Earlier this month, the nonprofit organization Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies released new research evaluating the retirement outlook of American workers by generation.
A press release of their findings outlines how Baby Boomers, Gen-xers and Millennials feel about retirement.
For most, the old three-legged stool of Social Security, employer plans and personal savings seems wobbly.
I believe that building a four-legged stool would be sturdier–simply add any wealth built up in the equity of a house.
Even better would be a four-legged chair (with a back), which expresses your retirement in both savings and future income.
In an equally intriguing study, researchers found that a shift to defined-contribution retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, has led to an income and education gap in pension savings that could exacerbate future economic inequality.
It’s not surprising that defined contribution retirement plans are likely producing more income inequality in retirement.
When there were defined benefit pensions, workers earned a specified percentage of their salary. With defined contribution plans, employees aren’t likely to contribute on an identical basis.
Those with a lower salary may need to hold back that contribution for more pressing needs.
Again, I continue to recommend a focus on future income, and not current savings.