Some of the loudest voices in media and business have recently declared that retirement is overrated, unnecessary, or even foolish. But here's the thing: most Americans aren't buying it. Despite mounting financial pressures, retirement remains a cherished milestone that people are working hard to reach.

The Anti-Retirement Brigade

Real estate mogul Grant Cardone, now 67, posted on X last year that he'll never retire. His reasoning? He loves work, craves purpose, and thrives under pressure. "Work gives me a sense of purpose and contribution," he wrote. "I do better when there are challenges to be resolved by some time. I like 'can we do it?'"

Podcast host Ben Shapiro takes it further, calling retirement outright "a stupid idea" during a 2024 episode of "The Ben Shapiro Show." He argues that healthy Americans shouldn't retire at 65, claiming they need purpose more than rest. "If you are mentally and physically healthy, taxpayers should not pay you to retire at 65," he doubled down on X. "When Social Security was created, life expectancy was 64. Today, it's 78."

These perspectives sound compelling, especially coming from successful people who genuinely love what they do. But the data tells a different story about what most Americans actually want.

What the Numbers Actually Show

According to a 2024 survey by Wealth Enhancement Group, 77% of U.S. adults said they felt happy or grateful when thinking about retirement. That's not ambivalence. That's enthusiasm.

Even more telling: among those already retired, 90% said they didn't regret the decision. A third even said retirement had been better than they expected. These aren't people languishing without purpose. They're people who planned for this transition and are enjoying it.

But getting there has become significantly harder. Over half of non-retired Americans said inflation had delayed their plans by at least eight years. About 80% weren't confident they would have enough money saved to retire comfortably. That's a sobering reality check.

Confidence levels vary dramatically by generation. Millennials lead with optimism: 37% believe they're on track, and 5% say they've already hit their retirement goals. Gen Xers struggle the most, with 25% admitting they haven't even set any retirement goals yet.

What People Actually Want From Retirement

Despite the financial obstacles, Americans aren't abandoning the dream. They're budgeting more carefully, increasing savings, and adjusting expectations. Those who've successfully retired are now prioritizing travel, hobbies, philanthropy, estate planning, and long-term care.

What do Americans want most from retirement? Time. Travel and relaxation top the list for Gen Z and Gen X. Millennials prioritize family time. Boomers just want to rest. These are reasonable desires that don't require apologizing for.

For couples nearing retirement, especially those over 50 with $100,000 or more in investable assets, personalized financial guidance can bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. Tools like WiserAdvisor connect users with vetted fiduciary financial advisors who can build tax-smart retirement drawdown plans, optimize Social Security, and ensure assets are protected for spouses or heirs.

Wealth Enhancement Group Portfolio Consulting Director Ayako Yoshioka captured the essential approach: "When considering your golden years, a good plan centers on what you want out of life. First comes the vision, then come the numbers."

That's the real debate here. Not whether retirement is smart or stupid, but whether we're building lives that give us the freedom to choose what matters most when we're older. For most Americans, that choice still includes the possibility of slowing down.