April 2026
01Apr

U.S. retirement savings hit alarming low

Median savings reveal stark reality New analysis from the National Institute on Retirement Security finds that U.S. workers aged 21 to 64 have a median of $40,000 in defined contribution plans, but when including those without savings, the median plunges to $955. This underscores a widening gap between retirement needs and actual savings, exacerbated by the decline of pensions. AARP data shows 20% of adults over 50 have no retirement savings, and 61% believe they lack enough for their later...

April 1, 2026
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March 2026
31Mar

Hong Kong Considers 33% MPF Contribution Hike To Match Rising Cost Of Living

Earlier this month, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority ("MPFA") announced that it is reviewing the maximum and minimum income levels for MPF contributions, which have remained the same for the last 13 years. The review follows consultation with over 30 stakeholder groups, including labour organisations, chambers of commerce, employer representatives and professional bodies. A review report is expected to be submitted to the government by mid-2026. According to the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, one of the city's largest...

March 31, 2026
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26Mar

UK. Only 14 per cent of people ‘on track’ to retire when they want

Just 14 per cent of people are on track to retire when and how they want, with large gaps between expectation and reality, research by savings platform Flagstone has found. The survey findings revealed that, on average, respondents would like to retire at age 61. However, based on current savings and contribution levels, most will not be able to retire until the age of 83 – revealing a 22-year discrepancy. The findings are broken down by industry, with only 4.7 per cent...

March 26, 2026
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19Mar

UK. Pensions and savings hammered as threat of ‘full-scale economic war’ sends shares tumbling

More than £50billion was wiped off the value of the London stock market today – taking losses since the start of the war on Iran to £225billion. On a brutal day for savers with money tied up in shares through their pensions, ISAs and other investments, the FTSE 100 index tumbled more than 200 points or 2 per cent in early trading. The wider FTSE All-share – which includes smaller companies on the London stock market as well as the 100 blue chips...

March 19, 2026
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18Mar

South Africa households dip into retirement savings as withdrawals surge

South African households are coming under increasing financial pressure, with many now turning to their retirement savings to stay afloat. Early data shows a sharp rise in withdrawals from the two-pot retirement system as the new tax year began in March. Financial journalist Maya Fisher-French has warned South Africans against rushing to access the savings component of their retirement funds. Fisher-French says a concerning pattern is emerging, with around 60 percent of those accessing their savings doing so repeatedly. This raises questions about...

March 18, 2026
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13Mar

Ghana. Informal sector employers who fail to pay employees’ pensions will be prosecuted – NPRA

The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) in the Bono Region has cautioned employers in the informal sector to ensure the regular payment of their workers’ monthly pension contributions or face prosecution. Mr Enoch Okomfo Okonah, Assistant Manager in charge of Compliance at the Bono Regional Office of the NPRA, said employers who default could be fined up to 2,000 penalty units, pay the defaults, or be sentenced to two years imprisonment—or suffer both penalties. In an interview with the Ghana News...

March 13, 2026
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12Mar

Raising MPF contribution levels a tricky but necessary step for Hong Kong

People have long complained their mandatory pensions will never be enough to retire on. That is true, but the flip side is that by contributing less than many comparable pension schemes overseas, local workers have more spending power in the present. There is always a trade-off. Perhaps the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme should be seen more as a financial cushion for a person at the end of their working life, rather than a nest egg. Still, the scheme needs...

March 12, 2026
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03Mar

The Typical American’s Retirement Savings Is Shockingly Low—Here’s What To Do About It

Many American workers don't have enough retirement savings. Among American workers aged 21 to 64 with any defined contribution savings, the median balance was $40,000, according to 2023 Census data recently analyzed by the National Institute on Retirement Security.1 When the researchers included workers without retirement savings, the median amount saved in defined contribution plans was a paltry $955. Retirement in the U.S. is often described as a three-legged stool, with people relying on Social Security, pensions, and individual retirement savings. But fewer workers have pensions....

March 3, 2026
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February 2026
25Feb

US President announces new retirement plan at State of the Union

President Trump announced during his State of the Union address Tuesday night plans to offer Americans access to a retirement account similar to those available to federal workers. Why it matters: There are roughly 50 million Americans without employer-sponsored retirement plans, like 401(k)s, and there's been growing bipartisan interest in expanding access. What he's saying: Trump said he would offer Americans who don't have 401(k)s or other employer-based retirement accounts "access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker." "We will match your...

February 25, 2026
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23Feb

US. How One Extra Dollar of Income Can Cost You Thousands in Retirement

As a retiree, any extra income probably feels welcome. But unfortunately for some, a seemingly minor increase in reported income can ripple through your finances, affecting not just your tax return but also your Medicare premiums. If you're on Medicare, the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) means that crossing an income threshold by even one dollar can trigger higher Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. Understanding how IRMAA works is essential — especially when a single dollar can make a difference....

February 23, 2026
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