Most Americans, particularly women, are woefully underprepared for retirement, with four out of 10 women having less than $10,000 saved, and only 21 percent having more than $100,000 in all of their investment accounts, according to research from Mintel.
Approximately 58 percent of single women over the age of 45 who have any kind of savings or retirement account have less than $50,000 saved, while only 22 percent have more than $100,000 saved. At the same time, these women are aware of their need to step up their savings efforts, as only 5 percent of 45-54-year-old women and 16 percent of 55-64-year-old women believe they are saving enough for their twilight years.
"Women nearing retirement age believe saving for retirement is very important, and women aged 25-44 are the most likely to rate saving for retirement as their top financial goal over the next year," said Mintel vice president and behavioral economist Susan Menke in a statement. "While it may be too late for older women, research suggests that younger women are starting to save early and may not end up in the same predicament."
Thirty-six percent of women who aren't retired yet say they plan to keep working at least part-time during retirement because they expect they will need the income. That number increases to 50 percent for women who are 55 to 64 years old. Lack of retirement planning is evident in that only 13 percent of women who aren't retired say they have determined the age at which they will be able to do so.
