Goals of living large in retirement are being replaced by
simpler goals of living comfortably, according to a new survey from Principal
Financial Group.
American workers cite saving enough for retirement as their
top financial priority in the new Principal Retirement Security Survey,
replacing dreams of a lavish retirement with more attainable goals of
maintaining their current standard of living amid ongoing market volatility and
inflationary pressures.
The survey released today included nearly 1,000 consumers
and 215 plan sponsors in the United States. According to the findings, a
considerable percentage of workers (71%) said their key goal in retirement is
“maintaining my standard of living,” while less than half (44%) cited splurging
periodically in retirement as a priority. The biggest concerns workers say they
have in retirement, in order, are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, enduring
market losses, outliving savings, and meeting daily expenses.
“For most Americans, living comfortably with the occasional
splurge on their favorite activities or travel destinations is the ultimate
goal in retirement,” said Sri Reddy, senior vice president, Retirement &
Income Solutions at Des Moines, Iowa-based Principal. “In the current
environment of high inflation and potentially lower investment returns, we are
seeing something of a retirement reset among U.S. workers. As a company, we are
focused on providing the solutions people need to help feel secure in their
planning for their post-working years.”
Unfortunately, 40% of those surveyed said they feel behind
in their retirement savings. Like most Americans, this group has likely felt
the effects of recent stressors from inflation to market volatility and the
ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, surveying showed inflation,
the economy, and the future of the nation—alongside mainstay concerns such as
healthcare and aging parents—are among the top stressors for U.S. workers.
Financial wellness disconnect
Retirement planning remains a focal point for 40% of
workers, who list the activity as their top financial priority—followed by
reducing debt (37%) and updating or creating a will, trust, or estate plan
(30%). This financial focus is especially true for workers who are making
career moves in the current labor market.
When considering a job change, “benefits that will help my
financial well-being” ranked third among top considerations (58%), behind
“competitive salary” (79%) and a “good culture where I feel valued” (64%).
As a result, plan sponsors appear focused on providing
options to help meet current and future employees’ retirement planning needs. A
majority of plan sponsors (88%) agree their organization is responsible for
ensuring employees have access to benefits that help maintain their financial
well-being. Meanwhile, 87% agree providing the right financial tools,
resources, and education can help employees better prepare for retirement.
There may be a disconnect, however, with how well workers actually
utilize the programs offered by their employers. Surveying showed only 35% of
workers participate in financial wellness programs, and nearly half (46%) don’t
even know whether they are available.
“While there are many financial factors outside of our
control, there are individual decisions both in work and our personal lives
that can help us maintain financial security,” Reddy said. “The good news is
that employers can use these moments of focus to help increase workplace
retirement plan awareness, engagement, and outcomes among participants.”
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