Workers in AB Retirement Confidence Survey Cite Desire for Income

Nearly half of workers feel confident about their retirement prospects, an AllianceBernstein survey found.

Forty-seven percent of U.S. workers are confident about their retirement prospects, up from 32% last year, an AllianceBernstein survey found. This level of confidence is at a 10-year high, the investment management firm says. In addition, 67% of workers reported feeling confident about making investment decisions, up from 53% in 2017.

Workers’ top retirement goal is a steady income, cited by 56%. Forty-six percent said they will prioritize their retirement plan savings to live comfortably.

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“Plan participants want longer-lasting savings, and a steady income stream in retirement,” says Jennifer DeLong, head of defined contribution at AllianceBernstein. “Unfortunately, not enough U.S. workers know how to save wisely, early and continuously. While many defined contribution plans have adopted automatic enrollment in conjunction with a qualified default investment alternative, fewer include automatic escalation of savings rates starting at high enough levels. Additionally, more plans should consider offering a lifetime income solution. We believe these are key factors that could significantly improve plan participants’ retirement outcomes.”

The survey also found that 20% of workers either plan to work part-time in retirement or delay their retirement, and 17% either said they have not thought about retirement or never plan to retire. More than 90% are concerned about Medicare and Social Security, and 66% said these programs are very important.

More than 70% of retirees said their lifestyle is in line with or better than their expectations. Sixty-four percent of retirees said their standard of living has stayed the same or improved. Seventy-five percent are satisfied with their financial status, and 50% said that after paying their bills each month, they have money left over for leisure activities. Twenty-three percent of retirees said they are very comfortable. However, 33% said they are dissatisfied with their life or finances in retirement.

Ninety percent of plan participants think the investments offered in their retirement plan should align with their core ethical values. Seventy-one percent said that if they were offered socially responsible investment choices, they would select them. Fifty percent said they volunteer in their communities, and 80% donate money to charities.

Should a significant market downturn occur, 47% said they would monitor the situation but take no immediate action. However, 24% said they would move their money to different investments, and 47% said they would become more conservative investors.

Forty-nine percent said they would like retirement income certainty, and 94% said they would keep all or at least some of their money in a target-date fund that guaranteed an income stream for life.

Individuals Have Concerns About a Lengthy Retirement

A survey of more than 500 Americans age 55 and older finds the top concern about a lengthy retirement is health care costs and the most significant investment and retirement issue is a desire to maximize retirement income.

Increased life expectancy among Americans—which currently stands at 76 years for men and 81 for women—has extended the average retirement period to 18 years, and it highlights the need for individuals to have a comprehensive plan for saving and investing, according to BMO Wealth Management U.S.

A survey of more than 500 Americans age 55 and older finds top concerns about a lengthy retirement are health care costs and quality of life (46%), being a burden on family members (45%), and running out of money during retirement (44%). Respondents identified their most significant investment and retirement issues as a desire to maximize retirement income (22%), fear of outliving their savings in retirement (21%), and the impact of long-term care costs on personal finances (19%).

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The survey also found spouses and partners often have different opinions about long-term financial goals. The discrepancy cited most frequently among couples was when and how much to save for the future (28%), followed by retirement goals (27%).

BMO notes that many Baby Boomers are remaining in the workforce longer in order to grow their retirement nest egg, meet retirement and estate planning goals and stay active, and says those worried about longevity may need to consider this as an option. As for the concern about outliving savings, the company says individuals should know to plan for living beyond the average life expectancy.

BMO adds that individuals need to know what medical expenses to expect. In addition, it points out that risk tolerance changes as individuals age and investments need to be managed with that in mind.

The full survey report, “The Aging Economy: Improving with Age,” may be downloaded from here.

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