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

Rhea-AI Summary

PensionBee (PBNYF) published a nationwide survey (1,000 adults) showing Americans automate spending far more than saving: 60% automate bills, 39% automate debt, but only 24% automate retirement contributions and 11% automate transfers to investment accounts.

PensionBee models that redirecting $17/month from unused subscriptions could grow to $25,000 over 35 years, about 25% of the median U.S. household nest egg of $87,000. The release highlights subscription overhang, 33% managing >6 subscriptions, 25% not knowing their subscription count, and recommends cancelling unused services, consolidating lost 401(k)s, and using auto-contributions.

Positive

• Survey of 1,000 Americans shows clear automation habits
• Modeling indicates $17/month could grow to $25,000 in 35 years
• 33% of Americans manage more than six subscriptions
• Recommendations include auto-contributions and 401(k) consolidation

Negative

• 45% report insufficient disposable income to save for retirement
• Only 24% automate retirement contributions
• Only 11% automate transfers to investment accounts
• $1.8T estimated in lost retirement wealth

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.}

FAQ

What did PensionBee's February 9, 2026 survey find about automation and savings (PBNYF)?

Most Americans automate spending but not saving: 60% automate bills, 39% automate debt, while only 24% automate retirement contributions. According to PensionBee, the survey of 1,000 adults shows a large gap between automated expenses and automated wealth-building moves.

How could redirecting unused subscriptions affect retirement savings for PBNYF investors?

Redirecting $17 per month could grow to $25,000 over 35 years. According to PensionBee, that modeled outcome equals about one quarter of the median household nest egg of $87,000 and illustrates the impact of small, consistent contributions.

What subscription habits did PensionBee report on February 9, 2026 for PBNYF?

One in three Americans manage more than six subscriptions and 25% don't know their count. According to PensionBee, subscription overload and unused services raise the odds of unwanted charges and reduce funds available for saving.

What practical steps does PensionBee recommend to boost retirement savings (PBNYF)?

PensionBee recommends cancelling unused subscriptions, consolidating lost 401(k)s, and automating contributions and auto-escalation. According to PensionBee, these steps aim to convert small monthly savings into meaningful long-term retirement growth without large immediate sacrifices.

How widespread is the claim that Americans lack disposable income for retirement according to PensionBee (PBNYF)?

PensionBee reports 45% of Americans say they don't have enough disposable income to save for retirement. According to PensionBee, this self-reported constraint coexists with 90% paying for at least one monthly subscription, highlighting a behavioral mismatch.