Retirement, it’s something many of us look forward to someday. While some Baby Boomers have already retired and others are nearing that day there’s another group who new research shows may never be able to retire.
The so-called Generation X is facing a level of uncertainty which may have them working beyond retirement age and into the final years, that’s according to a study from Pew Research.
Financial Advisor Tracy Ann Miller, with Red River Advisors, said, “They worry about trying to retire. They talk about social security and let’s face it, social security may not be there.”
The future or lack of future for social security isn’t the only problem.
Miller says Generation Xers, those born in the mid 1960s through the 1970s, were hit hard by the recession losing a big chunk of their retirement savings.
Another problem, Miller says many of those who have 401ks are taking money out early.
Miller said, “Why are they doing that? Is it because they need the money? Is it because it’s accessible?”
While many Baby Boomers had pensions most in Generation X do not; therefore, saving for retirement is their responsibility.
Miller said, “There’s this sense, ‘If I don’t plan and do it, I’ll be OK. Somehow, somewhere, someone will take care of me.’ We have to change that thinking.”
It’s a reality that does concern Oklahomans like Nancy Prykryl.
Prykryl said, “Sometimes it can be stressful or depressing when you think about it.”
She said she would love to enjoy her older years but fears she’ll be stuck working.
Prykryl said, “I feel like I’m probably going to have to work the rest of my life.”
Miller said, “You can! You can do it! You just need to get started.”
Miller says while it’s not good news, it doesn’t have to be hopeless.
She says if Generation Xers start saving now and make better financial choices they can change this outlook.
Miller said, “It’s easy to do. You just have to save some money and not spend more than you make.”
She says you also have to be willing to leave those savings untouched until retirement years.
Experts suggest working with a financial planner if you aren’t sure where to start.
Tracy Ann Miller has a retirement calculator on RedRiverAdvisors.com to help you figure out what you may need financially in order to retire.