Core Insights - Many Americans, particularly older generations like baby boomers, face uncertainty regarding retirement savings and financial planning [2][3] Group 1: Retirement Planning Challenges - A significant portion of respondents (28%) cited "not knowing where to start" as a primary reason for inadequate savings [4] - The survey indicates a broader issue of uncertainty in financial planning, emphasizing the need for structured approaches [2] Group 2: Tools and Strategies for Retirement - Utilizing retirement calculators from reputable financial institutions can help individuals estimate necessary savings based on personal circumstances [5] - Engaging with fee-only financial advisors can provide tailored insights, often employing Monte Carlo simulations to model various financial scenarios [6] Group 3: Financial Planning Framework - Experts recommend the 50/30/20 rule for budgeting, which allocates 50% of income to essentials, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings and debt repayment [8]