Data & Research August 22, 2011

Americans Prioritize Having Enough for Retirement

Almost half of American adults say the financial goal that is most important to them is having enough money for retirement.
Reported by

A new survey from the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) finds 47% of U.S. adults ages 18 and older say having enough money for retirement is their top financial priority, compared to just 17% who say homeownership is their top financial goal. 

In thinking about their own financial situations, 57% say they are achieving the American Dream. A majority of adults (70%) agree that a significant obstacle to achieving the American Dream is their inability to save enough, and 54% agree that managing their debt is a significant barrier.

Never miss a story — sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters to keep up on the latest retirement plan adviser news.

“Homeownership has been a traditional indication of achieving the American Dream,” said Ted Beck, president and CEO of NEFE. “But whether it’s due to the decline in the housing market or because of challenges experienced during the economic downturn, people grasp the importance of planning for the future and seem to be having a shift in their approach — from physical to more financial security-based values.”

The survey was conducted among 2,257 U.S. adults ages 18 and older June 28-30, 2011.
 

Products August 22, 2011

Judy Diamond Releases 2010 5500

Judy Diamond Associates, publisher of employee benefits industry prospecting tools and plan data, announced the delivery of 2010 plan year data.
Reported by

The Form 5500 data from more than 33,000 health and welfare plans are now available in Judy Diamond Associates analytical tools. These tools include the American Directory of Group Insurance and The Directory of Self-Funded Group Plans.   

The company said the next batch of 2010 data is expected to be available for analysis in Judy Diamond Associates products in September, after they are released by the government. There were approximately 82,000 plan documents in 2009, the most recent year for which data from all companies is available. 

For more stories like this, sign up for the PLANADVISERdash daily newsletter.

The information includes the complete plan disclosure documents from:

  • 22 different types of plans, such as health, life, dental and disability 
  • 40% of the total number of plans anticipated for 2010 
  • 31,000 plans that will be up for renewal in the next six months.

In addition to delivering additional plan data in the coming months, as it becomes available, Judy Diamond Associates will publish the 2011 update to its directory of employers’ HR, benefits and finance managers, and directors. 

The firm’s pension/retirement and health/welfare prospecting tools provide:

  • Phone numbers, e-mails, and mailing addresses for plan decision makers 
  • Contact information and visibility into brokers’ books of business 
  • Information about employer’s current plans 
  • Plan analysis tools. 
     

«