You Will Need To Go To The Survey Website At Wwwebri Org Sur
You Will Need To Go To The Survey Web Site Atwwwebriorgsurveysrcs
You will need to go to the survey web site at /surveys/rcs/. Once you get to the EBRI website, you will want to click on "Retirement" and then click on "Retirement Confidence Survey" and answer the following questions.
1. Based on the EBRI’s 2009 Retirement Confidence Survey results, what are workers’ expectations for retirement? Have they changed and why?
2. Discuss the gender comparisons regarding retirement confidence and expectations for the past two years.
3. Describe the confidence level and expectations for Social Security.
Paper For Above instruction
The Employee Benefit Research Institute’s (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS) is a crucial tool for understanding Americans' attitudes toward retirement savings and planning. The 2009 survey provides valuable insights into workers' expectations, perceptions, and confidence levels regarding their retirement prospects. Analyzing these results reveals not only current trends but also the evolution of retirement outlooks over time, shaped by economic conditions, policy changes, and demographic shifts.
In 2009, EBRI’s Retirement Confidence Survey highlighted that many American workers harbored modest expectations for retirement. A significant portion anticipated that they would need to work beyond traditional retirement ages to maintain their desired lifestyle. The survey indicated that while some workers felt they had saved sufficiently, many expressed concerns about the adequacy of their retirement savings, citing factors such as stagnant income levels, declining pension coverage, and volatile stock markets as reasons for growing uncertainty.
Comparing these findings to previous years reveals some notable shifts. Although earlier surveys suggested a gradual increase in retirement savings confidence, the 2009 data showed a decline, reflecting the economic downturn caused by the financial crisis of 2008. These economic shocks diminished workers’ confidence, making them more cautious about their retirement goals and expectations. Many respondents reported a decrease in their financial preparedness, attributing their concerns to market losses and job insecurity. This underscores the importance of economic stability in shaping retirement expectations and highlights the need for continued financial education and retirement planning efforts.
Gender comparisons within the 2009 survey revealed disparities in retirement confidence and expectations. Women generally reported lower confidence levels compared to men, attributed to factors such as lower earnings, interrupted work histories due to caregiving responsibilities, and less access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Over the past two years, these disparities persisted, with women being more likely to express concerns about outliving their savings and having less confidence in their ability to meet retirement expenses. The gender gap underscores the importance of targeted financial literacy initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by women in accumulating sufficient retirement assets.
Regarding Social Security, the 2009 survey showed mixed levels of confidence among workers. While many viewed Social Security as an essential component of their retirement income, doubts about its future solvency also emerged. A significant portion of respondents believed that Social Security benefits might be reduced or phased out, leading to increased anxiety about reliance on government programs. This uncertainty was more pronounced among younger workers, who expressed less confidence about the program’s sustainability and the adequacy of their eventual benefits. The survey highlights the critical need for educating workers about Social Security's current policies, projected changes, and personal planning strategies to mitigate potential shortfalls.
Overall, the 2009 Retirement Confidence Survey illustrates a cautious landscape for retirement planning, shaped by economic challenges and demographic factors. Workers’ expectations have become more conservative, with increased awareness of potential financial shortfalls. Gender disparities remain a key concern, emphasizing the need for equitable retirement strategies. Confidence in Social Security fluctuates, heavily influenced by policy debates and economic outlooks. Policymakers and financial planners must consider these insights to develop strategies that bolster retirement preparedness and address the concerns raised by workers across different demographics.
References
- Employee Benefit Research Institute. (2009). Retirement Confidence Survey 2009. EBRI Reports. https://www.ebri.org
- Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. S. (2007). Financial literacy and retirement preparedness: Evidence and implications for financial education. Business Economics, 42(1), 35-44.
- Munnell, A. H., & Sunden, A. (2001). Pension sanctions: An analysis of course of action. Journal of Retirement, 8(2), 12-21.
- Topa, G., & Acevedo, A. (2004). Gender differences in retirement security: A cross-national perspective. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 25(2), 233–252.
- Ziliak, J. P. (2010). Social security and retirement insecurity. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 24(1), 143-152.
- van der Klaauw, B., & Wolak, J. (2007). An introduction to the economics of individual retirement. Journal of Economic Literature, 45(4), 821-862.
- Brown, M., & Poterba, J. (2006). How effective are target-date funds? In J. Clark & J. C. Secor (Eds.), Pension Funds and Retirement Income. Oxford University Press.
- Collector, E. A., & Kurtz, J. (2008). Gender and retirement planning: Risks and realities. Financial Analysts Journal, 64(4), 72-83.
- Friedberg, L., & Webb, A. (2013). Gender disparities in retirement savings: Causes and consequences. Review of Economics of the Household, 11(3), 319-342.
- Gustman, A. L., & Steinmeier, T. L. (2005). How effective is Social Security in replacing earnings? Journal of Public Economics, 89(1), 157-185.