Americans Automate Spending as Retirement Falls Out of Reach, Finds PensionBee

NEW YORK, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While 45% of Americans say they don’t have enough disposable income to save for retirement, 90% pay for at least one monthly subscription, according to PensionBee.

The nationally representative survey of 1,000 Americans reveals a stark disconnect in how Americans interact with financial automation. While most have fully embraced automatic spending, wealth building largely remains a manual process.

Key findings include:

• While the majority of Americans automate expenses like bills (60%) or debt payments (39%), a much smaller number automate wealth-building moves, like automatic transfers to an investment account (11%) or retirement account (24%).
• PensionBee found that while 45% of Americans say that they don’t have enough disposable income to save for retirement, 90% pay for at least one monthly subscription.
• Redirecting just $17 a month in unused subscriptions could leave you with $25,000 by retirement.
  
  

"We have outsourced a fair chunk of our spending to algorithms," said Romi Savova, CEO of PensionBee. "The vast majority of households have no trouble maintaining streaming subscriptions, but nearly half say they lack extra cash to put toward their retirement. As convenient as subscription services are, it’s crucial to balance their present value against future security.”

PensionBee found that while one in three (33%) of Americans manage more than six subscriptions, one in four (25%) don't know how many they have, raising the odds of unwanted monthly charges. Relentless price hikes don’t just leave customers frustrated, but make it harder to stay on top of spending.

A 2025 CNET survey found that of the average $1,080 spent annually on subscriptions, $205 goes unused, roughly $17 monthly. PensionBee modeled what redirecting that amount to retirement could achieve, finding that over 35 years, it could grow to $25,000, representing a quarter of the median U.S. household's current nest egg of $87,000.

"Shifting these costs toward a retirement contribution is an easy way to boost wealth without feeling the pinch," added Savova. "Think of it as money already spent, and it could go a long way towards unlocking future wealth."

PensionBee recommends:

• Cancel and contribute: Redirect any unused subscriptions into a 401(k) or IRA. The compounded sum will likely be more valuable than an extra $10 or $20 this month.
• Consolidate the "orphans": There is 1.8T in lost retirement wealth. Finding and consolidating left-behind 401(k)s can minimize risks and ensure accounts are properly invested.
• Monthly check-up: Include subscriptions in a monthly round-up of your financial picture.
• Automate where possible: Auto-contributions will shift a small sum toward retirement each month, even when you forget. Auto-escalation will marginally raise your retirement savings rate every year without you feeling the pinch.
  
  

About PensionBee

PensionBee (LON:PBEE; OTCQX:PBNYF) is a leading retirement savings provider, helping people easily consolidate, manage, and take control of their retirement savings. The company manages $10 billion in assets and serves over 300,000 customers globally, with a focus on simplicity, transparency, and accessibility. PensionBee offers Traditional, Roth, SEP, and Safe Harbor IRAs with ETF-backed portfolios that include SPY and MDY from State Street Investment Management, one of the world’s largest asset managers. PensionBee is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (PBEE) with U.S. shares available on OTCQX (PBNYF).

Notes

The information provided in this announcement, including any projections for investment returns and future performance, is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. PensionBee is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information. Projections and forecasts are based on assumptions and current market conditions, which are subject to change.

Media Contact:
Adela McVicar
SR PR Manager, PensionBee
adela.mcvicar@pensionbee.com

^{PensionBee Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. We do not provide in-person advice. PensionBee Inc (Delaware Registration Number SR20241105406 ) is located on 85 Broad Street, New York, New York, 10004.}

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