Why you should be offering 'unretirement' planning solutions

Why you should be offering 'unretirement' planning solutions
Millions of Americans plan to return to work for financial or social reasons.
SEP 21, 2023

For many people, work is simply a means to afford to live, but for others it provides a purpose, a social network, a framework for everyday life – and that’s hard to give up for good.

With longer life expectancy, the idea of retiring at 65 or earlier may be out of step with what today’s retirees need, either financially — given the risk of a financial vortex — or emotionally; retirement can last several decades.

A growing trend for "unretirement" is gathering pace as millions of American retirees consider going back to work for financial or other reasons. For advisors, recognizing this and offering additional advice as part of a holistic approach to retirement planning solutions could prove beneficial.

T. Rowe Price published a report this week showing that 20% of people surveyed already work at least part-time, while another 7% are looking for work opportunities. They are almost evenly split between those who need to work to boost their finances (48%) and those who do so for social or emotional benefits (43%).

Women and single retirees are more likely than men or married couples to cite income as the primary motivator. Men were more likely to cite social connections as motivation to work.

NEW BEGINNINGS

The report highlights that continuing to work or returning to the workforce does not necessarily mean sticking with a previous role or industry.

While millions of retirees have experience in their industries and may wish to leverage that, many take the opportunity of semi-retirement to follow a vocation or passion, while others may seek remote work, part-time jobs, or flexible arrangements that allow them to enjoy the dual benefits of retirement and work.

"Many retirees either choose to work or need work to be included in their retirement lifestyle," said Judith Ward, a thought leadership director at T. Rowe Price. "The decision can have many powerful positive effects, not least of which is financial well-being."

This research tallies with another recent report from F&G that found that a third of those still working in retirement, or planning to do so, felt that giving up completely would mean a lack of purpose.

Latest News

JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data
JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data

The move to charge data aggregators fees totaling hundreds of millions of dollars threatens to upend business models across the industry.

FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states
FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states

The latest snapshot report reveals large firms overwhelmingly account for branches and registrants as trend of net exits from FINRA continues.

Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay
Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay

Siding with the primary contact in a marriage might make sense at first, but having both parties' interests at heart could open a better way forward.

SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives
SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives

With more than $13 billion in assets, American Portfolios Advisors closed last October.

William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business
William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business

Robert D. Kendall brings decades of experience, including roles at DWS Americas and a former investment unit within Morgan Stanley, as he steps into a global leadership position.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.