Are You Hitting Roadblocks Along the Way to Retirement?

Changes over the last five years have also had a major impact on retirement prospects - the stock market can go down, and stay down for a long stretch; financial well-being is affected not only by domestic economic policies, but also by events in foreign lands and the security of our homeland; while income may have grown, health care costs have been growing at an even faster rate. These challenges can be daunting and leave many looking for a clearer path toward securing a comfortable retirement.

Prudential Financial's recently released study, "Roadblocks to Retirement," sheds new light on Americans' views about these challenges and how prepared they are to face them. According to the study, Americans' tendency to borrow and consume "today" is a national trend that affects everyone. Prudential Vice Chairman John Strangfeld notes, "Americans tend to have a black belt in spending rather than savings. People often delay their financial planning and later realize that playing catch-up is a tough proposition. As a result, they're not controlling their destiny."

Primary challenges that surfaced in the study include:

* When Retirement Arrives Uninvited

Issues such as downsizing, injury, health limitations or family emergencies can lead to a sudden and unexpected retirement. Four in 10 respondents indicate they were forced to retire, and nearly half of involuntary retirees were under the age of 60. Almost two-thirds of the people who unexpectedly retired said they were not financially prepared.

* The "Dream" Retirement Could Be Just That For Many

Among those who were forced into retirement, six in 10 said they are simply trying to make ends meet. Even among those who retired on their own terms, two-thirds indicated they are just living "comfortably." Fewer than half of all retirees said they were able to travel or vacation as they may have hoped.

* Many Expect To Just Work It Out

With retirement lasting 20 years or more for many Americans, their needs will change dramatically over this time. Retirement finances will need to last through the shifting demands. During the first ten years of retirement, seven in 10 Americans currently expect to continue working to supplement income and continue to build their nest egg. At the same time, 64 percent recognize they may be simultaneously coping with deteriorating health. In the second 10 years of retirement, 80 percent of respondents indicated health care was a top concern, with many retirees expecting to require nursing home care and/or run out of money.

Despite these challenges and a reluctance to save for retirement, for those who do, most don't consider it a burden at all. In fact, about 80 percent - across age, income and different ethnic/racial backgrounds - hardly notice the "lost" spending opportunity and ultimately feel happy about their savings toward tomorrow's security. There are tangible steps you can take now to prepare for tomorrow:

* Join your company's defined contribution retirement program, contributing at least at a level that fully qualifies you for the match, if one is offered.

* Diversify and rebalance your investments according to your financial needs and goals.

* Consider an annuity to generate lifetime retirement income from assets accumulated in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and employment-based retirement savings programs such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

* Consider life insurance to help provide income to a spouse or partner not covered by your retirement plan or not entitled to social security benefits after your death.

* Research the current costs of long-term care in your community and how those costs are likely to grow. Determine how much of your retirement savings and income you'd be willing and able to spend on long-term care services such as home care, care in a nursing home, or care in an assisted living facility.

* Consider the equity in your home when computing your total net worth and the sources of income you will have available during your retirement years.

Americans have clear retirement goals. However, many are not sufficiently informed to effectively plan for the transition to retirement. Almost half of Americans surveyed indicated they are perplexed about how to choose financial products to help meet their retirement goals. The most effective approach is perhaps the simplest, too - a return to the basics of sound management of household finances. That is, spend less, save more, start early, and seek professional financial advice. For more information on the survey and additional tips and resources to help you take control of your retirement strategy, visit www.prudential.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content