Americans are contributing to their retirement accounts at encouraging rates, but our latest research shows that strong saving habits are not the same as having a plan.
Many research reports, including Alto’s July 2025 research on how private markets play into retirement savings, point to declining confidence in traditional public market strategies and a growing interest in alternative investment options. These shifts may be contributing to the uncertainty many savers feel as they try to move from routine contributions to a clear long-term strategy. As interest in private markets expands, many investors still lack the education and tools needed to align their savings with their goals. This gap between evolving investor expectations and everyday saving habits highlights the need for more accessible guidance and modern investing solutions.
Although most people make regular contributions to a 401(k) or IRA, nearly 90 million Americans do not know how much they will need in retirement or how to calculate it. Many underestimate the true cost of retirement and default to a narrow mix of stocks and bonds, even as alternative investments become a larger part of modern portfolio construction. With fewer than one in four investors holding any alternative assets in their retirement accounts, most are missing opportunities to strengthen their long-term planning.
Our research shows that with better education and streamlined access to private market opportunities through self-directed IRAs, more savers can move from automated investing to intentional, goal-oriented planning. A more diversified approach can help investors build portfolios that reflect their time horizon, risk tolerance and long-term financial goals.
Key insights from the report
- Why strong saving habits do not automatically translate into effective retirement planning
- The growing disconnect between investor confidence in public markets and the need for more diversified retirement strategies
- The diversification gap that leaves many retirement portfolios too dependent on traditional assets
- How self-directed IRAs expand access to private market investments and long-term growth opportunities
- Practical steps to help savers move from contributing to planning and ongoing portfolio optimization
Who should read this research
This report is for readers who want a clearer understanding of how Americans are preparing for retirement and how expanding interest in private markets is influencing modern portfolio design. It is especially useful for investors reassessing their current approach and considering how self-directed IRAs can support long-term goals through broader diversification. Investors looking to build a more modern, resilient retirement strategy will find meaningful, actionable insights here.
