Americans are falling short on their own retirement savings goals
A new survey says most Americans recognize they are responsible for funding their own retirement, but they need more help from their employers: better education, stronger incentives and help with other financial issues.
The report also says that people are falling short of their own retirement savings goals.
The Natixis 2016 Retirement Plan Participant Study polled 951 workers of all ages across the U.S. who have access to a retirement plan at their jobs. Those surveyed said on average they need $878,206 in order to live 22 years in retirement, but so far they have saved only $208,333, or 24 percent of that goal. Those totals include money in current retirement plans and other retirement accounts, including IRAs, rollover IRAs and taxable accounts.
By generation:
Baby boomers say they will need $934,677, but have saved only $313,981 or 34 percent of their goal.
Gen X-ers say they will need $810,387 but have saved only $190,998 or 24 percent of their goal.
Millennials say they will need $869,622, and have saved $69,570, or 8 percent of their goal.
Other results:
69 percent of millennials compared to 55 percent of baby boomers believe people should be required to contribute towards their retirement savings.
82 percent of millennials vs. 77 percent of Gen X-ers say that employers should be required to offer retirement plans.
76 percent of millennials compared to 66 percent of baby boomers say businesses should be required to provide matching funds in retirement accounts.
Rodney A. Brooks writes about retirement and personal finance for The Washington Post. Brooks has had a long and distinguished career in financial journalism. He previously worked at USA Today from 1985 until his recent retirement.
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