Workers fear they may not save the $1M they need for comfortable retirement

Workers fear they may not save the $1M they need for comfortable retirement
Bankrate survey finds that most feel they are behind on their retirement savings.
SEP 28, 2023

Saving for retirement is proving challenging for many American workers, who are concerned that they are behind schedule.

For more than one-third of respondents to a Bankrate.com survey, the target is to save at least $1 million for their retirement (13% say $1 million to $2 million). But even for those aiming for a more modest sum, more than half believe they are behind with their savings, including 37% who say they are significantly behind.

Meanwhile, 21% say they are on track with their savings and 16% are ahead, including 6% who are significantly ahead.

However, the percentage of those who think they will have a shortfall rises to 69% among Gen Xers and boomers, those closest to retirement.

NO PROGRESS

Asked about their current retirement savings habits, more than one-third are saving the same as they were last year, while 17% are contributing less.

“Amid the tumultuous developments of the past several years, including a short but severe recession and a period of high and sustained inflation, a majority of Americans say they are not where they need to be to achieve their retirement savings goals,” said Mark Hamrick, Bankrate senior economic analyst. “Compared to our survey about a year ago, there has been no progress on this front. Those closer to retirement age are among those feeling this sense of urgency the most.”

But do respondents feel that they will be able to turn things around and build their retirement savings up to their goal amount?

Of those who have an idea of how much they will need to save to have a comfortable retirement (a quarter don’t know), 45% think it’s unlikely they will achieve it, including 24% who say it’s not at all likely. These stats rise to 57% and 31% among Gen Xers.

Half of poll participants are more optimistic, but this tends to be the younger cohorts.

Latest News

In an AI world, investors still look for the human touch
In an AI world, investors still look for the human touch

AI is no replacement for trusted financial advisors, but it can meaningfully enhance their capabilities as well as the systems they rely on.

This viral motivational speaker can also be your Prudential financial advisor
This viral motivational speaker can also be your Prudential financial advisor

Prudential's Jordan Toma is no "Finfluencer," but he is a registered financial advisor with four million social media followers and a message of overcoming personal struggles that's reached kids in 150 school across the US.

Fintech bytes: GReminders and Advisor CRM announce AI-related updates
Fintech bytes: GReminders and Advisor CRM announce AI-related updates

GReminders is deepening its integration partnership with a national wealth firm, while Advisor CRM touts a free new meeting tool for RIAs.

SEC charges barred ex-Merrill broker behind Bain Capital private equity fraud
SEC charges barred ex-Merrill broker behind Bain Capital private equity fraud

The Texas-based former advisor reportedly bilked clients out of millions of dollars, keeping them in the dark with doctored statements and a fake email domain.

Trump's tax bill passes senate in hard-fought victory for Republicans
Trump's tax bill passes senate in hard-fought victory for Republicans

The $3.3 trillion tax and spending cut package narrowly got through the upper house, with JD Vance casting the deciding vote to overrule three GOP holdouts.

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.