Nashville, Tenn. – Alto, a self-directed IRA platform specializing in private markets and alternative assets, has released its proprietary research report, “Tomorrow’s Retirement Is Here: Why Alternatives Are No Longer Optional,” which examines key retirement savings trends among American investors.The report, based on a survey of 1,000 investors across multiple generations conducted in July 2025, reveals a shift in investor sentiment and behavior regarding retirement planning. Eric Satz, Founder and CEO of Alto, stated that the current investing strategies no longer align with how individuals are planning for retirement. He emphasized the industry’s responsibility to provide investors with more choices, flexibility, and tools to manage their financial futures, noting that the study identifies knowledge gaps as a significant barrier.Key findings from the report include:Investor confidence in the stock market for retirement support is low, with only 12% expressing high confidence.Many investors, particularly Gen X, require new avenues to accelerate savings. Gen X, the generation closest to retirement age after Boomers, reported a median retirement savings of $82,000.Existing investors in alternative assets plan to increase their allocations. Two-thirds of surveyed investors currently allocate funds to private markets and alternative assets, with 82% planning to raise their allocations within the next six months.Education and access remain critical barriers. While seasoned investors intend to increase their alternative allocations, 83% of those not currently invested may lack guidance, citing a need for more information. Nearly half (47%) of investors are unaware of the alternative investment options available to them.Many Americans are not leveraging diversified savings options. Over 60% of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z do not utilize IRAs for retirement savings, relying primarily on 401(k)s and potentially missing diversification opportunities.Low engagement with financial advisors may contribute to under-diversified portfolios. The report found that 76% of Millennials and 70% of Gen X do not work with a financial advisor, compared to 43% of Boomers who do. Additionally, while 28% of Gen Z reported working with a financial advisor, a higher percentage (34%) indicated receiving financial advice from platforms like TikTok.Scott Harrigan, President of Alto, commented that the data indicates a clear shift toward a more diversified, technology-driven retirement landscape shaped by individual investors. He added that platforms such as Alto offer investors opportunities to personalize their retirement strategies for resilience, flexibility, and alignment with personal goals.Alto’s self-directed IRA platform is designed to allow individuals to diversify beyond public markets by accessing assets such as private equity, venture capital, cryptocurrency, and real estate. The platform enables investors to use their retirement assets for tax-advantaged investment options, aiming to reduce traditional barriers to alternative investment opportunities. Alto currently serves as the IRA custodian for over $1.7 billion in assets, supporting 30,000 self-directed IRA investors and more than 2,500 issuers who have raised capital on the platform.The full report is available on Alto’s website for a detailed breakdown of findings across generations.