MADISON, Wis. — Personalized and digital retirement planning tools are helping drive greater clarity, confidence and action among workers, though significant gaps remain in retirement readiness, according to new research from TruStage.
The TruStage Retirement Solutions study found that participants who engaged with either digital retirement tools or one-on-one education sessions reported feeling significantly more informed about their financial futures. Nearly two-thirds (63%) described the one-on-one guidance they received as “very” or “extremely” helpful, and 73% said they took action steps in their retirement planning following a consultation, according to the report.
At the same time, the research highlights a persistent knowledge and confidence gap among workers. Only about 28% of respondents said they know how much they will need to retire comfortably, and just 26% reported feeling confident they are saving enough, TruStage said.
‘Data is Clear’
“The data is clear, when people have clarity, delivered in the formats they prefer and reinforced by timely human guidance, confidence rises and decisions follow,” Michael Conte, vice president of institutional wealth business at TruStage, stated in the report. “That’s the industry shift this research highlights, and our role is to help financial professionals operationalize it.”
The study also found that tailored support can help workers make decisions aligned with their stage of life. Younger participants were more likely to boost contributions or begin Roth savings, while older workers commonly refined their investment allocations, according to TruStage. The findings, the organization said, reinforce the role of personalized education in helping individuals make confident, well-timed retirement planning decisions.
Clear Preferences Expressed
Participants also indicated clear preferences for how they want to receive financial education, with multiple formats playing a role. According to TruStage, preferred channels include:
- Online tools (47%)
- Short videos (46%)
- Email (44%)
- One-on-one consultations (43%)
Confidence gaps were more pronounced among younger workers and women, the report found. However, the research also points to opportunities to improve outcomes through a combination of digital tools and personalized guidance designed to meet participants where they are.
“Financial professionals are re-tooling education strategies to improve confidence, not just awareness, mapping content to life stage and delivering it in participant-preferred formats,” Conte said. “Placing one-on-one support at key decision moments; enrollment, pay raises or nearing retirement, converts clarity into action.”
Broader Shifts Revealed
TruStage said the findings reflect broader shifts in participant expectations across the retirement planning industry, as more consumers seek personalized, accessible and timely guidance. The company added it is focused on helping workers build confidence, strengthen their financial futures and take the next step toward a comfortable retirement.
The findings are based on TruStage’s 2025 Retirement Participant Survey Results, released in January 2026. More information is here.
