TCRS Annual Retirement Survey

The Transamerica Annual Retirement Survey is now in its 22nd year. The survey comprises research among nationally representative samples of Americans and U.S. employers. It is one of the largest and longest-running of its kind exploring attitudes and behaviors about retirement security and the intersections of health and financial well-being across diverse groups of people in all walks of life -- workers, employers, retirees, family caregivers, and the general population in the U.S.


24th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey (2023)


23rd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey (2022)

A Compendium of Demographic Influences on Retirement Security

The Compendium Report examines demographic disparities across 25+ indicators of retirement readiness across the general population, household income, urbanicity, race and ethnicity including White, Black/African American, Hispanic, and Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPI), women and men, and LGBTQ+ status. This research report is based on the 23rd Annual Retirement Survey. 

22nd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey (2021)


21st Annual Retirement Survey (2020)


20th Annual Retirement Survey (2019-2020)

Women and Retirement: Risks and Realities Amid COVID-19

This extensive report presents from finding from surveys conducted in late 2019, and June 2020, as part of our 20th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey. Women continue to be at greater risk than men of not achieving a financially secure retirement. This report examines women’s finances before and during the pandemic, and their expectations about retirement, and includes comparisons with men. The report offers actionable recommendations for improving outcomes in women’s long-term retirement preparedness.

Retirees and Retirement Amid COVID-19

Many retirees had a fragile financial picture before the pandemic, and are now even more vulnerable. While most retirees weren't working before the pandemic, and thus are better able to weather the storm, many would be unable to pay large out-of-pocket costs if they were hit with unexpected bills. This research report is based on a survey conducted in late 2019 and offers comparisons with a supplemental survey conducted in June 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. 


19th Annual Retirement Survey (2018)

A Compendium of Findings About U.S. Workers

The Compendium provides in-depth perspectives on retirement. This extensive report offers 30+ key indicators of retirement readiness, preparations and attitudes among workers by employment status (full-time, part-time), generation, gender, household income, level of education, and race/ethnicity.
 

Retirees Survey (2018)


18th Annual Retirement Survey (2017)

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..

Here and Now: How Women Can Take Control of Their Retirement

In conjunction with National Women’s History Month which corresponds with International Women’s Day on, March 8, TCRS highlights findings from its 18th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of Workers. TCRS has published research for more than a decade showing that women are at a greater risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement compared to men. This study covers research of more than 3,900 women workers in the U.S. and shines a light on their current retirement preparedness and outlook for their own retirement. With this study, TCRS aims to raise awareness of the retirement risks that women face and highlight opportunities where women can take greater control of their long-term financial security.


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.

17th Annual Retirement Survey (2016)

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.

16th Annual Retirement Survey (2015)

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.

Retirees Survey (2015)

The Current State of Retirement: Pre-Retiree Expectations and Retiree Realities

This new research examines the retirement outlook of age 50+ workers with the actual experiences of retirees


15th Annual Retirement Survey (2014)

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.


14th Annual Retirement Survey (2013)

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.


13th Annual Retirement Survey (2012)

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.

Redefining Retirement: The New "Retirement Readiness"


12th Annual Retirement Survey (2011)

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


11th Annual Retirement Survey (2009-2010)


10th Annual Retirement Survey (2008-2009)


9th Annual Retirement Survey (2007)

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