BlackRock Survey Highlights Rising Demand for Guaranteed Retirement Income

Savers Want Income Certainty—But Many Aren’t Ready 

The latest 2025 Read on Retirement® survey from BlackRock, Inc. reveals a powerful trend: 93% of savers say they’re interested in products that provide a steady income in retirement. Yet only 38% of plan sponsors believe the majority of their employees are actually on track for a secure retirement. 

That disconnect underscores a growing divide between what individuals want—financial certainty—and what the retirement system currently delivers. While many savers are confident, employers and recordkeepers see a more sobering picture of underfunded futures. 

The Confidence Gap in Retirement Readiness 

This year’s data shows that saver optimism may be outpacing reality. Many participants assume their balances will be enough to sustain retirement, without fully accounting for longevity risk, inflation, or sequence-of-returns exposure. Plan sponsors, by contrast, have access to the analytics that reveal how few employees are likely to replace adequate income levels. 

This “confidence–readiness gap” has major implications for advisors. It means clients may feel secure but are unprepared for the practical challenges of turning assets into lifetime income. 

Turning Interest Into Action 

For advisors, the takeaway is clear: the conversation is shifting from how much you’ve saved to how you’ll spend it. Clients already recognize the value of guaranteed income—predictability, stability, and peace of mind. The next step is helping them translate that interest into an actionable strategy. 

That might include modeling how much of their portfolio should be dedicated to income generation, identifying the right balance between flexibility and guarantees, or exploring options both within and outside employer plans. Even if a client’s 401(k) doesn’t yet include an in-plan annuity or lifetime income option, advisors can show how similar outcomes can be achieved through diversified income planning. 

A Moment for Advisor Leadership 

As employers, recordkeepers, and asset managers expand their lifetime income offerings, advisors are uniquely positioned to lead the conversation. Savers want guidance that feels personal and grounded in real numbers—not marketing slogans. By reframing discussions around sustainable income rather than portfolio size, advisors can help clients close the gap between aspiration and readiness. 

Takeaways 

• Strong demand: 93% of savers express interest in guaranteed income products, according to BlackRock’s 2025 Read on Retirement® survey. 

• Readiness gap: Only 38% of plan sponsors believe employees are on track for retirement, highlighting a disconnect between confidence and preparedness. 

• Advisor role: Help clients move from interest to implementation by modeling income needs and exploring guaranteed income strategies both in and out of plan.