Survey: Start Retirement Planning Early to Avoid Downsizing Later

Are You Downsizing Your Retirement Dreams

Survey shows value of acting now

Getty Images A new survey shows that many older workers are pessimistic they have saved enough for their retirement dreams. A new survey carries with it a cautionary tale for older Americans: If you want to avoid downsizing your dreams in , you need to plan now. The Ipsos/USA Today survey, published over the Thanksgiving weekend, showed a significant gap between what would like to do with their retirement budgets and what they think they’ll actually be able to accomplish. For example, more than half of those surveyed want to devote less than 20 percent of their retirement spending to living expenses. However, only 37 percent think they’ll make that goal. The survey of 1,170 people ages 45 to 65 also revealed: About 25 percent want to spend 21 percent to 40 percent of their on travel. However, only 13 percent feel they will make that goal. Eighteen percent would like to spend 21 percent to 40 percent of their retirement budgets on entertainment and dining out. However, only 9 percent feel they will be able to accomplish that. A total of 77 percent would like to devote 20 percent or less of their retirement budgets to housing costs. However, only 62 percent feel they can hit that target. may be the key to accomplishing those retirement goals, according to USA Today. Eliminating or substantially reducing debt “frees cash flow for other things,” Sterling Raskie, a certified financial planner for Blankenship Financial Planning in New Berlin, Ill., told the newspaper. USA Today looks at case studies of people who are trying to make their dreams a reality by during their working years. It notes wages have risen only about 2 percent annually for the average American since the recession of 2007-2009.

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