TIAA Survey: One in Three Americans Fear AI Will Cut Retirement Savings Before They Retire

One-third of Americans ages 18 to 65 are extremely or very concerned that artificial intelligence will disrupt their careers or reduce earnings before retirement, according to a TIAA survey of 1,000 respondents released Oct. 2, 2026. Anxiety is highest among younger workers: 42% of Gen Z versus 33% of millennials and 28% of Gen X and baby boomers. Thirty-six percent of households earning under $75,000 expressed concern, compared with 27% earning above $150,000. AI still ranks near the bottom of retirement threats. Cost of living and inflation top the list at 51%, followed by healthcare at 44%, housing at 37% and stock market volatility at 22%. TIAA Institute head Surya Kolluri advised workers to raise contribution rates while earning power is intact, build cash reserves outside retirement accounts, and protect employer matches first if income falls.