BlackRock Poll: 30% of Voters Have Zero Retirement Savings, 71% Back Trump Baby Accounts

Nearly one-third of American registered voters—30%—report having no retirement savings whatsoever, according to BlackRock's latest national survey released this month[1][2]. An additional 63% say they have saved less than $150,000 for their post-work years, highlighting widespread financial vulnerability amid rising living costs[1][3]. The poll, which sampled voters across demographics and regions, also found 34% struggle to cover a sudden $500 expense, painting a picture of strained household finances[1]. Against this backdrop, 71% of respondents voiced strong support for 'Trump Accounts,' the president's signature proposal for tax-advantaged, government-backed savings accounts seeded with $1,000 for every newborn[1][2]. Backing transcends political lines, with particular enthusiasm from younger voters eager for policies promoting lifelong wealth accumulation[1]. BlackRock's Nick Nefouse, global head of retirement solutions, spotlighted the plan during a recent Fox Business appearance, tying it to broader efforts to redefine retirement security[3]. The survey aligns with BlackRock's 2025 'Read on Retirement' study, which shows savers' confidence eroding: only 60% feel on track for retirement, down from prior years, with inflation and uncertainty as top concerns[4][5]. Savings rates have slipped to a median 10% this year from 12% in 2022, and just 27% of participants feel financially prepared— a sharp drop from 43% in 2020[5]. Gen Z stands out optimistically, with 76% believing they're on pace, compared to 54% of Gen X and 63% of baby boomers[4]. Support for innovative savings extends further: 65% favor expanding retirement plans to include private market assets like real estate, infrastructure and unlisted companies, reflecting demand for higher-yield options[2]. Three-quarters of savers say digital tools showing retirement progress would prompt them to save more[4]. As BlackRock's 10th annual retirement survey notes, employers now universally acknowledge responsibility for workers' long-term security, with 86% of savers seeking guaranteed income streams[5][6]. Trump's baby bond initiative, first floated during his 2024 campaign and advanced in 2025 budget talks, aims to compound the initial $1,000 deposit over 18 years, potentially yielding tens of thousands tax-free for education, homebuying or retirement[1]. With retirement readiness in crisis—two-thirds fearing they'll outlive their nest eggs—the poll signals momentum for policy shifts targeting Americans from cradle to retirement[1][5].