Jackson Study Exposes Stark Disconnect Between Anticipation of Policy Change and Retirement Planning Conversations
MWN-AI** Summary
A recent study by Jackson National Life Insurance Company, in partnership with the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, has highlighted a significant disconnect between investors' awareness of potential policy changes and their retirement planning conversations. Despite a majority of surveyed investors anticipating cuts to Medicaid and Social Security benefits, many are not discussing these risks with financial professionals, leading to inadequate retirement planning.
Conducted in mid-2025, the research reveals that 65% of investors predict cuts to Medicaid, while 46% expect reductions in Social Security benefits. With 21% of pre-retired investors having delayed retirement due to these uncertainties, the findings indicate a growing concern about financial futures amidst a backdrop of changing government policies. According to Glen Franklin of Jackson, this disconnect suggests that financial professionals are not treating policy changes as essential elements in retirement planning discussions, ultimately leaving investors ill-prepared for expected economic shifts.
The survey also showed a generational divide; Generation X respondents display greater anxiety about future policy changes compared to baby boomers, despite the latter's greater reliance on social safety nets. Only 36% of financial professionals actively engage clients in discussions about crucial topics like Medicaid and long-term care, with many opting for a passive approach to policy conversations, often citing client sensitivity as a concern.
Andrew Eschtruth of the Center for Retirement Research emphasizes that such policy uncertainty not only affects individual investors but has broader implications for the economy as well. As investors face diminishing confidence in their financial security, proactive engagement in retirement planning concerning policy risks becomes increasingly vital. This study underscores the need for both investors and financial professionals to prioritize relevant policy discussions in retirement planning strategies.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent Jackson National Life Insurance study highlights a critical disconnect between investor awareness of impending policy changes and actionable retirement planning. As rising costs and tax burdens threaten Medicaid benefits, 65% of investors expect cuts, while a staggering 21% have already delayed retirement since 2025. This hesitance speaks volumes about the anxiety surrounding federal programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Despite widespread concerns, only 36% of investors discuss these policy risks with financial professionals. This lack of engagement may leave many unprepared for the potential ramifications of policy changes on their retirement plans. As a result, financial advisors must prioritize these discussions, framing policy implications as essential components in retirement readiness.
For investors, the key takeaway is the importance of proactive planning. The anticipated policy shifts can significantly impact personal finances, yet many remain unaware of their potential consequences. Engaging with a financial professional who understands these dynamics can facilitate more informed planning and decision-making.
In particular, Generation X faces unique challenges. With 76% fearing a tax increase’s impact on their finances, these individuals need tailored strategies to navigate their retirement journey amid uncertainty. They may benefit from exploring downside-protection products, which are gaining traction among this cohort, to shield their savings from adverse market changes.
Investors should also consider diversifying investment portfolios to mitigate risks associated with government benefit modifications. Regularly updating financial strategies to align with projected policy shifts can prove critical in maintaining financial confidence and achieving long-term retirement goals.
In summary, both investors and financial planners must close the gap in communication regarding policy risks, ensuring retirement strategies are resilient against an evolving financial landscape. By fostering these vital discussions, investors can better secure their financial futures amid challenging and uncertain times.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
The majority of investors surveyed anticipate further cuts to Medicaid benefits due to rising costs and tax burdens
One in five investors surveyed has delayed retirement since early 2025 as policy uncertainty mounts
Few discuss these anticipated changes with financial professionals, leaving investors without a plan grounded in expected risk
Jackson National Life Insurance Company ® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc. 1 (NYSE: JXN), today unveiled key findings from its latest research on policy risk, conducted in collaboration with the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. This study, the fifth installment in Jackson’s Security in Retirement Series, reveals a concerning gap between widespread investor awareness of policy issues and meaningful planning conversations that address these risks.
The research uncovers that despite heightened concern about potential changes to Social Security, Medicare, and tax policy, many investors – even those working with financial professionals – lack clarity on how these shifts could affect their personal retirement plans. Amid mounting uncertainty, 21% of pre-retired investors studied have delayed retirement since the start of 2025. Those who indicate they have delayed retirement demonstrate higher concern about policy changes ahead and lower financial confidence.
“Our research reveals a surprising disconnect between the broad awareness of a changing policy landscape and understanding of how those expected changes can impact personal retirement planning,” said Glen Franklin, Assistant Vice President of Research, RIA and Lead Generation Strategy for Jackson National Life Distributors LLC (JNLD), the marketing and distribution business of Jackson. “Financial professionals and investors alike can benefit by treating policy implications as a core element of retirement readiness. When investors understand how potential changes might influence their long-term outlook, planning often becomes more grounded—and more relevant to the risks they already expect.”
Key findings from the research include:
Investors anticipate significant policy changes:
- 65% expect cuts to Medicaid benefits
- 46% anticipate reductions in Social Security benefits
- 68% foresee rising Medicare premiums and co-pays
- 53% predict an increase in Social Security taxes
- 53% worry their state will need to raise taxes to compensate for federal funding shortfalls
Generational divide emerges as Gen X faces steeper financial challenges:
- 76% of Gen X respondents say a 5% federal tax rate increase would require spending changes, compared to 65% of baby boomers
- Despite baby boomers experiencing greater current or anticipated reliance on Social Security (79% vs. 69% of Gen X) and Medicare (91% vs. 73% of Gen X), Gen Xers express significantly greater concern about potential changes to these programs
- Only 36% of Gen X investors feel very or extremely secure about their current financial situation, compared to 46% of baby boomers
- 46% of Gen X investors report increased concern about their financial future since early 2025, compared to 37% of baby boomers
- Gen X investors are more likely to own downside-protection products and to have increased those holdings during 2025
Policy conversations remain limited:
- Only 36% of investors working with financial professionals discuss Medicaid and long-term care funding
- 54% discuss federal debt levels and tariff policies
- 53% of financial professionals only engage in policy discussions when the topic is deemed important, and another 28% neither avoid them nor seek them out, suggesting passive rather than proactive engagement
- Financial professionals cite client sensitivity and concerns about appearing political as primary reasons for avoiding these topics
“Policy uncertainty hurts both investors and the economy,” said Andrew Eschtruth, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. “The survey results clearly show rising concern among investors about their financial future. A meaningful share has taken steps to try to protect themselves, including delaying their retirement and shifting to more conservative investments.”
Franklin added, “Gen X investors are caught in a perfect storm – they’re approaching retirement during a period of economic uncertainty, they’ve experienced the shift from pensions to 401(k)s, many delayed homeownership compared to previous generations, and now they’re facing the prospect of reduced government benefits and higher taxes. Unlike baby boomers who built wealth during more favorable economic conditions, Gen X may require different planning strategies to achieve retirement security.”
About the study & Security in Retirement Series
The research, conducted between July 7 and July 31, 2025, included online surveys of more than 400 financial professionals and 1,443 investors aged 45 to 79 with at least $100,000 in financial assets, representing both Generation X and baby boomers.* Respondents were required to participate in, or lead, household financial decision-making.
* All respondents born between 1946 and 1964 were coded as baby boomers, and those born between 1965 and 1980 as members of Generation X.
Jackson’s Security in Retirement Series is a multi-phase research initiative in partnership with the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, designed to provide actionable insights on key risks to retirement security. Previous studies have explored longevity risk , inflation risk , healthcare risk and market risk .
To access the full report and additional resources from Jackson’s Security in Retirement Series, as well as other proprietary research materials developed by Jackson on topics that impact the saving and spending habits of Americans, visit www.jackson.com/researchcenter .
ABOUT JACKSON
Jackson® (NYSE: JXN) is committed to helping clarify the complexity of retirement planning—for financial professionals and their clients. Through our range of annuity products, financial know-how, history of award-winning service* and streamlined experiences, we strive to reduce the confusion that complicates retirement planning. We take a balanced, long-term approach to responsibly serving all our stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, distribution partners, employees, regulators and community partners. We believe by providing clarity for all today, we can help drive better outcomes for tomorrow. For more information, visit www.jackson.com .
*SQM (Service Quality Measurement Group) Call Center Awards Program for 2004 and 2006-2025. (Criteria used for Call Center World Class FCR Certification is 80% or higher of customers getting their contact resolved on the first call to the call center (FCR) for three consecutive months or more.)
Jackson® is the marketing name for Jackson Financial Inc., Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Home Office: Lansing, Michigan) and Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York® (Home Office: Purchase, New York).
Jackson, its distributors, and their respective representatives do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. Tax laws are complicated and subject to change. Tax results may depend on each taxpayer’s individual set of facts and circumstances. You should rely on your own independent advisors as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein.
This material should be considered educational in nature and does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs, and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any product, security, or investment strategy.
Annuities are issued by Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Home Office: Lansing, Michigan) and in New York by Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York (Home Office: Purchase, New York). Variable annuities are distributed by Jackson National Life Distributors LLC, member FINRA. May not be available in all states, and state variations may apply. These products have limitations and restrictions. Discuss them with your financial professional or contact the Company for more information.
Jackson® is committed to ensuring more Americans in or nearing retirement can benefit from greater clarity and confidence in their financial futures. To better support this important goal, we have partnered with leading academic experts at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College to launch the Jackson Security in Retirement Series. This multiphase research effort will take a comprehensive look at a range of potential threats to financial security with the goal of helping financial professionals and retirement savers more effectively identify and manage them. Jackson is not affiliated with the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.
Products and features may be limited by state availability, and/or your selling firm’s policies and regulatory requirements (including standard of conduct rules).
1 Jackson Financial Inc. is a U.S. holding company and the direct parent of Jackson Holdings LLC (JHLLC). The wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries of JHLLC include Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Brooke Life Insurance Company, PPM America, Inc. and Jackson National Asset Management LLC.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260311678737/en/
Media Contact:
Patrick Rich
mediarelations@jackson.com
FAQ**
How does Jackson Financial Inc. Class A JXN plan to address the anticipated Medicaid cuts that 65% of investors expect, according to the recent survey findings?
In what ways can Jackson Financial Inc. Class A JXN assist investors who have delayed retirement due to policy uncertainty, as highlighted in the research conducted with Boston College?
Given the rising concern among Gen X investors, how is Jackson Financial Inc. Class A JXN adapting its retirement planning strategies to address the unique challenges faced by this generation?
What proactive measures does Jackson Financial Inc. Class A JXN recommend financial professionals adopt to engage clients in discussions about policy changes impacting retirement security?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Jackson Financial Inc. Class A (NYSE: JXN).
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