With a nod to Richard Dawson (one of the most lovable drunks to come out of Hollywood), we present this year's Boomer Lifestyle Survey. The theme? Boomer retirement revisited. In the long ago days of the bull market bonanza--2007--we teamed with Matt Greenwald and Associates to survey boomers about their spending and saving habits. We thought it might be useful to ask similar questions of boomers today to see what's changed. Call it a view from the top and (double dip fears aside) a view from the bottom.
How are baby boomers coping in a number of areas key to financial independence and a fulfilling retirement? Where have they cut back? What moves are they making to ensure their retirement dreams don't disappear with their investment returns? How does their confidence rate for the future? Most importantly, how can financial advisors best help them?
Longevity and income concerns were top-of-mind for retirement advisors back then. A black swan large enough to block the sun then came crashing through; sinking portfolios that took a lifetime to build and causing a new president to tell us to get used to it, that this is simply the new retirement mentality. But is it?
We suspect a resounding "no" from readers. You're taking the creative and necessary steps to ensure your clients' retirement success, and we'll do what we can to help. So in Family Feud parlance, top survey answers are on the board, passing is not an option and we promise no inappropriate affection from the host.
