Is Gen X More Anxious About Retirement Than Boomers?

Retirement used to be a race to the finish line, but now it feels like a moving target.

For Boomers, it often felt stable, guided by clear financial rules and expectations.

But for Gen X, it can feel like shifting sand.

It’s not because they’ve failed.

But because the rules have changed.

That’s why Gen X clients are starting to come to us feeling anxious about uncertainty.

For Boomers, the big question was, “Will I have enough?”

But for Gen X, the question has shifted to, “Am I already behind?”

This reflects a deeper emotional change driven by a more complex financial reality.

Many Gen Xers are still carrying debt while raising kids, helping aging parents, and trying to plan for a future that feels more expensive and uncertain by the day.

Add in the loss of company pensions and the responsibility of self-directed investing, and it’s no wonder the stress is so high.

Both Boomers and Gen Xers want to feel secure in their retirement plans but the paths to security have diverged.

For Boomers, the focus was often on building enough wealth to retire comfortably.

For Gen X, it’s about juggling competing priorities like raising kids, keeping up with rising education costs and taking care of their parents. 

But both are dealing with the stress of navigating an unpredictable system. 

So what do both Gen X and Boomers want from a financial plan?

They want permission to live well without sabotaging their future.

So at our office we don’t just run the numbers.

We help people reframe what retirement means for them and cater everything around their vision.

Because a financial plan is not just about predicting returns or tracking expenses. 

It’s about answering deeper questions such as:

• What kind of life do I want to live?

• What does “enough” really look like for me?

• How do I manage risk without living in fear?

The truth is, Gen Xers and Boomers may be better off than they think.

But they don’t feel that way, because they are unaware of their overall financial position

That disconnect is real, and it’s worth addressing.

So if you’re a Gen Xer feeling uneasy about the road ahead, or a Boomer looking to refine your plan, know this: 

You’re not doing it wrong.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a plan that matches your reality, we’re here to help by answering any questions you might have.

Sign up for our next in-person retirement seminar on Aug 12th 2025 below:

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David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, and guest author do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Clients are advised to seek advice regarding their particular circumstances from their personal tax and legal advisors. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc