paper

Download

 

2024 National White Paper

Download

2024 Queensland White Paper

Download

" The difference between feeling prepared and unprepared for retirement is striking. People who start planning earlier are more likely to seek advice, build stronger super balances and retire with greater confidence. The challenge isn’t convincing members that retirement matters - it’s helping them take the first step sooner."

— Kate Farrar, CEO, Brighter Super

Please contact us for more information on this research, or to learn how Brighter Super’s retirement income solutions can support you in retirement.

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.