An important report reveals that many Americans feel unprepared for retirement — a reality that personal finance author Tony Robbins considers urgent.
Robbins believes the path toward catching up on tools such as 401(k) savings and IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) begins with an essential but often-overlooked move: taking ownership of one’s financial future.
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While nearly 88% of working Americans foresee Social Security playing at least a partial role in funding their retirement, the typical monthly benefit of around $2,000 is unlikely to support the lifestyle most retirees envision. That gap pushes many to count on alternative streams of retirement income.
A significant portion of workers plan to rely on other sources: 84% anticipate using workplace-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s, 77% expect to lean on personal savings and investments, and 68% look to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) as additional lifelines, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
This diversified approach is crucial, as depending solely on Social Security will not suffice, Robbins notes.
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Robbins emphasizes his view that it’s time to stop sidestepping the facts. Many have yet to take that first serious step — building a solid savings and investment strategy.
As retirement looms, especially for those still trying to catch up, swift and deliberate planning becomes essential.
Personal finance author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins is pictured. Robbins has a blunt warning for Americans about Social Security and preparing for retirement.
Tony Robbins stresses key facts on Social Security and retirement
Robbins is vocal about the risks of depending too heavily on Social Security for retirement.
In his view, it’s a grave misstep to assume those benefits will be enough to sustain most people in their later years — especially with longer life expectancies stretching the cost of retirement well beyond previous generations’ norms.
According to Robbins, Social Security was never meant to serve as the sole financial foundation for retirement. He says Americans must confront this reality and shake off any passive approach to retirement planning.
For him, the wake-up call begins with facing the numbers — doing some straightforward calculations to understand exactly where one stands financially and how far there is to go.
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Rather than wait for a crisis to force action, Robbins champions a proactive approach.
He argues that the ability to plan ahead and anticipate one’s financial needs is what separates those who thrive in retirement from those who struggle.
“You can … work toward the ultimate retirement dream: achieving complete financial freedom to do whatever you want with no fear of running out of money,” Robbins wrote.
In his eyes, financial confidence begins with clarity: Knowing the precise amount needed to retire comfortably is a non-negotiable first step in any serious plan.
His core message? Stop avoiding the truth, engage with the math, and take charge before time runs out.
Related: Tony Robbins sends strong message to Americans on 401(k)s
Tony Robbins offers a formula to reduce Social Security dependency
To reduce reliance on Social Security, Robbins encourages people to approach retirement planning with clear-eyed realism and ambition. He believes that too many individuals make the mistake of planning around their income rather than their actual spending habits.
For Robbins, knowing what you spend — especially if it’s more than you earn — is the true foundation for estimating how much you’ll need once work life ends.
He stresses the importance of tracking annual expenses, not just to build awareness but to identify areas where spending can be reined in. Developing this habit now not only sharpens financial discipline but also frees up more resources for long-term savings.
Once you’ve got a solid handle on your typical yearly spending, Robbins recommends multiplying that figure by 20 — a rough estimate for the number of years one might reasonably expect to live in retirement, given increasing life spans.
He advises being cautious and realistic with assumptions, preferring conservative projections over overly optimistic ones.
While this formula provides a baseline, Robbins knows many retirees dream of more than simply maintaining their current lifestyle.
Whether it’s globe-trotting, a luxury home upgrade, or new adventures, he urges people to run the numbers on their aspirational retirement too. Use the same framework, then apply it to the lifestyle you actually want — not just the one you have.
Ultimately, Robbins challenges people to think beyond survival and aim for fulfillment. He believes retirement planning should inspire you to ask not only what you’ll need — but what you truly desire.