Description: The objective of the Phase I research effort was to further the Committee’s work by defining relevant and actionable consumer segments among middle-income / mid-level net worth households. This report updates the Phase 1 analysis using data through 2010.

Description: This report presents the results of six focus groups with retirees who have at least $100,000 of investable assets and must depend on that money to maintain their lifestyles because they do not have sufficient amounts of annuitized income from Social Security and defined benefit plans to meet all of their expenses. The purpose of the focus groups was to gain an understanding of how current retirees approach key financial decisions about managing their money in retirement. The benefits of this qualitative study are multidisciplinary. It can help: 1. actuaries design better retirement financial systems, 2. the financial services industry understand areas of misperception and causes of poor management, and 3. provide policy-makers an understanding of how to drive public policy goals.

Description: This April 2008 webcast, titled 'Understanding Changes During Retirement: Results of Two Studies' discussed the Society of Actuaries' 2007 Risks and Process of Retirement Survey and the Urban Institutes' Study on how older Americans spend their time. Additional references on 'What People Do' and other data sources are provided.

Description: A highlight report on financial risks stemming from a study on the financial perspectives of aging and retirement of Americans across five generations.

Description: This research summarizes surveys of individuals 85+ years old, and children of individuals 85+ years old looking at post-retirement experiences.

Description: This research report summarizes current research on retirement adequacy and compares different measures.

Description: This article provides a perspective on the SOA’s Aging and Retirement research reports, and on the types of research that are included. The SOA does a lot of research on different retirement topics, and many people are not aware of the scope of this work. This article offers an overview of the big picture as we think about the future. The article describes longer-term challenges to the US retirement system and recent developments that have affected the system and created uncertainty. It provides an overview of what individuals have said about retirement and their view of post-retirement risks and planning in a variety of consumer research studies. It then reviews some of the research and provides information on summary reports which provide insight on the findings from multiple related research reports. It also provides information about consumer education and what is currently available and in process. It then focuses on how the SOA is helping retirement professionals understand current and expected change and discusses areas of uncertainty as we help those we serve deal with change.

Description: This document is intended for reporters and editors seeking information and thought leaders on how to clarify the complexities of retirement planning and the associated risks for the individual consumer. It provides tips and a summary of considerations and risks involved with transitioning into retirement, and includes bios for expert actuaries specializing in retirement, who are available for interviews or comment, and contact information for the Society.

Description: The papers in this monograph provide varied perspectives on many housing and retirement issues of concern to policymakers, financial planners, and homeowners, among others. This article provides key takeaways from the various papers. Additionally provided are suggestions for future work.