Nearly 1 in 4 middle-class Americans haven’t saved a dime for retirement, and the reasons why reveal deeper financial stress. Low Income Is Blocking Retirement SavingsAlmost half (45%) of middle-class Americans said that they do not make enough money to save for retirement. “Those who don’t contribute enough to get the full match are essentially leaving free money on the table.”Consider annuities: “Annuities, especially Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs), are flexible, risk-protected vehicles for retirement planning,” he said. “Ultimately, balancing urgent financial needs with retirement planning requires a mindset shift — viewing retirement not as a distant milestone, but as a series of small, manageable steps that begin today,” Williams said. He recommends a tactical approach to finances that addresses immediate needs while still building toward future goals: