A growing body of data shows that many Americans stop working before they intend to, creating financial strain for those who have not saved enough for retirement. The Employee Benefit Research Institute found that nearly half of retirees leave the workforce earlier than planned, often because of health problems, layoffs or caregiving responsibilities. In January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 57.3 percent of long‑tenured displaced workers aged 55 to 64 had found new jobs, while only 38.6 percent of those 65 and older had done so. For older workers with modest savings, the loss of income can be especially damaging. David Kassir, chief executive and fiduciary wealth adviser at Manna Wealth Management, said that extending employment is a hope rather than a reliable funding plan. He warned that additional years of work may bring higher withdrawal rates from retirement accounts and costly health‑insurance premiums before Medicare eligibility begins. Financial planners suggest several steps for those who are forced out of the labor market. First, workers should avoid claiming Social Security benefits immediately, because doing so at age 62 can reduce monthly payments by as much as 30 percent compared with waiting until full retirement age. Second, those who are laid off may qualify for state unemployment benefits, which can provide temporary cash flow without depleting savings. Third, loss of employer‑sponsored health coverage can trigger a special enrollment period on the Affordable Care Act marketplace, where subsidies or Medicaid may be available; COBRA remains an option, though it can be expensive. Fourth, workers whose health prevents continued employment may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, which generally pays a benefit based on the full retirement amount. Finally, re‑entering the workforce in a part‑time, consulting or lower‑paying role can generate modest income and buy time for longer‑term decisions. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that about 369,000 workers who were re‑employed by January earned at least 20 percent less than in their previous jobs. While these strategies do not fully replace lost earnings, they can help preserve whatever financial flexibility remains for individuals facing an unexpected early retirement.