New research from Edelman Financial Engines explores “What Money Means”
How Americans view financial priorities, trade-offs, and stressors
- Only 14% see their vision of retirement matched in pop culture.
- More than half would pay to relive a day with their kindergarten-age child.
- 58% would trade a million dollars in retirement savings for five extra healthy years.
Boston, Mass – December 10, 2025 – Americans are reimagining what retirement looks like, eschewing the tired stereotypes found in pop culture, according to a recent study by Edelman Financial Engines (EFE). The firm examined the key issues at the intersection of life and money, finding that Americans are envisioning their later years as a launchpad for adventure, active living, and passion projects rather than a time to slow down. Nearly half of 2,000 survey participants want a retirement that looks different from previous generations, and fewer than 1 in 5 believe that pop culture depictions of retirement match their own vision.
This new research from EFE, a leading independent wealth planning1 and workplace2 investment advisory, delves deeper into the emotional tradeoffs Americans consider in connection to building wealth (or not). The findings suggest that deeply personal priorities are fundamental in driving the more expansive vision Americans have for their own retirement. This includes attitudes about wealth and financial security, the trade-off between time and money, and how Americans make critical decisions when it comes to their spending. The findings offer a fresh look at how we think about wealth and retirement in a rapidly changing economic and cultural landscape.
“For too long, the retirement industry has treated this stage of life like a finish line,” said Ralph Haberli, chief executive officer at Edelman Financial Engines. “That mindset is outdated. Americans are telling us what we all already know to be true: they want to live fully, prioritize health and well-being, and pursue passions that bring meaning. We’re listening and we are committed to helping our clients design their life and retirement on their own terms.”
Money & Time
Americans are increasingly weighing time against money, and the choices aren’t easy. When asked to choose between a shorter work week or a raise, preferences were nearly split – 44% of full-time workers said they would prefer to work one day less for the same salary, while the remainder would opt for a $20,000 pay increase. This tension between time and income isn’t just hypothetical: more than four in ten Americans say they have turned down a higher-paying career opportunity in favor of preserving personal time. Parents, in particular, place a premium on the moments that matter. More than half would pay to relive a day with their kindergarten-age child, and nearly a quarter would sacrifice a significant portion of their retirement savings to do so.
“People aren’t just telling us they want more time – they’re telling us they want more time with the people that matter most, and that has financial implications,” said Michael Liersch, chief planning officer at Edelman Financial Engines. “What often goes unrecognized is that those changes need to be reflected in a financial plan so that money is used in a way that will help people move forward, not backward.”
Money & Health
The study underscored the growing recognition that longevity and well-being are priceless. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed say they would rather never worry about their health than never have to worry about money again and 58% would trade a million dollars in retirement savings for five extra healthy years. The choice becomes even more pronounced in wealthier cohorts. Among those with more than $1 million, 77% prioritize health over wealth.
“Financial planning should feel just as personal as the life it supports,” Liersch said. “We believe the best plans start with listening – understanding each client’s needs, concerns and goals around health, family, work and more – then building strategies that help them live fully, with confidence and purpose at every stage.”
From changing jobs and buying a home to getting married, sending kids off to college, and retiring – major life events often bring weighty, stressful decisions. The study uncovered a desire for professional guidance early. In fact, when a major life event occurs, 43% of those working with a financial professional say they reach out before making any decisions, including 13% who say their advisor is one of the very first people they talk to – right alongside close family and friends.
Key findings can be accessed here: https://www.edelmanfinancialengines.com/what-money-means/2025/
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About Edelman Financial Engines
Financial confidence begins with clarity, understanding, and a plan tailored to your life. At Edelman Financial Engines, we believe money is personal – tied to your hopes, your family, your future. That’s why since 1986, we’ve been committed to putting the clients’ best interest first, offering personalized investment advice and financial planning to help you feel secure and supported every step of the way. From your first paycheck through retirement, and for every major milestone and meaningful moment in between, we’re here for you.
As one of the nation’s leading independent financial planning and investment advisory firms1, we are trusted by 1.3 million clients to manage over $324 billion in assets. Our solutions are available through your employer or at our 140+ offices nationwide.3 We combine cutting edge technology with the personal care of a planner to deliver advice that fits your life – not just your finances.
1 The Barron’s 2025 Top 100 RIA Firms list, a ten-year ranking of independent advisory firms, is based on qualitative and quantitative factors. Firms elect to participate but do not pay to be included in the ranking. The 2025 ranking refers to EFE as the second-ranked mega RIA. EFE was ranked number one from 2018-2024.
2 According to the Cerulli Associates Top Nine Managed Account Sponsors by DC Assets survey of Defined Contribution managed account providers, The Cerulli Edge – U.S. Retirement Edition, 3Q 2025, Issue #76, Edelman Financial Engines is the largest managed account provider by DC assets and market share as of June 30, 2025.
3 Edelman Financial Engines data, as of September 30, 2025.
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