More than half of American workers are planning to work during retirement. That’s according to a recent study published by the nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. Nearly 6,000 people responded to the survey.
The study found that 55% of those surveyed think they will need to remain in the workforce after reaching their retirement years. This includes 20% who plan to keep working full-time, while 15% say a paycheck will be their only means of retirement income. These concerns over retirement income reach across generations, with more than half of Generation Zers, 56% of millennials, 54% of Gen Xers, and 55% of baby boomers stating they will need to earn a paycheck after the age of 65.
Shrinking Retirement Confidence
A separate survey, conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, reveals that retirement confidence has dropped by the largest margin since the Great Recession. Among those who took the EBRI study, only 64% are at least somewhat confident that they will have enough money to retire. This is down from 73% last year.
Factors behind the drop in confidence and the need to remain in the workforce include:
- Healthy aging (80%)
- Financial Reasons (78%)
- Social Security will be less than expected (33%)
- Can’t afford to retire (31%)
- Need health benefits (27%)
Many of these concerns are fueled by rising costs of living and an unpredictable stock market.
Contingency Plans
How realistic are people’s plans to keep working during their golden years? Even part-time workers are going to encounter obstacles as they get older. Failing health, lack of training, and employers who are not age-friendly, or unwilling to offer a flexible schedule are all barriers to steady employment. So, what other options do retirees have? Previous studies have shown that, aside from working, many plan to rely on friends, family, or even community/church groups for assistance.
While these backup plans might offer some support, a comfortable retirement requires comprehensive planning. A strategy that accounts for an unsteady economy is the best way to prevent one from outliving their income.
Overcoming Uncertainty
In response to the tumultuous economy we’ve seen over the last few years, IAMS has compiled a collection of materials designed to address the decline in retirement confidence. The IAMS Market Volatility Survival Kit comes with resources for those clients who want to preserve their portfolios during the toughest of times.
The kit includes:
- Our top bonus and accumulation FIA options to recoup market losses
- Point of sale pieces to prompt prospects to take action
- Details on our Smooth Sailing sales strategy
- Prospecting pieces and more
Click below to request the IAMS Market Volatility Survival Kit
