Younger Boomers Doing Worse Job of Saving than Elders

Older Baby Boomers (this includes physicians) appear to be doing a better job of preparing for retirement than younger Boomers (this also includes you younger physicians out there), though both groups are sorely underprepared for their golden years, MetLife found in a survey.

Forty-six percent of those age 62 or older say they are comfortable with what they have saved for retirement, but only 57% of the youngest Boomers, those age 45, are. To cope with the shortfall, those born in 1946, about 2.7 million Americans, have delayed collecting Social Security and fully retiring. A full two-thirds of this group is still working, half of them full-time.

A sign that they are in denial about what their retirement years might be like, the youngest Boomers, the 4.5 million Americans born in 1964, think of themselves as Generation X and would like to retire by age 64.

“Our conclusion from this data is that the oldest Boomers are behind in their savings, and many are delaying both Social Security and retirement,” said Sandra Timmermann, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. “The youngest group, twice the size of the oldest group, is also behind on saving, which has ramifications for the entire economy as we move through the next 20 years. Our current economic downturn has impacted the oldest Boomers, who have fewer years to recover financially, and points to the need for the younger group to build a financial safety net as they look ahead to their retirement.”

MORAL OF THE STORY – Give some attention to your personal retirement planning strategy!

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.