AMERICANS WORRIED ABOUT RETIREMENT SAVINGS
Omaha, Neb. - Fifty-seven percent of Americans said that they are either a little or far behind financially in terms of preparing for retirement, according to a new survey by TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., which found that those reporting being "a little behind" (36 percent) outnumbered those who said they were "far behind" (21 percent).
When asked the reason for being behind in their savings, 56 percent of respondents said that they have little or no money left for savings after meeting their regular expenses, and 56 percent also said that they started saving for retirement later in life.
Of the 57 percent who reported that they were behind in their savings, 61 percent of women reported that raising children set them back, compared with 43 percent of men reporting the same. Meanwhile, 47 percent of women cited "having to work longer to supplement Social Security income" as one of their top two concerns as they approach retirement, compared to 35 percent of men.
Forty-two percent of men cited "outliving savings" as one of their top two concerns as they approach retirement, compared to 37 percent of women.
TD Ameritrade polled more than 1,000 adults who were employed either full- or part-time.
CONFIDENCE GROWING IN FINANCIAL SERVICES
Palm Harbor, Fla. - An online poll of retirement planners and financial advisors affiliated with financial services concern USA Tax & Insurance Services shows growing confidence in the financial services industry and overall economic outlook. The survey found that 52 percent of respondents are cautiously optimistic about the business climate for the industry over the next 12-18 months, and 33 percent are highly optimistic.
The survey also found that 45 percent of respondents are seeing new client activity increasing compared to last year, indicating that consumers are refocusing on retirement planning and asset management activities.
