New survey findings from Allspring suggest retirement confidence is slipping—particularly among near-retirees and certain demographic groups—highlighting how fragile “feeling ready” can be when markets, inflation, and life expectancy all remain uncertain. The study points to practical planning gaps that often show up late: unrealistic withdrawal expectations, misunderstandings about when to claim Social Security, and uncertainty about how to coordinate accounts for income. For retirees, these aren’t academic issues; they determine whether a plan stays consistent year-to-year. The central lesson is coordination: align withdrawal expectations with real spending needs, understand timing decisions that can permanently affect income, and build a structure that can adapt across decades.