8 Ways the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 Enhances Retirement Security

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, a result of extensive bipartisan collaboration, represents a major milestone in enhancing retirement security. Based on the 22nd Annual Retirement Survey, Transamerica Institute and TCRS spotlight eight meaningful ways the new legislation enhances retirement security. 

Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Compendium About U.S. Workers' Retirement Outlook

The Compendium examines demographic disparities across 35+ indicators of retirement readiness across employment status (full-time and part-time), household income, educational attainment, urbanicity, caregiver status, LGBTQ+ status, and race/ethnicity including White, Black/African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islanders (AAPI). It also offers priorities for policymakers for improving retirement security for all Americans. This research report is based on the 22nd Annual Retirement Survey. 

Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Retirement Outlook of the Workforce

The pandemic has precipitated major disruptions to the workforce, resulting in financial setbacks that could have lasting repercussions on workers’ ability to achieve a secure retirement. It also raises an urgent need for strengthening the U.S. retirement system. Based on the 22nd Annual Retirement Survey, this report examines the retirement prospects of workers who are employed by others, self-employed, and unemployed but looking for work.  

How to Claim the Saver's Credit

Fewer than half (48 percent) of U.S. workers are aware of a tax credit that may help them save for retirement, according to the 22nd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey. Also referred to as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Saver’s Credit is available to millions of eligible taxpayers who are saving for retirement. 

A Compendium of Findings About the Retirement Outlook of U.S. Workers

The 2021 Compendium examines 35 key indicators of retirement readiness across demographic groups such as employment status, work arrangements, urbanicity, household income, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, and caregiver status. 

Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Women's Health, Finances, and Retirement Outlook

Despite recent progress in gender equality, women continue to be at risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement than men. This report examines the pandemic's impact on women's health, financial well-being, and retirement preparations.

Living in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Health, Finances, and Retirement Prospects of Four Generations

Workers are living through a public health crisis and coping with concerns ranging from health and family to employment and finances. This report examines the experiences four generations – Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers – and the impacts of the pandemic on their health, employment, financial well-being, and their ability their ability to save and invest for retirement.

Retirement Security: A Compendium of Findings About U.S. Workers

The Compendium examines the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and offers 25+ indicators of retirement readiness across employment status, urbanicities, LGBTQ status, level of educational attainment, generation, gender, and race/ethnicity. It also offers priorities for policymakers for improving retirement security for all Americans. This research report is based on a survey conducted in late 2019 and offers comparisons with a supplemental survey conducted in October 2020. 

Retirement Security Amid COVID-19: The Outlook of Three Generations

Workers across generations are at risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement — an issue of major concern long before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the negative economic effects of the pandemic are further threatening retirement savings and security. The financial vulnerabilities among workers across all generations are becoming clear and TCRS offers suggestions for improving their retirement security. This research report is based on a survey conducted in late 2019 and offers comparisons with a supplemental survey conducted in April 2020. 

Tips for Claiming the IRS Saver's Credit

Learn more about the Saver's Credit, an IRS tax credit for eligible taxpayers who save for retirement in a 401(k), 403(b), or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan; a traditional or Roth IRA. Unfortunately, 62 percent of workers are unaware of the credit, according to the 19th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of workers. 

A Compendium of Findings About U.S. Workers

The Self-Employed: Defying and Redefining Retirement

New TCRS research explores the unique opportunities and challenges for saving, planning, and preparing for retirement that self-employed workers face. This report offers valuable insights to assist the retirement process for self-employed workers.

What Is "Retirement"? Three Generations Prepare for Older Age

Retirement means "freedom" – a common thread weaving together Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials in the workforce – yet simultaneously, people are grappling with how they will achieve financial success in older age. In an era in which people have the potential to live longer than any other time in history, how can we as a society fundamentally redefine retirement and our life journeys leading up to it? 

Savers Credit

Learn more about the Saver's Credit, an IRS tax credit for eligible taxpayers who save for retirement in a 401(k), 403(b), or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan; a traditional or Roth IRA. TCRS research finds that only one in three workers are aware of the credit.

A Retirement Security Retrospective: 2007 Versus 2017

The Great Recession officially lasted from December 2007 to June 20091 but its after effects continue to linger today. Questions continue to be asked about the status of the recovery among employers and workers. How has retirement security changed? What are areas in need of improvement? TCRS prepared this report based on findings from its annual retirement survey of workers and employers to help answer these questions.

Striking Similarities and Disconcerting Disconnects: Employers, Workers, and Retirement Security

As part of its 18th Annual Retirement Survey, TCRS surveyed 1,825 employers of for-profit companies with five or more employees to learn how they are helping their employees prepare for retirement. The study also provides context by comparing the employer survey findings with TCRS’ survey of 6,372 workers.

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers - 18th Annual Survey (2017) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 18th Annual Survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, educational attainment, and race/ethnicity, which are also available as separate reports..

Wishful Thinking or Within Reach? Three Generations Prepare for “Retirement”

The 18th annual survey of more than 6,000 workers across the country examines the retirement-related promises and pitfalls faced by Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. The survey finds workers are planning to live long lives with visions of a “retirement” that includes both work and personal interests – but with obstacles negatively impacting their ability to achieve success.

Seventeen Facts About Women's Retirement Outlook

In conjunction with National Women’s History Month which corresponds with International Women’s Day on, March 8, TCRS highlights findings from its 17th Transamerica Retirement Survey of Workers. TCRS research finds that women have unique challenges - and opportunities - in preparing for retirement.

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers - 17th Annual Survey (2016) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 17th Annual Survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, educational attainment and ethnicity, which are also available as excerpts.

Savers Credit

Learn more about the Saver's Credit, an IRS tax credit for eligible taxpayers who save for retirement in a 401(k), 403(b), or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan; a traditional or Roth IRA; or a new myRA. TCRS research finds that only one in three workers are aware of the credit.

Perspectives on Retirement: Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials

The retirement landscape is ever-evolving. Societally, as the way that we live and work continues to change, we should expect widely held assumptions about retirement to change. Our research examines three generations currently represented in the workforce: Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. The landscape is now changing so rapidly that it is clear that their retirements will be different from their parents’ generation and from each other’s as well.

The Current State of 401(k)s - The Employer Perspective

TCRS' new research among employers offers an overview of retirement plan sponsorship rates, comparisons by company size, and includes worker insights. Coincident with the release of the new report, on behalf of TCRS and Transamerica Institute, Catherine Collinson has been invited to share the findings and other research before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s hearing titled, “Closing the Gap: Innovations to Promote Americans’ Retirement Security.”

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers -- 16th Annual Survey (2015) - Full Survey Results
Complete results from the 16th Annual Survey.  The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, and educational attainment, which are also available as excerpts.

Retirement Throughout the Ages: Expectations and Preparations of American Workers

As part of the 16th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report examines current expectations and preparations among American workers in their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties and older.

A Compendium of Findings About American Employers -- 15th Annual Survey (2014) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 15th Annual Survey. The employer report includes five-year trend data and comparisons by company size.

Fifteen Facts About Women's Retirement Outlook

In celebration of International Women's Day, TCRS lays out 15 facts about women's retirement preparedness and outlook, and recommends seven steps to help improve it.

WYPR ClearPath - Your Roadmap to Health & Wealth One-Hour Special "Health & Wealth for Millennials"

Baby Boomer Workers Are Revolutionizing Retirement: Are They and Their Employers Ready?

The Retirement Readiness Challenge: Five Ways Employers Can Improve Their 401(k)s

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers -- 15th Annual Survey (2014) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 15th Annual Survey.  The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, educational attainment, and ethnicity/race, which are also available as excerpts.

Generation X Workers - The 401(k) Generation

Generation X workers are facing formidable uncertainties about their future retirement. This “401(k) Generation” joined the workforce as 401(k)s were being introduced, and many of them are saving for retirement through such plans.  However, the study reveals that current levels of savings may not be enough, and offers recommendations to help improve the retirement readiness outlook for Gen Xers.

Millennial Workers - An Emerging Generation of Super Savers

Millennial workers are engaged in retirement saving and planning, and appear to be an emerging generation of super savers. As part of the 15th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report examines Millennials' attitudes and retirement readiness.

The Retirement Readiness of Three Unique Generations

As part of the 15th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report examines current trends among American workers and compares the retirement outlooks of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials.

The Retirement Readiness Imperative: Overcoming the Challenges Faced by Small Companies

This report on small businesses, part of the 14th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, examines retirement benefits offered by small companies (10-499 employees), assesses the retirement outlook of small-company workers, offers comparisons with large companies (500+ employees), and provides recommendations.

Congressional Testimony

Catherine Collinson was invited to testify to the results of “The Retirement Readiness Imperative: Overcoming the Challenges Faced by Small Companies” before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business at its hearing, “The Challenge of Retirement Savings for Small Employers.”

Unlocking Secrets of Retirement Readiness: Meet the Everyday People Who Are 'Power Planners'

The latest survey found that retirement confidence is on the rise, but that there are many Americans who remain unready for retirement.  However, the research also discovered five segments of 'Power Planners' who are on the road to retirement readiness and can serve as a source of inspiration for others.

14th Annual Survey (2013) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 14^th Annual survey.  The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by age, gender, generation, household income, and participation in a retirement plan.  The employer report includes trend data and comparisons by company size.

Dreaming About Retirement

A comparison of how men and women plan to spend their lives in retirement.

Emerging from the Economic Storm: Retirement Plans in the United States, 2007-2012

This report evaluates how American workers and company-sponsored retirement plans have fared during these five difficult years of recession and brings to light opportunities to improve the current retirement system.

Juggling Current Needs and Long-Term Security: Every Woman Needs Her Own Retirement Strategy

The annual Transamerica Retirement Study found that nearly half of working women don’t have a retirement strategy.  This report was created to shed light on women’s attitudes and behaviors related to saving and planning for retirement and outlines key steps that can be taken to help women attain a more secure retirement.

Spotlight on the Saver's Credit

TCRS released survey results to help increase public awareness of the Saver's Credit, an important tax credit for low- to middle-income workers who save through a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA.

10,000 Baby Boomers Turn 65 Every Day Infographic

Fewer than 1 in 10 Baby Boomers strongly agree that they are building a large enough nest egg.

Weathering the Economic Storm: Retirement Plans in the U.S., 2007-2012

This report evaluates how American workers and company-sponsored retirement plans have fared during these five difficult years of recession, and brings to light opportunities to improve the current retirement system.

Retirement Security Priorities for the President and Congress

TCRS surveyed American workers before the 2012 election and asked them what they thought should be the priorities for the next President and Congress to help Americans prepare for a financially secure retirement.

Redefining Retirement: The New "Retirement Readiness"

13th Annual Survey (2012) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 13th Annual survey.  The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by age, gender, generation, household income, and participation in a retirement plan.  The employer report includes trend data and comparisons by company size.

Women: Let's Talk About Retirement (Worker Survey)

A Source of Inspiration: Future Early Retirees (Worker Survey)

A "Perfect" 401(k) Plan

Relying on Social Security in Retirement

Out of Work in America (Unemployed/Underemployed Survey)

The New Retirement: Working (Worker Survey Results)

Educational Matters: The Impact of Educational Attainment on Worker Retirement Outlook

Women and Retirement

A Tale of Two Retirements: The Importance of Employee-Funded Retirement Plans in the Workplace

Women and Retirement: Facing Challenges in a Recession

Managing the Road to Retirement: How Different Age Groups Save

Back-on-Track: Helping Pre-Retirees Improve Their Retirement Outlook

Educating Yourself Today for a More Secure Tomorrow

Congressional Testimony

On February 25, 2009, TCRS was invited to testify at a hearing entitled, "Drop in Retirement Savings: The Challenges Small Business Face Funding and Maintaining Retirement Plans in a Struggling Economy," conducted by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business.

Strengthening Retirement Savings in a Weak Economy

Spotlight on Single Women in the U.S.A.

Building Retirement Confidence — Household Income