A new study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute suggests that almost half of baby boomers will have trouble paying for basic expenses and uninsured health costs after retirement. The study estimates that 47% of baby boomers between the ages of 56 and 62 will come up short of the cash needed to pay for these expenditures.

On the other hand, seven years ago in 2003, an estimated 59% of boomers were expected to run short, a much higher value than today. So what’s changed since 2003? A broader use of policies governing work-based retirement plans like automatic enrollment in 401k plans ensure that more is available to workers for retirement living expenses.

“This makes a huge difference, especially for low-income workers,” said the study’s coauthor, Jack Vanderhei, research director of EBRI.

However, every individual is somewhat responsible for maintaining their own expenses based on factors like how much they make presently and the amount of time their will spend in retirement.

For instance, people making roughly $31,000 to $72,000 a year today have a 13% chance of not being able to pay all their expenses after 10 years in retirement and a 29% chance after 20 years. So of course those making less than $31,000 a year will are at much higher risk of running out of money too soon. Even some of those in a higher income bracket of over $72,000 who are expected to have the most money in retirement will be scrambling to make their financial obligations.

The main offender? Uninsured health costs.

“Nursing home costs are wiping them out,” Vanderhei said.

The solution to this problem? Boomers are going to have to save more, but how much more? That depends entirely on how much you’ve got in your bank account, how many years until you retire, your expected Social Security and pension benefits, and how much return you’ll get off your investments.

According to the latest research* from Prudential’s Class of 2010 retirement survey, 57% of people planning to retire this year would be willing to work on in order to guarantee a higher income when they do retire.

In fact, the new study of attitudes to retirement showed that 25% would be happy to work for five years more, with 7% of these people willing to put in another 10 years before retiring.

The research highlights changing attitudes to retirement as people come to terms with increased longevity – as well as the financial effects of the credit crunch and recession on retirement saving plans. The average 65 year-old man is expected to live to 83 and a 65 year-old women is expected to reach 85**.

Prudential found that 18% of those who are planning to retire this year believe they have saved enough to ensure a comfortable retirement and rule out working even if it could guarantee them a greater income in retirement.

Another 21% refuse to continue working past statutory retirement ages even if that means they will struggle financially.

The research shows it is the over-65s who are the most willing to keep working, with more than three-fifths (62%) saying they would stay in employment to boost their retirement savings.

Vince Smith-Hughes, head of retirement income at Prudential, said: “Working beyond the normal retirement age is already a reality for many people who either have insufficient savings or simply want a greater income when they do come to retire.

“But for a lot of people planning to retire in the very near future the state retirement age is sacred and their expectation has always been to retire at 65. Once they reach that milestone, regardless of the amount of money they have, they simply do not want to work anymore. This is a potential issue because the average 65 year-old is likely to live for another 20 more years, and that’s a long time if you’ve only got limited retirement funds.

“I think what our research confirms is how important it is to consider retirement many years before you actually reach it, and make sure you get financial advice to help you plan for retirement.”

Prudential analysis shows that working an extra five years from age 65 and paying GBP100 a month into a pension of GBP100,000 could boost a retirement savings by an additional GBP53,000. Paying in GBP200 a month over five years could yield an extra GBP62,000.

The 25% tax relief on pensions contributions means that a monthly deposit of GBP100 grosses up to GBP125. The figures assume a 65-year-old male with a selected retirement age of 70, paying additional regular monthly contributions into an existing pension funds of GBP100,000***.

Working longer could benefit those people who have not worked sufficient qualifying years to entitle them to the basic state pension. Men and women retiring need to have worked 30 full years to qualify for the full basic state pension.

The information contained in Prudential UK’s press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Full consumer product information can be found at www.pru.co.uk.

Sources
* Survey conducted by Research Plus between 3-10 December 2009 among 1,001 UK adults aged 45+ using an online methodology.
** Office for National Statistics, principal projection, United Kingdom
*** These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not guaranteed. Rates valid until 20 May 2010.

About Prudential:
“Prudential” is a trading name of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, which is registered in England and Wales. This name is also used by other companies within the Prudential Group, which between them provide a range of financial products including life assurance, pensions, savings and investments and a tax calculator. Registered Office at Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH. Registered number 15454. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Website: http://www.pru.co.uk/