2011 Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report of Findings
March 2012
Prepared by
Mathew Greenwald & Associates, Inc.
Employee Benefit Research Institute
Description
This study summarizes findings from a 2011 telephone survey of 1,600 Americans ages 45 to 80, conducted for the Society of Actuaries by Mathew Greenwald & Associates and the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The study examines how Americans understand and manage financial risks in retirement, including attitudes toward longevity, working in retirement, and the effects of the economic downturn on retirement decisions.
It’s the sixth in a long-running SOA series (beginning in 2001) exploring these topics. The 2011 data—weighted to reflect U.S. census demographics—compare retirees and pre-retirees and track changes over time. The report includes demographic breakdowns, methodological details, and comparisons with previous surveys to show how Americans’ financial perceptions and behaviors have evolved amid market instability and policy uncertainty.
Material
Key Findings and Issues–Understanding and Managing the Risks of Retirement
Key Findings and Issues-Longevity
Key Findings and Issues-Working in Retirement
Key Findings and Issues-The Impact of the Economy on Individual Retirement Risks
Questions or Comments?
If you have comments or questions, please send an email to research@soa.org