Steps that may help to address a savings shortfall.
Were you born within the years 1965-1980? That makes you a member of Generation X, and it means you are between ages 42-57. Gen Xers now constitute “the sandwich generation” – how time flies.1
Broadly speaking, GenX is the first generation that has had to save for retirement without traditional pension plans. In addition, most Gen Xers will probably retire after 2033 – the year in which Social Security predicts its trust funds will run dry, barring federal government intervention.1
With eldercare responsibilities, kids, and student loans, this demographic is challenged to save for retirement. In fact, 34% of Gen Xers participating in a recent Northwestern Mutual survey stated they had no idea how much retirement income would be sufficient for them. In April, Bankrate found that just 12% of Gen Xers direct more than 15% of their incomes into savings; about 40% were saving 5% or less of their incomes. More disturbingly, 46% of Gen Xers who responded to a May Allianz Life retirement preparedness survey indicated that they would “just figure it out when I get there.”1,2
Investing is fun, and is the greatest tool towards creating future wealth. But when you spot an opportunity, there is a huge question to ask yourself.
