How to right your retirement savings after coronavirus setbacks Updated Feb 06, 2021; This article provides information and education for investors. NerdWallet does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. The COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown upended our lives on multiple fronts. While enduring widespread unemployment and the economic downturn, many Americans leaned on their retirement accounts to help make ends meet. If you experienced retirement savings setbacks, consider using these strategies to refill your retirement bucket in 2021 and beyond. Reassess your situation “If you had to take a 401(k) loan or withdrawal, empty an IRA out or dig into your Roth, don’t worry, there are ways you can get back on track without it greatly affecting your retirement goals,” says Cameron Burskey, managing director of retirement security at Cornerstone Financial Services in Southfield, Michigan.