Despite signs of economic recovery, a new survey says Americans’ confidence in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement remains at historic lows as workers appear to be grasping the realities of what they need to save.
The 2013 Annual Retirement Confidence Survey, by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and co-sponsored by the Principal Financial Group, finds overall confidence levels are essentially unchanged since the record lows set in 2011. Only 13 percent are very confident they will have enough money for a comfortable retirement. A full 28 percent – the highest number recorded during the 23 years of the survey – are not at all confident.
Workers have growing doubts about their ability to pay for basic expenses in retirement and are least confident about being able to afford medical costs and long-term care.
Nearly 70 percent say they need to set aside 10 percent or more of total household income to fund a financially secure retirement. Four in 10 put the target at 20 percent or more.
Despite those projections, the survey finds less than half are taking steps to prepare and total savings remain modest. Saving and planning for retirement are overshadowed by immediate worries about job certainty, daily expenses and debt.
Especially in the face of current financial challenges, Americans need a plan for saving and spending so they can manage short-term needs and better prepare for the long-term. Using an online calculator or working with a financial professional to assess savings needs helps with setting realistic goals and getting on track toward a more secure future.
The survey shows overall retirement confidence is 20 to 40 percent higher among workers who take positive financial actions, including calculating retirement savings needs, saving in an employer-sponsored plan and getting advice from a financial professional.
