California Financial Security Dreaming or Struggling

California Financial Security Dreaming or Struggling

California Financial Security Dreaming or Struggling Economic Security and Work

California Financial Security Dreaming or Struggling

iStock.com/RyanJLane

Learn More About This Survey

(Statewide Report, PDF) (PDF) (PDF) (Report, PDF) (Brief, PDF) (Report, PDF) (Brief, PDF) (Report, PDF) (Brief, PDF) (Report, PDF) (Brief, PDF) (Report, PDF) (Brief, PDF) See Also This statewide survey of 800 California adults age 36-70 who are in the workforce finds that some Californians are living the dream, but many (particularly Gen X-ers) are struggling. Within California, broad-based support exists for legislation both to address access to affordable housing (61%) and workplace retirement savings plans (63%). Additional findings show: For some Californians, saving, particularly saving for retirement, is a luxury they simply cannot afford. One in five (22%) say they would not be able to pay an emergency expense of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or more, and one in four (25%) feel they are either just getting by or finding it difficult to get by financially.

Housing costs and retirement savings go hand-in-hand for many. Many rate household bills and housing expenses as a “major” obstacle to saving for retirement, and over half (56%) are anxious about having enough money saved in order to live comfortably in retirement.

Three in five (61%) say they have considered leaving the state of California and living somewhere else due to the high cost of living.

For non-homeowners, affordable housing in their preferred community (50%), and the financial expenses associated with becoming a homeowner (49%) are top housing concerns. For homeowners, affording the costs associated with maintaining home ownership, such as paying property taxes (15%), are a top concern. The AARP 2017 study of California adults was conducted as a telephone survey among California residents age 36-70 in the workforce. The survey collected opinions on retirement security, housing affordability, and legislation to address retirement saving and affordable housing. The survey was approximately 20 minutes in length. The interviews were conducted by The American Institute of Consumer Studies from June 22-October 6, 2016. The sample consisted of a mix Random Digit Dialing and listed sample on both Landlines and Cell phones. Data was weighted to ensure proper representation of the population. For more information contact Brittne Nelson at . Suggested Citation: Nelson, Brittne. California Dreaming or California Struggling? 2017 Findings from the AARP Study of California Adults Ages 36-70 in the Workforce. Washington, DC: AARP Research, May 2017.

Search AARP Research

Enter a keyword below to find answers to your AARP Research questions. NEWS ALERTS: Sign up for a monthly newsletter of the latest AARP Research. Subscribe Caregiver Costs

Caregiving Comes with Financial Burdens

In 2016, family caregivers spent on average just under $7,000 per year, or an average 20% of their income, on caregiving expenses.

Social Media

Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.
Share:
0 comments

Comments (0)

Leave a Comment

Minimum 10 characters required

* All fields are required. Comments are moderated before appearing.

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!