Investors, Advisers Take Different Approach to Initial Retirement Years

As investors approach retirement, the years leading into and just after they leave the workforce—often called the “Fragile Decade”—are among the most financially vulnerable of their lives. During this time, balancing growth, stability and protection becomes critical. A new survey from the Global Atlantic Financial Group revealed a growing disconnect between what investors value most during this period and where financial professionals are placing their focus.

Global Atlantic surveyed 1,009 individuals between the ages of 55 and 75 with between $250,000 and $2 million in investable assets, all of whom are currently working with financial professionals. At the same time, 514 financial professionals were polled to compare perspectives.

Key insights from the 2025 Global Atlantic Retirement Outlook Survey included growing investor interest in lifetime income, principal protection and mitigating downside risk—priorities that do not always align with the strategies emphasized by their advisers.

The survey identified three core areas of disconnect:

• Stable returns: 88% of investors said they prioritize retirement investments that offer a steady rate of return, compared with just 57% of advisers;
• Principal protection: 86% of investors said they value protecting their initial investment, while only 52% of advisers place the same emphasis; and
• Downside risk: 80% of investors reported wanting to limit exposure to market losses, yet only 55% of financial professionals reported focusing on this.

Even more telling, while 75% of investors say they have discussed protection strategies with their adviser, only 54% feel adequately protected against market downturns.

What Investors Want Most: Income That Lasts

One of the clearest investor priorities is creating a dependable income stream: 65% said that generating lifetime income is a top financial goal, and 56% reported prioritizing protecting assets more than maximizing growth.

Despite this, only 46% of investors have spoken with their adviser about annuities—a solution that offers guaranteed regular payouts and market protection.

The Adviser Opportunity

“The gap between what consumers value and where financial professionals are currently focused presents a powerful opportunity,” said Jason Bickler, co-head of individual markets at Global Atlantic. “Our survey reveals a clear chance for advisers to spend more time listening, asking better questions, and aligning portfolios with what matters most to clients: steady, guaranteed income and long-term security.”

The survey indicated that as market instability continues to challenge retirement strategies, and as more investors enter the Fragile Decade, financial professionals have a timely opportunity to differentiate themselves—by showing deeper understanding.