A recent survey of retirement plan participants shines a light on their positive perspectives — which can help inform plan changes you may be considering.
Released in October of 2021, American Century’s 9th Annual Survey of Retirement Plan Participants found that more workers are optimistic about their futures in 2021 than they were in 2020. Not surprisingly, following more than a year of dealing with the pandemic, participants are now more positive about saving, risk and expectations. Because it’s the start of a new year, now may be an opportune time to discuss the findings with your plan advisor as you consider any plan design changes or adding features that may help improve retirement outcomes for your employees.
Optimism is trending up
- Fifty-two percent of survey respondents expect their retirement lifestyle to be about the same as it is now.
- Three in 10 expect their retirement lifestyle to be better than it is now.
- More Millennials expect their retirement lifestyle to be a little or much better than it is now.
However, concerns about running out of money in retirement are felt by workers of all generations, and regrets about saving are still felt by many:
- Not saving enough was the #1 regret (especially, as you might expect, among those with fewer savings).
- Those with more assets are more likely to regret not taking more time to enjoy life.
As in past years, the overwhelming majority of workers see the value of their retirement plan benefits. Many welcome automatic features to give them the “kick in the pants” or “slight nudge” they are looking for from employers:
- More than 6 in 10 support auto-enrollment and annual auto increases.
- Four in 10 say retirement plans should be automatic for all.
- Ninety percent of respondents say their retirement plan is a top benefit.
- Two in 3 prefer an employer match over a raise, regardless of the percentage.
- Two in 3 support auto-enroll at 6%.
- Three in 4 would leave money in the plan if it had specific investments for retirement withdrawals.
- Seven in 10 need a little guidance on withdrawals for retirement.
- More than half are interested in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds.
- Two in 3 would be more interested in ESG funds if performance was comparable.
- Market risk is a top concern, although only slightly more than longevity..
To download a presentation of American Century’s survey findings, go to: https://ipro.americancentury.com/content/dam/ac/pdfs/ipro/presentation/american-century-2021-retirement-research-presentation-intm.pdf
Heartland Retirement Plan Services are offered through Dubuque Bank and Trust Company. The information provided herein is general in nature and is not intended to be nor should be construed as specific investment, legal or tax advice. The factual information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Heartland Retirement Plan Services makes no warranties with regard to the information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or reliance on, it. Products offered through Heartland Retirement Plan Services are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed and may lose value, unless otherwise noted.
The above statement regarding rollovers is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to move money out of your prior employer’s plan or personal traditional IRA account.