Why Black clients save less for retirement, and how advisers can fix it

Published 6 Min Read

For many Black Americans, even high-paying jobs aren’t enough to close the retirement savings gap with non-Black counterparts, a new study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found.

The study, based on the institute’s annual retirement confidence survey, oversampled Black Americans this year to take a closer look at the challenges they face as they prepare for retirement. In total, researchers surveyed 520 Black workers and 481 Black retirees. Their findings reflect what some advisers describe as a “hangover” from historical and systemic barriers.

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
Former Data Reporter

Elijah returned to Financial Planning in 2025 after working as a summer intern with FP in 2023. He earned an undergraduate degree from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and a master's degree in data … Read full bio


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