Women Face Retirement Planning Challenges, Often Guessing Savings Needs
A recent survey highlights a significant challenge faced by working women: a pervasive uncertainty regarding the financial resources needed for retirement. More than half of the women surveyed admitted to estimating the required savings, indicating a lack of precise planning. This ambiguity, coupled with common retirement aspirations such as travel and increased leisure time, underscores a critical gap in financial literacy and proactive wealth management among women across various generations.
The study, conducted by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, found that a median estimate for retirement security among women was $500,000. However, a considerable portion, about a quarter, believed they would need $2 million or more, while 15% estimated between $1 million and $2 million. This wide range of estimates suggests a reliance on guesswork rather than informed financial projections.
Lindsey Stanberry, founder of The Purse, a financial newsletter for women, noted her concern about these findings, especially given that nearly half of the women surveyed expressed a primary fear of outliving their retirement funds. Stanberry observed that even women in their 40s with substantial savings and good habits often harbor anxieties about whether their accumulated wealth will suffice for their golden years.
Echoing these sentiments, Cary Carbonaro, a certified financial planner and author, remarked that the survey's revelations were not groundbreaking, pointing out that women consistently exhibit lower financial confidence than men in retirement planning. She also highlighted that women tend to have smaller emergency funds, are less likely to engage financial advisors, and are more prone to estimating their retirement needs.
The data further indicated that only one in four women possess a written financial plan for retirement, and merely three out of ten currently work with a professional financial advisor. Carbonaro explained that women often seek financial guidance only during periods of crisis, such as job loss, divorce, or disability, contrasting this with men who more readily engage advisors during stable times. This reactive approach leaves many women vulnerable to financial setbacks.
Another concerning trend identified in the survey is the premature withdrawal from retirement accounts. Nearly 40% of working women have taken a loan or early withdrawal from their retirement savings. Catherine Collinson, CEO of Transamerica Institute, explained that such actions often stem from inadequate emergency savings or a lack of insurance, forcing women to choose between tapping into retirement funds or incurring high-interest credit card debt. While borrowing from a 401(k) might be preferable to other debt, early withdrawals typically incur taxes and a 10% penalty if taken before age 59½, unless specific IRS exceptions are met.
To mitigate the risks associated with an ad hoc approach to retirement planning, experts recommend several proactive steps. Consulting with a certified financial planner or utilizing online retirement calculators can provide a clearer picture of necessary savings goals. Resources from organizations like AARP, Bogleheads, Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard offer valuable tools for this purpose.
Beyond professional guidance, fostering open discussions about personal finance is crucial. The survey revealed that fewer than two in ten women regularly discuss saving, investing, and retirement with close friends and family. Maddy Dychtwald, author of "Ageless Aging," emphasizes that candid conversations about money can alleviate anxiety and contribute to overall well-being.
Moreover, individuals should actively seek opportunities to enhance their financial literacy, such as attending workplace seminars or forming small study groups with peers to delve into investment and retirement planning literature. For couples, regular, honest discussions about financial goals are essential for joint planning. Older workers, particularly those aged 50 and above, should leverage catch-up contribution provisions, which allow for additional contributions to IRAs and 401(k)s.
It is also noted that women often exhibit greater risk aversion in investment strategies, which may not be optimal for long-term growth, especially considering women generally live longer and may experience career interruptions for family care. This makes proactive and strategic investment even more critical. Finally, women are encouraged to negotiate fearlessly for their salaries, as current pay significantly influences future retirement benefits and overall financial trajectory.