Monday, December 23, 2024
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Economic Uncertainty and Inflation Impact Retirement Prospects for Americans

2024-05-13  |  economy retirement 

... ty. More than a quarter (27%) of all non-retired investors would likely be forced to return to the workforce at some point due to inadequate savings if they retired in the next 12 months, and 1 in 5 (19%) non-retired investors are unsure if they will ever retire. Moreover, an additional 19% claim that they will retire later than planned because of inflation. "While it's understandable that the turbulent markets we've seen over the last few years have investors on edge, we no longer expect a recession in 2024 and still predict rate cuts will occur later this year," said Mark Hackett, Chief of ...

AARP Survey Reveals Alarming Retirement Savings Trends

2024-04-26  |  retirement 

... tion is essential to address the broader issue. Access to workplace retirement plans emerged as a critical factor in retirement savings. AARP's survey revealed that Americans are 15 times more likely to save for retirement when such plans are available through their employers. However, an alarming 57 million people lack access to such plans. Congress is currently deliberating on various legislative proposals aimed at bolstering retirement security, including the bipartisan Retirement Savings for Americans Act of 2023 and the Automatic IRA Act of 2024. Several states have taken proactive ste...

Homeowners Facing Increasing Insurance Rates

2024-04-11 08:45:00  |  housing inflation insurance 

... le rate. Investments in disaster resilience and smart home technologies not only enhance safety and convenience but can also lead to substantial insurance savings....

Consumers Perceive Less Buying Power Despite Lower Inflation

2024-04-10  |  consumers economy 

... s, 70% of respondents rely on traditional bank accounts for future savings. On average, individuals save $175 monthly for retirement, yet over a quarter (26%) have not started saving for retirement at all. Contrastingly, average monthly discretionary spending amounted to $400 across various categories.The independent survey was conducted by a global consumer and B2B panel provider and included 1,000 U.S. adults, representative of the U.S. demographic landscape. It was carried out from February 23, 2024, to March 6, 2024, ensuring participant anonymity. ...

Americans Fear Running Out of Money More Than Death, New Study Finds

2024-04-09 23:15:00  |  demographics retirement 

... p ease the concerns you have that you will run out of money.”To mitigate these concerns, Americans are considering several strategies, including increasing retirement savings (41%), curtailing current expenditures to save more (38%), and investing in financial products that guarantee lifetime income (35%). An equal percentage of respondents believe that extending their working years and postponing retirement could be a solution.The study also revealed a strong inclination among Americans to seek advice from financial professionals on optimizing investment returns (88%), maximizing Social Sec...

Financial Education Gap Leaves Middle-Income Americans Seeking More

2024-04-09 15:00:00  |  consumers financial education 

... h challenges.The FSM™ survey also delves into concerns over credit card debt, the merging of finances post-marriage, and the alarming trend of decreased savings for retirement among middle-income Americans. With 88% of respondents feeling the pinch of rising food prices, the need for a more comprehensive financial education has never been more apparent.Primerica’s findings offer a crucial insight into the financial uncertainties facing middle-income Americans today, underscoring the need for improved financial literacy and education to navigate the complexities of modern economic life....

Households Face Financial Pressures but Remain Hopeful

2024-04-09  |  consumers economy 

... ing account, which could offer tax-free savings for summer activities.THE SUBSCRIPTION ECONOMY: Younger individuals find it more difficult to keep track of subscription expenses than older age groups.71% of Americans have a rough idea of their monthly subscription costs, but only 40% know exactly what those subscriptions are. Nearly half of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are fully aware of their subscription expenses, in contrast to 19% of Gen Z and 37% of Millennials.20% of Americans with recurring subscriptions spend on services they seldom use (18%), a trend most pronounced among the younger dem...

Inflation Straining Retirement Savings

2024-04-05  |  debt inflation retirement 

... hdrawn from retirement accounts. More than two in five Americans (42%) say they have dipped into their retirement savings because of inflation. Hispanic respondents (59%) were more likely than Asian/Asian American (51%), Black/African American (50%) and white (39%) to have withdrawn from their retirement accounts because of inflation.Americans optimistic about inflationThe good news is that more Americans feel optimistic about inflation – 37% say they feel good about the direction inflation is heading, up from 31% last quarter. What’s more, fewer Americans expect inflation to get worse. Wh...

Empower Launches Comprehensive Suite of New Retirement Income Solutions

2024-03-21  |  advice retirement 

... ...

Investors With a Plan Double Up On Retirement Wealth

2024-03-19  |  financial planning retirement 

... dents stated that they are willing to engage a financial advisor and are interested in using digital planning tools to help with income, savings, and spendingMeyer continued, "Advances in technology have given investors greater access to effective and convenient solutions for personalized financial planning, and we expect the demand to increase, especially for tools involving retirement income."Plan sponsors can meet this need by providing digital services and financial wellness programs that address the impending needs of pre-retirees and families in retirement. These types of solutions are n...

Women Investors Unsure About Retirement

2024-03-15 23:59:00  |  retirement women 

... ncial advisor most frequently are tax planning methods (37%), saving enough money to reach or maintain retirement (34%), and turning savings into retirement income (27%).Regarding their relationship with an advisor, one finding sticks out: women who are married or single (19% and 25%, respectively) state that feeling more confidence about their financial destiny is the primary reason they have an advisor.Although advisors are stepping up to the plate, they can overestimate their capacity to engage with female customers.Advisors are trying to work with more female clients as the market for soli...

Consumers Expect Higher Inflation Ahead

2024-03-12 23:15:00  |  consumers economy 

... ts 12-month trailing average of 30%.Perceptions about households’ current financial situations deteriorated somewhat with fewer respondents reporting being better off than a year ago. Year-ahead expectations also deteriorated marginally with a smaller share of respondents expecting to be better off and a slightly larger share of respondents expecting to be worse off a year from now.The mean perceived probability that U.S. stock prices will be higher 12 months from now increased by 1.4 percentage point to 38.9%....

Americans Choosing a More Intentional Retirement

2024-03-12 08:42:12  |  retirement 

... ...

Black Consumers Remain Optimistic About Their Financial Health

2024-02-15  |  consumers economy 

... savings, including 15% who said their savings accounts are empty....

Improving Financial Literacy Supports Retirement Wellness and Confidence

2024-02-15  |  retirement financial wellness 

... ir own life expectancy, they risk exhausting their savings in retirement—potentially outliving their assets.One Size Doesn't Fit All Retirement planning knowledge is highly variable across different parts of society. Generally, more assets, higher education, male gender, White or "Other" race, and greater life experience (including age and retirement status) correlate to higher Retirement Income Literacy Scores. The research highlights disparities across different demographic segments, including:Respondents score higher the more investable assets they have.Respondents who have earned ad...

One-fourth of Couples Call Money Their Greatest Relationship Challenge

2024-02-01  |  consumers spending 

... veling, and engaging in their hobbies. Nevertheless, a majority of married couples (53%) who have not yet reached retirement have divergent opinions about the amount of savings required for retirement. Moreover, even though the majority of couples plan to retire at age 63, almost half of them plan to continue working part-time after retirement. This could be due to financial need or the decision made by certain couples to follow new interests after retirement.The study's findings indicate that for relationships to achieve financial harmony, there has to be more communication and collaborative ...

Nearly One-Third Of Americans Feel Daily Financial Stress

2024-01-22  |  consumers economy 

... der to fulfill their desire of becoming homeowners. Among those who are looking to buy a house, opening a special savings account is the most common way that people save money for a down payment (43%). Nevertheless, 29% of Americans do not currently own a home and do not have any plans to do so in the upcoming year. Just one out of ten respondents said that owning a home is highly attainable. ...

Consumers Now Expecting Lower Inflation

2024-01-09  |  economy 

...  percentage points to 25.9%, its lowest level since November 2021.Perceptions about households’ current financial situations improved with fewer respondents reporting being worse off than a year ago. Year-ahead expectations also improved with a smaller share of respondents expecting to be worse off and a larger share of respondents expecting to be better off a year from now.The mean perceived probability that U.S. stock prices will be higher 12 months from now increased by 0.2 percentage point to 36.7%....

Nearly Two Thirds of Americans are Waiting on Mortgage Rates to Drop Before Buying a Home

2023-06-06  |  housing 

...  as a down payment.Support from family or friends: 23 percent of Americans are expecting help including financial gifts and/or loans from family or friends."Most Americans understand how critical it is to establish a financial plan and our survey found three in four have set personal goals around money," said Paul Dilda, Head of U.S. Consumer Strategy at BMO. "Unfortunately, only 32 percent of Americans said they were meeting with their banker or financial advisor to help reach those goals. Regularly doing so will help ensure a secure plan and is imperative to reaching bigger financial aspirat...

End-to-End, Third-Party Operating Models Deployed by Wealth and Asset Managers Are Transforming the Industry

2023-06-01 15:00:00  |  asset management 

... e on a single vendor.Download the publication here: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/technology-and-operations-in-wealth-and-asset-management...

Half of Young Adults Don't Expect to Match Parents Finances

2023-06-01  |  demographics finances 

... hrough their workplace (48%), one that they purchased on their own (13%), or both (11%)."The sooner young people start saving for retirement, the more their money has time to grow, and the better they'll feel about their financial futures," said Jeanne de Cervens, Director of the AgingWell Hub. "We can't have people this early in their careers resigning themselves to thinking they won't do as well financially as their parents did. We need employers, community groups and others to step up and show young workers how they can plan and get ahead."The report also found that while more Black America...

Home Price Gains Slow to Lowest Rate on Record

2023-06-01  |  economy housing 

... e homes continued to decline to the low single digits. In addition, the median listing price on a square foot basis declined compared to last year for the first time in Realtor.com® data history. At this rate of slowing, asking prices are likely to decline relative to the previous year by next month. Despite this trend, home sellers continue to have high expectations of the housing market and buyers, in some cases, too high. The number of homes with price reductions – a sign that a seller needed to adjust pricing to attract a buyer – was higher than year ago levels but in line with pre-pa...

Americans Facing a New Retirement Reality

2023-05-30  |  demographics retirement 

... n 202264% worry they won’t have enough saved for retirement, up 55% in 202155% wish they would have saved more for retirement, up from 47% in 202267% say their income is not keeping up with the rising cost of living, up from 54% in 2022Allianz Life conducted the online survey in February and March 2023 with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 individuals age 25+ in the contiguous U.S. with an annual household income of $50k+ (single) / $75k+ (married/partnered) OR investable assets of $150k....

Gen Z Immersing Themselves in World of Investing

2023-05-24 10:23:10  |  investing 

... ledge around investing is a barrier to investing.For further information, please contact [email protected].About the reportThe total sample size is 2,872, comprising Gen Z (ages 18–25) investors and non-investors as well as millennial and Gen X investors in the U.S., Canada, UK, and China.Data was collected in November and December 2022, and respondents were obtained using a combination of Schlesinger's proprietary online panel and social media advertising on TikTok and Instagram.While Gen Z are often defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, for the purposes of this study, the resea...

Three-Fifths Of Americans Living Paycheck To Paycheck

2023-02-28  |  consumers 

...  finances." "Massive credit card debt is carried by customers of all income levels, and if debt interest rates rise, they may soon equal the savings balances of all consumers living paycheck to paycheck1. Now is an excellent moment for consumers who want to reduce their overall debt load to think about consolidating and/or refinancing their debt into an installment loan." ...

Many U.K. Consumers Struggling With Credit Card Debt

2022-09-22  |  consumers economy 

... mers are also becoming more financially wise as a result of the growing cost of living; 64% of poll participants said that over the past year, they had grown more conscious of budgeting and saving.According to Anna Porra, European Strategy Director at Marqeta, "UK households are fighting against the rising tide of the cost-of-living problem, but credit and smart budgeting can help them stay afloat." The energy price cap is expected to increase once more in October, which may make consumers' financial worries worse. Banks must now do more to help struggling families by providing flexible lendin...

Money Top Source Of Stress For Women

2022-09-22  |  consumers demographics women 

... itizing their financial goals differently than men: There are stark differences between men and women's top financial priorities. The top priority for men? Growing retirement savings (supporting family was #4). The top financial priority for women? Supporting their family (retirement was #4). Women are worried about climate change: 62% of respondents cited climate change as one of their top financial concerns, more than retirement planning (51%), credit card debt (46%), the stock market (38%), and child care costs (30%). Women are less likely to invest, but when they do they keep their c...

Half of Americans Have Less Than One Month Of Emergency Cash

2022-09-08 09:09:36  |  consumers 

... e. The NFEC, on the other hand, advises being far better prepared, advising people to lay aside a year's worth of necessities and make sure they have adequate emergency savings to get through any unforeseen disasters. ...

Consumer Spending Not Wilting In Summer Heat

2022-08-09 12:10:00  |  consumers economy 

...  reduced gas prices in July gave consumers some relief, while merchant promotions increased spending on items. Consumers have not yet showed signals of increasing borrowing, and household deposit and savings balances are still high. Approximately in line with June's figures, Bank of America's total payments climbed 7% year over year in July. This figure provides a comprehensive picture of cash flow and includes credit card, debit card, Automated Clearing House, wires, bill pay, person-to-person, cash, and cheques. The average household's card expenditure climbed by 5.3% annually, down ...

Inflation Causing Stress and Anxiety

2022-08-09 12:00:00  |  economy inflation 

... avigating the current inflationary environment will affect their spending and saving habits, Williams said. Prudent financial decisions during uncertain times may make budgeting or investing easier when the economy improves. Now is the time to consult a financial advisor if you need help managing the uncertainty. Source: State Street ...

HNW Investor Optimism Falls

2022-08-05 12:00:10  |  investing 

... timent survey from UBS optimism among high-net-worth investors dipped to early-pandemic levels. The survey of over 2,800 investors and 1,100 business owners in 14 markets found that investors are saving for retirement and delaying big purchases. Nearly three-quarters of investors are worried about making bad investment decisions and are holding cash. Despite this, they see long-term investment opportunities in energy security, smart mobility, and automation/robotics. Iqbal Khan, President of UBS Europe, Middle East, and Africa and Co-President of UBS Global Wealth Management, said i...

Inflation Risk Tops Financial Concerns For Women

2022-08-05 12:00:00  |  retirement women 

... tside my comfort zone (57%), making new friends (43%), working less to spend more time with family (41%) and saying what you really think (41%). (37 percent ). Source: Alliance for Lifetime Income...

Average Millennial Owes $117K

2022-07-28 12:00:00  |  consumers debt 

...  in savings, one in seven report that they have no savings. According to 37% of respondents, their biggest financial regret was not saving enough. The financial situation for millennials today is dire. One in four doubt they could afford $500 to cover an emergency, one fifth say they cannot afford children and one fourth don't know their credit score. It is not surprising that 41% of millennials are pessimistic about their financial future. ...

Older Homeowners Least Likely To Tap Home Equity

2022-07-27 12:00:10  |  housing 

...  Silent Generation (34%), Boomers (27%), and one-in-five Gen X (20%) are top priorities, compared to roughly one-in-10 Gen Z/Millennials (13%). Home Equity Education Could be a Benefit to Both Homeowners And Financial Advisors Although financial advisors are trusted resources for information about finances and retirement planning, only a small number of them include home equity in their planning conversations with clients. Financial advisors and clients may have misaligned expectations or little knowledge about home equity products. This can complicate these convers...

Majority of Americans Need Financial Planning Improvement

2022-07-27 12:00:00  |  financial planning 

... ...

Millennials Searching For Advisors With ESG Knowledge

2022-07-13  |  demographics investing 

... t they are simply unaffordable. According to the survey, 38% say investing in the stock market is their top financial goal, compared to 33% who prioritize saving for retirement. More than one-quarter (27%) said their top financial goal is starting a company. "Millennials have an entrepreneurial mind-set, and are looking at ways to create other sources of income through business ownership, investment property or a side-hustle," O'Leary added. "Competing responsibilities and goals make a personalized wealth plan especially important for Millennials, with a focus not necessarily on retirement pla...

Retirement Savers Remain Confident in their Plans

2022-05-19 12:02:00  |  retirement 

... ns, the workplace is their first exposure to retirement savings education. While it’s heartening to see a significant percentage making 401(k) contributions and taking advantage of an employer match if it is offered, this is just the first step toward building a financial strategy that can sustain living 30 years or more in retirement. The partnership of a trusted financial professional can help put these resources into the context of a broader financial strategy,” said Huang. Additional findings from New York Life’s Wealth Watch survey include: When it comes to retirement, startin...

Retirement Savers Stay The Course Despite Market Losses

2022-05-19  |  retirement 

... ...

Rising Longevity Influencing Planning and Priorities

2022-05-11 12:00:01  |  retirement 

... ther key pre-retirement actions to take include tending to ongoing health and preventive care, discussing retirement plans and goals with family and friends, beginning or expanding volunteering activity and working with a financial advisor, who can be instrumental in interpreting current market conditions and developing a holistic financial plan to better financially prepare for a 100-year lifespan, as well as the expenses that come with it. Source: Edward Jones...

Majority of Young Professionals Changed Jobs During the Pandemic

2022-05-04 12:00:05  |  workplace 

... ssessing their current job – they are prioritizing increased salary, flexibility at work and financial benefits like retirement savings,” added Lannan. “However, current college students are putting a greater emphasis on their quality of work life when they are thinking about their career moves after graduation. At Fidelity, we understand that money touches all aspects of a person’s life, so while it’s important to feel like a company is the right cultural fit, and there’s access to professional development opportunities, it still remains critical to understand the financial implic...

Millennials Want Financial Advice, Not Trophies

2022-05-04 12:00:01  |  advice demographics 

... ...

Majority of Americans Worry About Another Market Crash

2022-04-27 12:00:00  |  consumers economy 

... savings from market risks: 65% said given recent market volatility, they wish they had more of their retirement savings protected from market loss 59% said they are looking to add more protection to their portfolio after the recent market correction 66% said they wish they could have locked in their gains during recent market highs Allianz Life conducted an online survey, the 2022 Q1 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study in March 2022 with a nationally representative sample of 1,002 Respondents age 18+. Source: Allianz Life ...

Vanguard, Schwab Lead in DIY Investor Satisfaction

2022-04-26 13:00:00  |  investing pandemic 

... ng debt and availability of sufficient savings to cover six months or more of living expenses. Additionally, satisfaction with their brokerage firm is significantly lower among financially vulnerable clients, suggesting firms need to do a better job of delivering content, tools and services that can help clients more effectively manage investments in the context of their overall financial lives. Hybrid offerings not resonating with investors: In addition to DIY investors, the study also explores those investors who—while not working with a traditional dedicated financial advisor—do ...

Fidelity Launches Bitcoin Offering for 401(k) Accounts

2022-04-26 12:10:00  |  crypto retirement 

... rs, today announced the launch of Fidelity’s workplace Digital Assets Account (DAA), the industry’s first offering that will enable individuals to have a portion of their retirement savings allocated to bitcoin through the core 401(k) plan investment lineup. The innovative new offering, which MicroStrategy plans to add to its 401(k) plan later this year, will be available broadly to employers mid-year. Enabling interested employers to offer their employees access to bitcoin through an investment option in their core 401(k) retirement plans on Fidelity’s secure platforms is a signi...

Millennials Are Reshaping What It Means to Retire

2022-04-25 14:00:00  |  demographics financial planning retirement 

... r money is working the way you need it to at least once a year. ...

Privacy

2022-04-25 14:00:00  |  privacy 

...  the website.CookiesIf you leave a comment on our site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year.If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser.When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cooki...

Americans Fear Inflation Impact on Retirement Savings

2022-04-20  |  inflation retirement 

... icture. Resources such as health savings accounts to offset the burden of medical costs, student loan debt support and tools for building emergency savings continue to grow in popularity as employer wellness benefits. Going forward, it will be critical for employers to provide support in these areas so these generations, and all individuals, can find greater opportunity to build a secure financial future,” concluded Lavallee. Source: Voya ...

Pandemic Shakes Women's Confidence in Retirement Planning

2022-02-11 12:29:10  |  retirement women workplace 

... eir retirement plans than men. Of the women who are expecting to delay or cancel their retirement plans, 67% say they've shifted their overall approach to saving for retirement in response. The survey found women are also interested in exploring solutions that can help them reach their goals. About half (48%) of female participants showed interest in in-plan guaranteed lifetime income. ...

American Consumers Still Don’t Feel Confident About Their Financial Health

2022-01-10 12:00:00  |  consumers economy 

... alth. Americans are also prioritizing financial goals in 2022. When asked what their top new year’s resolution is, paying off personal debt (37%) and saving for retirement (36%) now surpass traditionally common goals like exercising more (33%) and losing weight (28%). “The fact that paying off debt is a higher priority than exercising shows many people want to improve their financial health, and it’s clear that financial confidence is intrinsically linked to overall health and wellness,” says Personal Capital’s Chief Marketing Officer, James Burton. “Americans are seeking fin...

Some Americans Looking To Stars For Financial Advice

2021-12-08 09:08:19  |  advice consumers finances 

... a financial decision based on their horoscope, as have 24.1% of Gen Zers. The most common horoscope-influenced financial choices were saving more money (42.1%), splurging (33.5%), buying or selling stocks (23.1%) and changing jobs (23.1%). Americans think Capricorns are the best with money and believe Geminis are the worst. Cancers worry about money the most, while Sagittariuses report the least amount of money anxiety. That said, Sagittariuses have the lowest average credit scores of all the signs. To view the full report, visit https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/zodiac-f...

Younger Generations Turning to Social Media for Financial Advice

2021-12-06 09:22:18  |  advice demographics 

... t plan and have no idea when they will be able to retire. Over half of Millennials (57%) considered starting a side gig to boost their contributions to their retirement savings. Source: NAPFA...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2021-11-26  |  economy retirement travel 

...  Holiday shoppers are considering sustainability this year, with nearly three-quarters (73%) of Millennials saying they will factor sustainability into their purchasing decisions this season. Overall, more than half (54%) of the general population said sustainability factors, such as a brand’s adherence to sustainable practices or offering of eco-friendly products, will also factor into their financial decisions. Deloitte seconded Mass Mutual's findings, estimating that holiday spend will increase to $1,463 in 2021, up 5% YoY, aided by a return to experiences. However, high-income hou...

COVID-19 Undermines Womens Retirement Security

2021-10-29 09:08:19  |  demographics retirement 

... ...

Retirees Spending Significantly More Than Expected in Early Years of Retirement

2021-10-21 12:00:00  |  retirement 

... ing at the point of retirement." The Retirement by the Numbers research draws upon actual saving and withdrawal patterns from approximately 4,500 DC plans with more than 1.4 million participants1. Retiree spending data comes from more than five million de-identified JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Chase) households. Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management...

Gen Z Has The Lowest Financial Literacy

2021-10-20 12:10:10  |  demographics 

...  types of coverage and how insurance works. Comprehending risk: understanding uncertain financial outcomes. Go-to information sources: recognizing appropriate sources and advice. Source: TIAA...

No Place Like Home

2021-10-20  |  housing 

...  behavior. The bank offers innovative low down payment mortgages, as well as down payment and closing cost grants (no repayment required) designed to make homeownership accessible and affordable for those with a healthy financial picture. While many prospective buyers can afford monthly mortgage payments, they report high rent costs (57%) and expensive home prices (54%) are making it harder to save for the upfront costs of homeownership. That's why Bank of America's Community Homeownership Commitment® was created – to address the challenges many would-be buyers face. Already, the Community...

Digital Banking Gains Momentum

2021-10-14 12:00:44  |  banking 

... ce ranks slightly lower than security of accounts and funds (96%) and privacy of personal information (93%) Opportunities for Embedded Finance Nearly half of consumers say they would be likely to use a banking service offered through non-financial companies such as streaming providers (48%), internet or wireless providers (48%), employer (47%) and national retailers or warehouse stores (46%) Source: Galileo...

Middle Class U.S. Households Have Few Financial Assets

2021-10-14  |  retirement 

... as a home or a car. The data for this research is for households rather than individuals. Source: National Institute for Retirement Security...

Americans’ Priorities, Planning for Retirement are Out of Sync

2021-10-12 12:00:00  |  retirement 

... ss income. Among those who save for retirement, 30% of respondents use a 401k, and 27% have savings in a non-retirement account. The Regions Next Step omnibus survey questions were part of a national online survey that took place between Aug. 9-11, 2021. The survey reached 1,258 U.S. adults. The results are weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (18+). Source: Regions Bank...

Pandemic Spurred U.S. Workers to Reevaluate Life and Finances

2021-10-11 12:00:00  |  retirement 

... hat, giving people the confidence that they will not outlive their retirement savings.” Source: Lincoln National...

Inflation Tops Healthcare As Biggest Financial Fear Among Retirees

2021-09-09  |  retirement 

... ased, with 24% spending more on medical expenses and 17% offering more financial support to family members Source: Kiplinger/Personal Capital...

Consumers Financial Confidence Is Up

2021-09-08  |  consumers 

... hey know what they need to do to improve their finances (82%) and feel they have enough savings to get through an unexpected emergency (72%). However, this increase in confidence and optimism is also correlated to a general decline in good financial decision making and negative spending behaviors. The survey revealed slippage on a number of important financial dimensions: Financial Planning: While nearly three in four Americans (72%) still set financial goals, financial planning has hit a plateau. The most significant drop occurred among Gen Z (ages 18-24,) with those setting financial ...

Americans Reduce Their Personal Debt 20 Percent

2021-08-25 12:00:00  |  economy 

... es 18% delayed saving for retirement 14% delayed buying a home 8% delayed having children 7% delayed marriage Having to pay down debt also carries weight in the way people feel about their long-term financial stability – 78% say that debt has impacted their ability to achieve long-term financial security. "The latest numbers show steps in the right direction compared to previous years, but we continue to see debt hindering many Americans from having the financial freedom to make other important decisions in their lives," said Mitchell. "Having a plan of action to ...

A Service Few Retail Bank Customers Ask For

2021-06-24 09:08:19  |  advice banking 

... here is huge opportunity for retail banks to forge deeper relationships by helping customers with things like advice on investment and retirement planning, building savings to cover emergencies and techniques to ensure paying bills on time.” Following are key findings of the 2021 study: Targeted, personalized financial advice drives gains in customer satisfaction: Overall customer satisfaction increases 229 points (on a 1,000-point scale) when customers are offered advice/guidance that completely meets their needs. Banks manage to achieve this 52% of the time, while 69% of customers ...

Workers Remained Committed To Saving Through Pandemic

2021-06-02 12:00:03  |  retirement saving 

...  account balances are continuing to grow, and plan sponsors are remaining steadfast in helping employees save for retirement." Source: T. Rowe Price Group, Inc....

Location, Location, Location?

2021-06-01  |  housing real estate 

...  finds many people could use help navigating the homebuying process. Key findings include: When asked about the barriers to buying a home, 26% saw saving enough money for a down payment as the most significant barrier to homeownership. Americans are not certain what percentage of a home’s price is required by mortgage lenders for a down payment. Almost one in three (31%) believed 6-19% would be required; another 30% said a down payment of 20% or more would be required; and 28% said they did not know. When asked about their knowledge of the homebuying process, only 35% of respo...

Interest in Investing Emerges as a Lasting Pandemic Legacy

2021-05-28  |  consumers investing 

... e: The Conference Board...

Boomers Want Peace Of Mind

2021-05-24 09:26:29  |  demographics wealth 

...  their wealth in the future. Over half of all respondents say the pandemic has improved their donations and philanthropic commitment (52%). The same number also improved their saving levels (52%) and their relationship with their financial advisor (51%). “The Why of Wealth report sheds light on our highly emotional relationship with wealth, and how those relationships are influenced by age, profession and our lived experience,” said Gerald Baker, Head of Trust & Fiduciary Services at Boston Private, and co-head of its Center for Wealth Planning Excellence. “Better understanding these ...

Revenge Summer Is Coming

2021-05-18  |  consumers spending 

... investing and saving for the future," said Frerichs. "These apps ignite an initial interest that we hope continues to grow, leading to a desire to activate a more strategic, long-term financial plan so they are able to weather a lot of different storms on their journey to retirement and then another 30-35 years after that." Source: COUNTRY Financial...

Younger Americans Feeling More Positive About Finances

2021-05-13 12:00:00  |  economy demographics 

... n the last few months – setting and maintaining good financial habits that will set them up for success in the future." Source: BMO Harris Bank...

College Students Ready to Handle Own Finances

2021-05-12 12:19:00  |  demographics 

... ll be making moves that promise a more lasting impact. Over two in five (43%) plan to start saving for retirement within the next year, and 44% also plan to build up an emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of living expenses. Students are also more confident in their plans for repaying student loans. Over three in four college students (77%) plan to pay their loans on time (up from 68% last year), and 75% plan to pay off their student loans in full (up from 66%). Additionally, nearly half (44%) will try to qualify for a student loan forgiveness program. “Student loan debt is typically a maj...

Healthy Money Habits on the Horizon

2021-05-12 12:00:01  |  advice financial planning 

... ...

U.S. Workers Show Resilience Amid Pandemic

2021-05-11  |  employment workplace 

... a more holistic view of their health beyond just physical safety.” To download the report and learn more about the findings, including generation- and industry-specific differences, please visit ...

Couples Retiring Today Need $300,000 to Cover Medical Expenses

2021-05-07  |  retirement healthcare 

... dictable, aspects of retirement planning. By providing this estimate for retirees, we want to increase awareness among people of all ages to help them proactively get more engaged in saving and investing, so they can be better prepared in years to come.” Broader awareness is much needed, as 58% of current employees say they have spent little or no time thinking about what they need to cover in retirement. Even among those who have, 50% believe they’ll need just $50,000 or less to meet health care expenses4. Fidelity’s estimate assumes both members of the couple are enrolled in trad...

Parents Continue to Face Financial and Work Challenges due to COVID-19

2021-05-06  |  pandemic workplace 

... reason mothers were more likely to dip into savings (26% vs.15% of fathers). Almost twice as many fathers reported being promoted and/or receiving a salary increase in the last three months (18% vs. 10% of mothers). “The pandemic has affected parents in particularly challenging and unique ways,” continued Fanning, a father of four. “As we prepare for better days ahead, it's important to openly acknowledge these challenges, plan ahead for changing and unknown financial circumstances, and seek support from friends, family, communities and professionals at every turn.” Source...

Latest IBD/TIPP Poll Shows Dip in Economic Optimism

2021-05-04   |  consumers 

... % using checks to pay down credit cards, grow or replenish their savings or invest in the stock market. These factors suggest that as the economy continues to improve, people will once again feel assured of their financial footing and long-term prospects.” Economic Optimism Index Breakdown This month, 17 of 21 demographic groups — such as age, income, race and party preference — that IBD/TIPP tracks were above 50.0, in positive territory, on the Economic Optimism Index. That’s unchanged vs. April and up from 16 in March, 11 in February, eight in January, nine in December and eigh...

A Quarter of American Taxpayers Don’t Have a Financial Plan

2021-05-04  |  financial planning 

... y be able to increase the contributions going forward, boosting tax savings and your retirement nest egg. It’s a good time to consider increasing your contribution, especially if you’re not taking advantage of the maximum employer match. For those nearing retirement, it’s a good time to start thinking about how you’ll transition from health insurance at work to post-retirement insurance, including Medicare and its related options when you qualify. It’s also worthwhile to start exploring various strategies for commencing Social Security benefits. The good news is that Medicare and ...

Consumers Financially Optimistic After Difficult Year

2021-04-29 12:00:00  |  consumers 

... biggest driver in the availability of emergency funds. Black (34%) and Latinx (36%) respondents indicate they don’t have enough money to support them if they become unable to work. While many Baby Boomers are at or near retirement age, fewer than half (48%) have enough financial resources to support them if suddenly unable to work for more than four months. Consumers equally value in-person advice, digital tools when looking to improve financial health 34% of the general population prefer a digital tool that helps them budget or automatically save, consistent with a third who ...

Financial Anxiety and Stress Common Even Before the Pandemic

2021-04-28 12:00:20  |  financial wellness pandemic 

... loyers can offer workplace financial wellness programs that address money management topics and options to automatically save for the future. Employers can also offer resources to help individuals cope with the anxiety and stress stemming from their financial situation. Personal finance experts—such as advisors, counselors and planners—should take heed of the harmful effects of financial anxiety and stress on their clients. Source: FINRA, GFLEC ...

Home Listing Shortage May Be Turning Around

2021-04-23 12:00:04  |  housing 

... ve been softer since the beginning of the pandemic in many large markets and fell in the priciest ones -- though Zillow research shows those savings were limited to the most expensive zip codes. In March, rents rose at an accelerated rate almost across the board, though the highest year-over-year growth is taking place in the Inland West and Sun Belt, along with some more affordable metros in the Midwest and Rust Belt. Among the largest 50 U.S. metros, annual rent growth is highest in Riverside (12.2%), Phoenix (10.5%), and Providence (9.9%). Rents remain the lowest year-over-year in New Y...

Pandemic's Impact Compels Parents To Talk Money With Their Kids

2021-04-20 12:00:09  |  pandemic 

... ONEY CONFIDENT KIDS is a registered trademark of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. SOURCE T. Rowe Price Group, Inc....

Millennials Already Planning For Retirement

2021-04-19 12:00:10  |  millennials retirement 

... 36% said 20 years, while 18% said they already had enough saved for 30 years or more. Considering that more than one-third of Americans are forced into retirement sooner than they'd planned, it's increasingly important for all investors to be prepared for the possibility of funding retirement for longer than expected. Top Factors for Attracting MillennialsThe opportunity to work with Millennials is substantial. Advisors and financial professionals can tap into Advisor Authority insights to better understand these younger investors, meet their needs, earn their trust and win their business. ...

Large 401(k) Plans Seek to Retain Retiree Assets

2021-04-19 12:00:10  |  retirement 

... ly increase as more Americans enter retirement and it is clear from the survey that plan sponsors are changing how they view 401(k)s from what historically had been a vehicle for savings to one that will generate income for participants,” says Rene Martel, PIMCO’s Head of Retirement. PIMCO surveyed 47 consultants and advisory firms who serve over 33,000 clients with $6.7 trillion in total assets in defined contribution plans as part of the firm’s effort to capture the breadth of views in the industry as well as services available amid rapidly changing demographics of plan participants...

Many Employers Are Concerned About Employee Retirement Readiness

2021-04-15 12:00:10  |  employment retirement 

... ...

COVID-19 Has Exacerbated Economic Inequality in the U.S.

2021-04-15 12:00:01  |  pandemic retirement 

... irement. As a point of comparison, in a previous TIAA Financial Resiliency Survey conducted in July 2020, only 44% of Americans making between $40,000 and $74,000 per year said that having a source of guaranteed lifetime income contributes most to financial resiliency.1 To see the full survey results, click here. Source: TIAA...

Millennials Emerging In The Investment Landscape

2021-04-14 12:00:01  |  demographics investing 

... ...

Global Consumer Confidence Hits Record High

2021-04-14  |  consumers global 

... d that their economy would be out of recession in 12 months, virtually unchanged from the previous quarter. Consumers' worries about their own health (22 percent) and economic performance (20 percent) dominated their top concerns. This trend will likely hold through mid-2021 given the continued crisis, and the time it will take to arrest the coronavirus and establish herd immunity. "With uncertainty around jobs and health prompting consumers to continue economizing, it seems clear that GDP returning to pre-pandemic levels will not in itself mark a return to the old normal," sai...

Americans Taking Cautious Approach to Investing During COVID-19

2021-04-13  |  pandemic investing 

... etirement savings (compared with 33% of Gen Xers and 22% of baby boomers). Further, more than half (59%) have also either stopped or reduced saving for retirement (compared with 41% of Gen Xers and 32% of baby boomers). Source: Allianz Life...

Business Ownership Declines For Older Americans

2021-04-09 14:00:00  |  entrepreneurship 

... own small businesses were more likely to borrow from personal networks or against their home or retirement accounts. They were also more worried about their personal credit score or depletion of personal assets and picked up second jobs. “This report demonstrates the need to build an emergency toolkit for these small businesses, which are a vital part of the infrastructure of America’s neighborhoods, to ensure they have ready access to credit and the resources they need to rebuild and thrive,” Ms. Kramer Mills said. “We know that entrepreneurs 50 and older are different fr...

15% of U.S. Stock Market Investors Got Their Start in 2020

2021-04-08 12:00:59  |  investing 

... ...

Pandemic Shifts Financial Behaviors and Conversations

2021-04-06 12:00:00  |  pandemic affluent 

... althcare costs, and their approach to saving for retirement. However, they have become increasingly comfortable talking about changes to life plans due to financial concerns (72% today vs. 66% 20 years ago) and how market volatility impacts their personal investments (71% today vs. 63% 20 years ago). Compared to other generations today, millennials are even more comfortable talking with friends about all types of financial topics. The Modern Investor: Getting Educated and Socially Conscious Respondents are turning to a range of resources to learn about the market and manage their investm...

FICO® Scores Increased Amid Pandemic

2021-04-05 12:00:20  |  consumers 

... o be financially diligent Half of consumers surveyed will use the recent stimulus payment to pay down current monthly bills, while 44 percent will put the money into savings. Nearly 2 out of 3 survey respondents say they will find new ways to save money in the coming months, and 36 percent will work to improve or maintain their credit score. Source: Experian...

Many Americans Still Lack Critical Financial Knowledge

2021-04-05 12:00:05  |  consumers 

... retirement savings sufficient to cover one month of living expenses, compared to 35 percent of white Americans. Blacks and Hispanics correctly answered 37 percent and 41 percent, respectively, of the P-Fin Index questions, compared to white Americans, who correctly answered 55 percent. "Our data shows a direct link between financial literacy and financial well-being, and demonstrates how knowledge can help better position Americans against adverse economic conditions," said Annamaria Lusardi, University Professor and Academic Director of GFLEC. "Just as we need to address i...

Indicators Point To Strong Job Growth Ahead

2021-04-05 12:00:00  |  economy 

... pread of the virus in the next couple of months. Labor intensive in-person services will continue to reopen, and consumers flush with cash due to a year of elevated savings and strong government stimulus will be willing and able to spend. All this will lead to historically fast employment growth in the coming quarters. We expect the unemployment rate to reach about four percent a year from now, and further decline for the rest of 2022. Tight labor markets and labor shortages will resurface in the coming year, leading to faster wage growth." March's increase was driven by positive contributi...

One-Fourth Of Consumers Lack An Emergency Financial Plan

2021-04-01 18:00:00  |  financial planning demographics 

...  will still increase their savings to prepare for the next emergency. 38% of consumers have at least $5,000 in savings, a primary revenue source during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The youngest consumers (Gen Z) are the most vulnerable when it comes to emergencies. This age group is least likely to have an emergency plan, most likely to open a credit card or secure a new loan as a response to emergencies, and most likely to start a new side hustle as a response. "It was encouraging to find that over 6 in 10 consumers were happy with their financial preparations," said a sp...

Gen Z Lacks Knowledge and Confidence in Personal Finance

2021-04-01 16:00:00  |  demographics investing 

... ...

Investors Lack Resources To Save For Retirement

2021-04-01 15:00:00  |  retirement investing 

... etirement savings account will help them build a nest egg. However, only a third of all investors (32%) report knowing exactly what investments their retirement plans contain, with women significantly less likely to know (23%) compared to men (39%). One-third of women (33%) also say they feel unprepared when it comes to selecting the investment options in their workplace retirement plan, with 1 in 10 (13%) saying they feel totally unprepared for making decisions about their plan, compared to only 4% of men who say they feel unprepared. Education toolbox  Plan sponsors who take a one-siz...

The Pandemic Has Shifted Investors Financial Priorities

2021-03-31 16:00:00  |  pandemic investing 

... Only 13% of those who had a retirement date in mind said the pandemic delayed this target. As respondents prepare for the future, growing savings (58%) and investments (46%) are more important to them now than they were before the pandemic. More than a quarter (26%) intend to increase the amount they invest for the long term in 2021. Similarly, nearly half (45%) of respondents reduced their spending during the pandemic – and 30% of them expect to remain frugal with their money in the future. On the other end of the spectrum, a quarter made big ticket purchases or large expenses, includ...

1 in 5 Americans have been forced to delay or cancel their retirement due to the pandemic

2021-03-31 15:00:00  |  pandemic retirement 

... nt Retirement Income survey. Conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of The Nationwide Retirement Institute®, the study also found one-fourth (27%) of Americans have saved less or stopped saving for retirement because they lost their job or for other reasons. In result, almost two-in-five Americans (37%) have or are likely to withdraw money from their retirement plan early because of the pandemic, and this percentage is even higher for millennials at 58%. Overall, the study reveals younger adults have struggled with navigating their finances the most, with 62% of millennials and 51% of Gen...

Peak 65 Is Coming

2021-03-30 14:00:02  |  retirement 

... tually disappeared and we're in an ultra-low interest rate environment making it hard to generate risk-free retirement income. Meanwhile, people are claiming Social Security early and missing out on greater income, which is creating a perfect storm of retirement insecurity in America. With the greatest surge of workplace retirements in history upon us, and our private and public sector retirement systems basically obsolete, there are solutions to solving this crisis, but we must start acting now to avoid that cliff." Source: Alliance for Lifetime Income...

Millennials More Likely To Have Emotional Connection To Their Home

2021-03-30 12:09:00  |  housing 

... ...

Black and African American Investors Signal Brighter Outlook Ahead

2021-03-30 12:00:02  |  economy demographics 

... one so (84% of Black and African American investors vs. 78% of all investors). By contrast, far fewer Black and African American investors reported that their own parents provided a lot or a fair amount of financial education to them growing up (33%). And despite doing more than their parents to educate their own children on finances, 41% of Black and African American investors think they should have provided more financial education to their children. “The idea of closing the wealth gap is important to Black and African American parents who invest,” said Dawkins. “They know tha...

Most Americans Plan to Save Their Tax Refunds

2021-03-26  |  consumers economy 

... ainty after an uncertain year. A new survey from MyBankTracker.com asked more than 3,500 Americans how they plan to use their tax refund. Building savings is the most popular intended use (19%) for the 2021 tax season refund About 14% plan to pay off existing debt Around 8% want to use it on a household expense Only 4.3% say they will invest it Men are more likely to invest the tax refund (5.8%) or spend it (3.1%) on something fun Women are more likely to save the tax refund (19.3%), use it pay off debt (15.4%), or use it for a household expense (8.7%) The middle age grou...

Personal Income Drops In February

2021-03-26  |  economy 

... ...

Millennials Chasing The American Dream

2021-03-25 12:00:00  |  millennials housing 

... ot more. Finances are top of mind for many first-time homebuyers with nearly a quarter (24%) responding that they began saving money and changed their spending habits, while 20% figured out their budget. The most common way to save is setting aside a certain amount from each paycheck (50%), while 45% said they also cut out discretionary expenses, such as gym memberships and eating out for lunch. Twenty-nine percent put away lump sums from annual bonuses, tax returns and gifts. With a majority of respondents having been in the market since last spring, they are fully aware of the competit...

Saving In A Pandemic Economy

2021-03-25 09:08:19  |  pandemic saving 

...  out this past year,” added Fanning. “Building a financial cushion for emergencies and the future, and constantly assessing your financial plans and preparedness against changing circumstances, are key to both navigating current challenges and building financial security for a lifetime.” Source: MassMutual...

Americans Cautiously Optimistic Despite Pandemic Impact On Retirement Plans

2021-03-24 12:00:00  |  pandemic retirement 

... health care for a couple in retirement, with 37% guessing between $50,000-100,000. In fact, for a couple retiring at 65, the actual average cost throughout their retirement is three times higher, at $295,000. Full retirement age for Social Security: Although you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, you have to wait a few more years before you reach Full Retirement Age (FRA). Claiming Social Security benefits any time before you reach FRA can lock in a permanent reduction in monthly income. Doing some research on this may be helpful, as only 17% corre...

Existing-Home Sales Drop 6.6% in February

2021-03-22 12:00:00  |  housing 

... Sellers Generational Trends Report, released last week, highlights some of the effects of these price leaps, including buyers’ struggles with saving enough money for a down payment. “Home affordability is weakening,” Yun said. “Various stimulus packages are expected and they will indeed help, but an increase in inventory is the best way to address surging home costs.” According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was 2.81 in February, up from 2.74% in January. The average commitment rate across all of 2020 was 3.11%. ...

One in Three Women Expect It Will Take A Year or More to Financially Recover from COVID-19

2021-03-18  |  women pandemic 

... hey were before the pandemic and 26% are much more worried about achieving financial milestones. Women (37%) are more likely than men (29%) to be concerned about increasing emergency savings. “Our survey highlights the challenges women are facing due to the pandemic,” said Ric Edelman, founder of Edelman Financial Engines. “Seeking advice from an experienced financial advisor can help women improve their situation as we move past the pandemic.” The survey revealed, however, that relatively few women seek advice from financial advisors. In fact, more women have received advice fro...

Just 26% of Americans Near or at Retirement Age Have Enough Saved for Retirement

2021-03-18  |  retirement 

... ...

Tax Credit Could Cover Entire Down Payment For Homes in 40 of the 50 Largest U.S Metros

2021-03-16 14:00:00  |  housing 

...  additional hurdles to enter homeownership. Therefore, even though a tax credit for first-time homebuyers would likely stimulate minority homeownership, it could still disproportionately benefit white and Asian Americans who are better positioned to buy because of better access to credit and higher incomes. Also, recipients could only benefit from the credit if enough homes at affordable price tiers are available on the market. Competition for homes remains fierce with homes selling at a historically fast pace. This strong demand, coupled with tight inventory, is contributing to rapidly risi...

Early Retirement Withdrawals Drop Among Female Investors Year Over Year

2021-03-12 15:00:00  |  demographics retirement 

... wn personal debt (27%)—compared to 34% and 23% of the total population, respectively. Though barriers to retirement loom large. Among female investors, the top barrier to saving for retirement is health care costs (47%), followed by rent or mortgage (41%). And the top reason women withdrew early from their retirement funds was for a medical emergency (13%). Paying for education costs (10%) or spending on herself or her family (10%) closely followed. “Amid an incredibly disruptive year, it’s encouraging to see female investors thinking long-term and putting more away for their futur...

The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI) Increased in February

2021-03-08  |  employment 

... ing months," said Gad Levanon, Head of The Conference Board Labor Markets Institute. "The combination of declining new infections, lower pandemic-related restrictions, households flush with savings, and large government stimulus will all contribute to robust growth in economic activity and employment in 2021. The economy is likely to add 5-6 million jobs through the end of the year, and the unemployment rate will drop well below 5 percent. When the pandemic hit, a tight labor market appeared years away, but it may reemerge as soon as 2022." February's increase was driven by positive contrib...

Americans Spending More Time Managing Savings

2021-03-04 09:18:26  |  savings 

... s over the past year, Americans have prioritized bolstering their savings strategies. If they had extra money, 69% of Americans say they would put it in a savings account to earn interest or use it to build an emergency fund, compared to just 11% who would purchase a material item. When asked if having more money or more time right now would provide the most benefit to their daily life, more than half of Americans (55%) cite more money and 19% cite more time. Source: CIT...

Black Americans Continue to Trail Their White Counterparts in Building Wealth

2021-02-25  |  investing demographics 

...  – and significantly more than white Americans – were forced to tap their savings to make ends meet. More than twice as many Black 401(k) plan participants (12% vs. 5%) borrowed money from their retirement accounts. Almost twice as many Black Americans (18% vs. 10%) dipped into an emergency fund. And nine percent of Black Americans (vs. 4% of white Americans) say they asked their family or friends for financial support in 2020, while 18 percent of Black Americans and 13 percent of white Americans acknowledged giving financial support to family and friends last year. Hobson emphasizes, ...

Consumers Split On Proactive Advice From Their Financial Institutions

2021-02-23 15:00:00  |  advice banking 

... rvice Data breach Unattractive savings and loan interest rates Competitive offers 2) Trust is most important to customers. 66% of customers tell banks “be honest with me” — if you make a mistake, be honest with me about it, and correct it. 59% say “deliver on your promises” — if you promise to deliver a payment in two days, make sure I can access the funds in two days. If you promise to protect my data, don’t fail. 3) Gen X and Millennials are willing to pay more to receive personalized recommendations to improve their financial well-being. ...

Coupled Parents Increasingly Working Together to Manage Finances Through Pandemic

2021-02-12 09:30:30  |  pandemic saving retirement 

...  Strategy at E*TRADE Financial. “Even in the most predictable of times, parents must build towards a myriad of financial needs for today and tomorrow—including everyday expenses, saving for education, housing, and retiring someday, just to name a few. Successful financial planning in today’s environment can only come from working together and communicating often about goals, priorities, and their combined risk tolerance.” Source: E*TRADE...

American Consumers Turn to Stock Market amid Pandemic Restrictions and Stimulus

2021-02-09  |  investing 

... nts and cuts, temporary rent and mortgage non-payments, and historically low mortgage rates all drove this decline. With these housing savings, total spending on essential goods and services (including food/beverage at home, routine transportation, education, and medical) fell −4.1 ppts in Q4 2020 compared to Q2. Consumers shifted their spending, in large part, to discretionary products (+3.8 ppts)—including electronics and, especially, apparel. Political stability and climate change climbed on the list of US consumers' top concerns over the next 6 months: In the aftermath of...

Affordability Surprises First-Time Homebuyers

2021-02-03 09:30:30  |  housing economy 

...  to save for a home in less than three years, mostly by setting aside a portion of their paycheck each month (50%), cutting out discretionary spending (33%), and saving lump sum money like tax refunds (32%). Plus, help from family could get you there: 52% of Americans who bought their first home in 2020 said they got help with their down payment from friends or family. The number one lender? Their parents. For more details, see the full report at https://www.realtor.com/research/first-time-home-buyers-housing-2021. Source: Realtor.com...

2021 Housing Market Shaping Up to be Even Hotter than 2020

2021-02-03 09:30:30  |  housing economy 

... s scarcity of homes for sale. There's nothing there, so people want it even more," said Seattle Redfin real estate agent Scott Petrich. "Potential homebuyers who don't have a good amount of savings are having a very hard time getting a house right now because the lack of supply is driving up prices, while low mortgage rates increase demand." Both the number of homes for sale—down 36% from a year ago during the week ending January 24—and the rate that new homes are being listed for sale—down 13%—are falling from last year's already-low levels. The average home spent just 34 days on t...

Half of Americans Need a Third Stimulus Check Within Next 3 Months

2021-02-02  |  retirement 

...  crisis. It is part of SimplyWise's ongoing efforts to help Americans maximize savings and benefits, particularly given COVID-closures of Social Security offices. Source: SimplyWise.com...

One-Third of American Workers Don’t Understand the Benefits They Selected During Open Enrollment

2021-01-29 09:30:30  |  benefits workplace 

...  is working to enhance the capabilities of this powerful tool to help Americans make informed benefits decisions and manage their income across competing health, savings and spending demands.” Source: Voya Financial...

Young Adults Are on an Uncertain Road to Retirement

2021-01-28 14:00:00  |  millennial retirement 

... as possible to benefit from the long-term compounding of investments over the course of our lives," said Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of nonprofit Transamerica Institute® and TCRS, and executive director of ACLR. Source: TransAmerica...

Women Report Pandemic Has Impacted Ability To Retire

2021-01-28 09:30:30  |  pandemic women retirement 

... kely than men to use other guaranteed income solutions to protect against outliving savings, such as deferred income annuities (DIAs; 10% vs 12%), single premium immediate annuities (9% vs 16%) and qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs; 8% vs 11%). Source: Nationwide...

Pandemic May Be Catalyst to More Retirement Savings

2021-01-27 14:00:00  |  pandemic retirement saving 

...  sparked more interest in expert financial advice. Survey results show 83% of respondents said they want to minimize worrying about their finances this year, mainly through increased savings. Setting goals 52% of respondents said they will seek more guidance when it comes to their financial strategies. 33% said they are more likely to work with financial professionals as opposed to 24% at the onset of the pandemic. 41% of survey respondents said they plan to spend less money on non-essential items. 38% percent plan to save more of each paycheck they receive. “This past ...

Black Americans at a Disadvantage in Financial Services

2021-01-26  |  credit 

... Americans, 37 percent of White Americans and 18 percent of Asian Americans fall into this category. Black Americans are also at a disadvantage when it comes to financial products, savings and debt. Over half (53 percent) of Black Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck, significantly higher than 44 percent of Americans overall, and many more Black Americans (21 percent) say they have student loans compared to the rate among all Americans (13 percent). Just 53 percent of Black Americans report having a credit card—a critical component for helping to build a strong credit foundat...

Financial Stability Still Hard to Come by for Many Americans

2021-01-25 12:00:30  |  pandemic investing 

... portunities, marriage and the birth of a child. Some have postponed major life events like buying a house (12%), changing careers (10%) and retirement (6%); while still saving for those future moments, many are repurposing funds to cover today's unexpected expenses as a result of the pandemic. More than half of respondents (53%) are actively contributing to their emergency funds, with roughly one-in-four (23%), stating it's the first access point for immediate funds if faced with financial hardship. Cash (20%) and loans from family or friends (12%) round out the other top access points for ...

Vaccine Deployment To Accelerate Economic Growth

2021-01-15  |  economy 

... iven by demand growth outpacing a recovery in supply," Duncan continued. "We believe the Fed's policy of tolerating a modest overshoot of its long-term inflation target is likely to be tested." "Our latest forecast projects that the continued waning of pent-up demand from last year's delayed spring homebuying season, coupled with a modest rise in interest rates, will likely slow the pace of housing, measured both by the volume of mortgages refinanced and by the pace of home sales. However, in our view, a modest slowdown in the sales pace is unlikely to prevent year-end 2021 home sales from be...

Over Half of Americans Used Retirement Savings During Pandemic

2021-01-14 10:00:00  |  retirement spending 

... experience. Source: Kiplingers/Personal Capital...

Most Americans Plan Post-Vaccination Splurge

2021-01-13 15:00:00  |  pandemic spending 

... ssible in case the pandemic returns, while 37% will ease up on savings a bit but continue to sock money away. Just 8% will stop saving once vaccinated. 72% of respondents have splurged to feel safer amid the coronavirus pandemic. The most common splurges include grocery delivery (30%) and high-quality face masks (25%). Most consumers who splurged to feel safe said they'll continue spending extra on at least one thing even after the pandemic, primarily grocery delivery and first-class travel. However, there are some things consumers won't go back to even after a vaccine is widely available,...

Consumers Expect Higher Medium Term Inflation and Home Price Growth

2021-01-13 14:00:00  |  consumer expectations housing inflation 

... eries low in October 2020. While perceptions about households' current financial situations compared to a year ago were largely unchanged, one-year ahead expectations about households' financial situations improved slightly with more respondents expecting their financial situation to improve over the next year. The mean perceived probability that U.S. stock prices will be higher 12 months from now remained unchanged in December at 38.5%, the lowest reading in 2020. About the Survey of Consumer Expectations (SCE) The SCE contains information about how consumers expect o...

Global Consumer Confidence Improved in Fourth Quarter

2021-01-13  |  global confidence 

... put discretionary money into savings or to invest it in financial assets decreased. “Fiscal relief packages have helped keep consumers afloat worldwide,” said Denise Dahlhoff, Senior Researcher, Consumer Research, at The Conference Board. “However, pandemic conditions have reordered spending priorities, as housebound consumers limit expenses on vacations and out-of-home entertainment. Increasingly, they are also economizing on utilities, groceries, and other basics that support life at home.” Confidence improved across all regions as fiscal support measures shored up personal finan...

Women Open To Retirement Planning Advice

2021-01-12 12:05:00  |  women retirement 

...  income fits into a retirement income strategy.” Long-Term Care Fraught with Concerns, Misconceptions: Gap Exists Between Care Need, Funding Plan Women outscored men on the understanding of who pays for long-term care, though only three in ten women (30%) correctly stated that most expenses are paid for by Medicaid, compared to just one in five men. Still, half of women express a high level of concern about the cost of healthcare in retirement, with one-third (34%) saying they worry about paying for long-term care expenses. Only 12% of women feel highly knowledgeable about long-...

Pandemic Bolsters Financial Acumen

2021-01-12  |  debt credit cards 

... have nothing saved for retirement, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve, but only around 15 percent of survey respondents reported, "I'm not ignoring retirement savings like I once did." Other survey findings: Over 34 percent of respondents lost at least a quarter of their household income Of those who lost income, 94.6 percent cut their spending by at least 25 percent, while only 5 percent say they are still spending just as much as they did pre-pandemic. Almost 30 percent admit to finally sticking to a budget, even though they had made a budget in the past and did not stick ...

Most Americans Reporting Greater Financial Confidence Than A Year Ago

2021-01-11 18:00:00  |  pandemic spending 

... m 42% in 2019; and 48% felt more financially aware, as a result of challenges they might have faced during the pandemic. Nearly half (41%) of respondents said they are spending less and saving more since the pandemic began, and among those who say they are doing so, 71% are spending less money on discretionary items—including travel, dining, and entertainment—which could be out of choice or necessity. Among those spending less, 14% say they are borrowing money from family or friends to help. There are a wide range of factors that influence how Americans' are finding their financial ...

Millennials Rush to Refinance as Interest Rates Hit Record Lows

2021-01-06  |  housing mortgages millennials 

... terest rates reaching historic lows, millennials have refinanced to take advantage of a significant savings opportunity they will see play out over the long-term,” said Joe Tyrrell, president, ICE Mortgage Technology. “Lenders are continuing to manage the refinance pipeline by investing in virtual solutions such as eClosing, online borrower portals, and virtual verifications, and turning this boom in loan volume into business growth.” The Ellie Mae Millennial Tracker divides millennials into two groups: older millennials – borrowers between 30 and 40 years old, and younger millennia...

COVID-19 Impacting Short Term Retirement Planning

2021-01-04  |  pandemic retirement consumer confidence 

... elated to market volatility, and COVID-19. Nearly 1,200 U.S. residents (35% retirees and 65% workers) who have at least one financial product or service with Principal participated in the study during November 2020. Source: Principal Financial...

Millennials Most Likely to Make Financial Resolution for 2021

2021-01-01  |  pandemic millennials 

... her expenses” (45%), “use my emergency savings” (37%), or “take on debt using credit cards or personal loans” (23%). One-in-five “borrowed from friends or family,” with Gen-Z and Millennials most likely to either borrow from or move in with family members. Looking ahead to the New Year, nearly four-in-ten (38%) say they’ll spend 2021 in “Survival Mode,” meaning they’ll focus on the day-to-day to try to get themselves and their families through the next year. This outlook is more common among older generations (42% and 43% of Gen-X and Boomers, vs. 25% of Gen-Z and 34% ...

Retirement Savers Challenged by Global Pandemic

2020-12-30  |  retirement workplace pandemic 

... ...

COVID-19 Impacts Retirement Planning

2020-12-26  |  retirement pandemic 

... ted situation arise that has cut into my retirement savings - 20% For those who plan to work past the age of 65 by choice, the top reason cited by nearly half (49%) is that they enjoy their job/career and would like to continue. Other reasons include: I want additional disposable income - 43% It is a social outlet that will help me stay active/prevent boredom - 34% I want to do something that will let me give back to the community - 21% "While the nature of retirement continues to change, it's encouraging to see more people working past the age of 65 out of choice and not ...

Majority of Americans Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being Over Material Possessions

2020-12-17 09:26:29  |  financial wellness retirement 

... ls are seeking to get back on track with more than six in 10 agreeing that they are better prepared for a future emergency (66%) and are saving more money to cover possible unexpected expenses (62%). Retirement Still Remains a Priority: In a year of financial uncertainly, still more than half of individuals (55%) are more focused on planning for retirement. At the same time, individuals are becoming more acutely aware of the impact uncertainty might have on their future nest egg. As a result, a more significant amount (87%) believe having a guaranteed source of income in retirement is impor...

Consumers’ Spending Expectations Rise Despite Flat Income and Earning Expectations

2020-12-14  |  income spending credit 

... d 0.5 percentage point to 24.8% in November, remaining below its 2019 average of 30.0%. Perceptions about households’ current financial situations compared to a year ago remained essentially unchanged in November. In contrast, respondents were more pessimistic about their households’ financial situations in the year ahead, with more respondents expecting their financial situation to deteriorate, and fewer respondent expecting an improvement in their financial situation. The mean perceived probability that U.S. stock prices will be higher 12 months from now decreased ...

Workplace Benefits Under Scrutiny

2020-09-16  |  workplace 

... e survey reveals that more than half (53%) plan to make changes to their benefits coverages. When asked which employee benefits would help better manage their current needs, health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) were mentioned by nearly 4-in-10 surveyed employees (38%) — followed by 35% of employees selecting supplemental health benefits like hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, or short-term and long-term disability income insurance....

Consumers focus on saving

2020-09-02 09:26:29  |  consumers 

... new survey conducted by The Harris Poll. The survey reveals that, in particular, Gen Z and Millennial consumers are leading the way with over 60% of both generations reporting an uptick in savings. When thinking about the future, another 76% of consumers are somewhat likely or very likely to save more than they usually do each month. With many consumers staying close to home, around 4 in 10 consumers reported spending more on groceries. A quarter are getting food delivered more frequently, and 22% have increased spending on books, games, apps and subscriptions during the same time frame...

Retirement Savers Stay The Course

2020-08-20 09:26:29  |  retirement 

...  financial activity related to the pandemic. The latest recordkeeper data indicate that plan participants remained committed to saving and investing: preliminary estimates indicate that only 2.0 percent of DC plan participants stopped contributing to their plans in the first half of 2020, a typical rate across the majority of the 12 years ICI has tracked these data. That compares with 1.3 percent in the first half of 2019, and 4.6 percent in the first half of 2009 (another time of financial stress). “These data reflect the long-term mindset of retirement savers,” said Sarah Holden, I...


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