Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy the wealth you’ve built—but for many Americans, financial security in their golden years is anything but guaranteed. Startling data shows that millions of people are woefully unprepared, with rising debt, insufficient savings, and unrealistic expectations about Social Security.

As traditional retirement plans falter, many investors are turning to gold and other precious metals as a hedge against inflation and economic instability. Here are seven statistics that highlight why you need a diversified investment strategy, and why precious metals should be a key part of your retirement portfolio.

1. 37% of Americans Owe More on Credit Cards Than They Have Saved

More than 90 million U.S. adults carry more credit card debt than retirement savings. With interest rates soaring past 21%, debt is growing faster than savings for many households. This crippling financial burden not only limits current cash flow but also makes it nearly impossible to build a stable retirement nest egg.

Instead of letting inflation eat away at your savings or getting buried in debt, investing in gold and silver offers a tangible way to preserve wealth and hedge against rising costs.

2. 39% of Americans Have No Stock Market Investments

While the stock market historically delivers strong returns, nearly four in ten Americans have zero exposure to equities. Without investments, retirement savings will struggle to outpace inflation, making financial security harder to achieve.

Gold and silver serve as an essential diversification tool to balance risk, offering stability when stocks become volatile. Precious metals have long been a store of value, particularly during economic downturns.

3. 66% of Workers Believe They Are Behind on Retirement Savings

Most Americans feel unprepared for retirement, and they aren’t wrong. The average retirement account balance for Vanguard participants sits at just $134,128, while the median is a shockingly low $35,286—far from enough for a comfortable retirement.

Rather than depending solely on traditional retirement accounts, consider allocating a portion of your savings into gold-backed IRAs to protect your wealth from economic fluctuations and ensure financial security.

4. Social Security Pays Just $24,000 Per Year

Many Americans assume Social Security will cover their retirement expenses, but the reality is starkly different. The average Social Security benefit in 2025 is just $1,976 per month, or $23,712 per year—far below what’s needed for a comfortable lifestyle.

Since Social Security was never meant to be the sole source of retirement income, securing alternative investments like gold is crucial. Gold’s intrinsic value ensures long-term stability, even as government benefits become less reliable.

5. 48% of Workers Haven’t Set a Retirement Savings Goal

Close to half of all workers don’t even have a retirement savings target. Without a plan, financial uncertainty is inevitable.

A well-balanced retirement strategy should include gold and silver investments as a hedge against inflation and economic downturns. Precious metals have consistently retained value over centuries and offer a safe haven during market turbulence.

6. 40% of People Have No One to Turn to for Retirement Advice

Retirement planning is complex, yet nearly half of Americans have no financial advisor or expert guidance. Without a strategy, many fail to maximize their savings or diversify investments effectively.

Consulting with a precious metals specialist can provide critical insights into how gold and silver can fortify your retirement portfolio and offer protection against economic uncertainty.

7. 48% of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck

Nearly half of U.S. households struggle to cover basic expenses, leaving little room for retirement savings. With inflation driving up costs, the ability to build wealth is getting harder.

Gold offers a unique advantage: it retains its purchasing power over time and serves as a hedge against economic instability. As inflation eats away at traditional savings, gold and silver investments provide long-term security.

Take Control of Your Retirement—Invest in Precious Metals Today

With Social Security underfunded, market volatility increasing, and inflation rising, relying on traditional retirement savings alone is risky. Gold and silver provide a proven safeguard that can help secure your financial future.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact GoldenCrest Metals today to speak with a specialist about how precious metals investing can protect your wealth and ensure a secure retirement.

Source:

https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/7-scary-stats-rethink-retirement-123000671.html