Historically, various studies and surveys have indicated that a significant portion of Americans have inadequate retirement savings or no retirement funds at all. This issue is often attributed to several factors, including low wages, high levels of debt, lack of access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, and insufficient financial literacy. One commonly referenced survey is the Annual Retirement Confidence Survey conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald & Associates. The survey has consistently shown that a substantial number of Americans have little to no retirement savings. According to the 2021 survey, around 48% of American workers reported having less than $25,000 in retirement savings, excluding their primary residence or defined benefit plans. Another factor contributing to the retirement savings gap is the decline in employer-sponsored pension plans, such as traditional defined benefit plans, which guarantee a specific income during retirement. Many employers have shifted towards defined contribution plans, like 401(k) plans, where employees are responsible for making their own contributions and managing investments. This places the onus on individuals to save and invest adequately for their retirement, which can be challenging for those with limited financial resources or financial knowledge. Moreover, socioeconomic disparities play a role in retirement savings. Low-income workers, minorities, and individuals with less formal education tend to be more vulnerable to the lack of retirement funds due to limited access to workplace retirement plans, lower wages, and fewer opportunities for saving and investing. To address these concerns, there have been ongoing discussions and proposals to expand access to retirement savings options, such as improving and expanding employer-sponsored plans, implementing automatic enrollment programs, and enhancing financial education initiatives. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to start saving for retirement early, explore individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and seek professional financial advice to develop personalized retirement strategies. Please keep in mind that the current state of retirement funds for Americans may have evolved since my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It's always recommended to consult the latest studies and reports for the most accurate and up-to-date information.