Younger Boomers Worry More about Retirement than Older Boomers

October 19, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Younger boomers still have time to recover from the 2008 economic downturn, but worry more about control and stability in retirement than older boomers, according to a survey of Americans ages 44-75 by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.

While a majority (54%) of the younger group (44-49 year olds) reported feeling “totally unprepared” for retirement, they also expressed a greater need than their older counterparts to take more control of their financial future (47% vs. 35%), attain more certainty and financial security (41% vs. 30%), and reduce their financial vulnerability (26% vs. 22%). According to a press release, 84% of younger boomers agreed that the safety of their money mattered more to them now than it had a few years ago.  

Younger boomers are also more likely to be receptive to working with a financial professional. Though only 19% of this group reported working with a financial planner, 47% are receptive to working with one in the future versus 29% of all respondents. Ninety-five percent of younger boomers said it is “important” or “extremely important” that their financial professional help protect a portion of their nest egg. A similar number (87%) want their financial professional to help them make sure they have adequate guaranteed income in retirement, with 51% saying they want help planning for a “stable and secure retirement.”   

For more stories like this, sign up for the PLANSPONSOR NEWSDash daily newsletter.

Income products with guarantees such as annuities received favorable reviews from younger boomers, the press release said. Of those who own an annuity, 80% say they are happy with their purchase. The younger boomers that own annuities ranked them highest in satisfaction (83%) among all financial instruments, beating out mutual funds at 66%, stocks at 63%, U.S. Savings Bonds at 51%, and CDs at 43%.

«