Thinkstock Quick Read Annuities provide guaranteed lifetime income like Social Security but carry high fees and surrender charges. Fixed annuities offer predictable payments without market risk but may not keep pace with inflation. Make sure you understand the pros and cons of an annuity before buying one. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more he ...

Group 1 - The concept of a 100-year life plan is gaining traction as advancements in healthcare make living to 100 more feasible, highlighting the importance of financial planning for longevity [1][2] - Financial well-being is a central focus of the 100-year life plan, emphasizing the need for a longevity portfolio that ensures financial resilience and flexibility [2][4] - Longevity risk, the risk of outliving savings, is becoming a significant concern for many individuals, particularly in states like Florida and Texas, where clients are advised to consider guaranteed income sources [4][5] Group 2 - A 65-year-old today has a one-in-three chance of living past 90 and a one-in-seven chance of surpassing 95, indicating that longevity risk is a statistical certainty for many [5] - Without guaranteed income sources, retirement portfolios may face longevity drag, leading to the gradual depletion of assets over an extended lifespan [5][6] - Certain annuities, such as single-premium immediate annuities (SPIAs) and deferred income annuities (DIAs), can provide steady income and protect against market volatility, making them valuable components of a longevity portfolio [6][7]

Core Insights - Economic volatility is significantly impacting retirement readiness among Americans over 50, with 70% of pre-retirees considering or delaying their retirement date [1][2] - A notable 23% of pre-retirees are definitely postponing their planned retirement date, reflecting a 14% increase from 2024 [2] - Half of the respondents (50%) cite financial uncertainties and economic volatility as reasons for reconsidering their retirement plans, marking a 10% increase from the previous year [2] Group 1: Retirement Planning Concerns - Nearly a third (29%) of retirees are contemplating returning to work, with this figure rising to 54% among younger Generation X retirees [3] - 49% of American investors feel the need to invest in products that provide guaranteed income for the future due to economic uncertainty [3][4] - 48% of respondents are worried about not having enough money for retirement, while 44% express concerns about inflation [8] Group 2: Self-Assessment of Retirement Readiness - 32% of American investors rated their financial readiness for retirement as a C or below, compared to only 26% who rated it an A [6] - 41% of respondents rated their social connections in retirement as a C or below, indicating a lack of confidence in this area [6] - 28% rated their personal fulfillment in retirement as an A, while another 28% rated it a C or lower [6] Group 3: Financial Professional Engagement - Despite lower self-assessments, 47% of Americans over 50 are not currently using a financial professional, an increase from 43% in the previous year [7] - Among Generation X, over half (54%) are not leveraging a financial professional, up from 49% in 2024 [7] - Only 15% of retirees indicated they would consult their financial advisor before returning to work, suggesting a trend of independent financial decision-making [10] Group 4: Importance of Financial Guidance - Financial professionals are seen as crucial in helping investors align their financial plans with their desired lifestyle in retirement [11] - The emphasis on personal fulfillment in retirement planning is lacking, with 29% of investors placing little to no emphasis on this aspect [10]