Alto, a self-directed IRA platform specializing in private markets and alternative assets, has released its proprietary research report titled ‘Tomorrow’s Retirement Is Here: Why Alternatives Are No Longer Optional.’ The report examines key retirement savings trends within the United States.
The study, which surveyed 1,000 investors across generations in July 2025, highlights a notable shift in investor sentiment and behavior. A key finding indicates that only 12% of investors express high confidence that the stock market will adequately support their retirement. This declining confidence is prompting many investors to consider alternative assets.
According to the report, investors are seeking additional avenues to accelerate their savings. For instance, Gen X, the generation closest to retirement age after Boomers, reported a median retirement savings of only $82,000. Furthermore, two-thirds of the surveyed investors currently allocate funds to private markets and alternative assets, with a substantial 82% planning to increase these allocations within the next six months.
The research also points to significant gaps in education and access concerning alternative investments. While seasoned investors are poised to increase their alternative allocations, 83% of those not currently invested in these assets may lack essential guidance. Nearly half (47%) of investors indicated they are unaware of the alternative options available to them, underscoring a need for more targeted resources.
Concerning diversified savings, the report found that over 60% of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z do not utilize IRAs for retirement savings, differing from Boomers who frequently do. This reliance primarily on 401(k)s may result in missed opportunities for broader diversification. The study also noted low engagement with financial advisors among younger generations, with 76% of Millennials and 70% of Gen X not working with an advisor, compared to 43% of Boomers who do. Additionally, 34% of Gen Z reported obtaining financial advice from TikTok, a higher percentage than those working with a financial advisor (28%).
Eric Satz, Founder and CEO of Alto, stated, “The investing playbook no longer fits the way we are planning for retirement. As an industry, we have a responsibility to evolve to empower investors with greater choice, more flexibility, and the tools to take control of their financial futures. This study highlights how knowledge gaps are still holding people back, and we hope it serves as a call to action to reimagine what retirement can look like – modern, inclusive, and built around the investor.”
Scott Harrigan, President of Alto, added, “The data shows a clear shift: the future of retirement is becoming more diversified, technology-driven, and shaped by individual investors. With investor-friendly platforms like Alto, today’s investors have more opportunity to personalize their retirement strategies in ways that are resilient, flexible, and aligned with their goals.”
Alto, based in Nashville, Tennessee, serves as an IRA custodian for over $1.7 billion in assets, supporting 30,000 self-directed IRA investors and more than 2,500 issuers. Its platform aims to simplify access to alternative investments such as private equity, venture capital, cryptocurrency, and real estate, enabling investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with tax-advantaged options.
