Recent research suggests some Americans have a more optimistic view of retirement living than others.
The Hartford, a financial services company that manages wealth and retirement needs, says more and more Americans are worried about having the means to live after they retire. The company also says there is a noticeable difference in the optimism levels of adults who are well-prepared for their later years and those who aren’t.
"The financial turmoil of the past few years has taken a huge toll on America’s confidence about the future and apparent readiness for retirement," said Jamie Ohl, director of The Hartford’s Retirement Plans Group.
"Increasingly, people fear they may face serious financial issues in retirement and are therefore uncertain about when or even if they can retire."
The company’s research revealed that the No. 1 concern of retired individuals in 2009 is keeping up with daily expenses for food, shelter and other basic needs.
According to the U.S. government’s social security website, retired individuals can start receiving benefits at the age of 62. However, these benefits will be reduced by a fraction of a percent each month if a person chooses to receive them before full retirement age. The full retirement age for individuals born after 1942 is at least 66 years old.
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