2017 Financial Security National Survey of
Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
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Acknowledgements
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2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS IN AMERICA
ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT THEIR RETIREMENT SECURITY AND SUPPORT STATE
LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE SAVING FOR RETIREMENT.
Highlights:
1. Eighty-two percent of political conservatives agree that elected officials should
make it easier for people to save for retirement at work, as do 86 percent of
moderates, and 89 percent of liberals.
2. Nearly all workers, 90 percent, wish they had more money saved for their
retirement years and most are eager to take advantage of opportunities to save for
retirement.
3. Among those who currently do not have access to a workplace savings plan, 86
percent say it is likely they would participate if their employer offered such a plan.
This nationally representative survey of 3,920 private sector workers age 18-64 shows that 8 in
10 (80 percent) support state level public private partnerships designed to help employees save
their money for retirement, which operate similar to a 529 college savings plan for retirement.
There is broad agreement among American workers of all races, ethnicities, and political
ideologies that elected officials should help small businesses offer their employees an easy way
to save for retirement, and elected officials should support legislation making it easier for
workers to save their own money for retirement.
The support for retirement savings plans comes as many private sector workers report
struggling to get by financially and not having enough saved for retirement. About 3 in 4 (74
percent) report they are anxious about not having enough money to live comfortably during their
retirement. Sixty-one percent of those earning less than $63,500 a year find it difficult to get by
compared to only 24 percent of those with incomes of $63,500 or more. Lack of long-term
savings and high financial anxiety are likely factors driving a large chunk (34 percent) of private
sector workers to side jobs to earn extra money.
When employers offer a way to save for retirement about three-quarters of workers report
contributing to the plan. However, 55 million Americans lack a way to save for retirement out of
their regular paycheck.1
In light of the threat of retirement insecurity, many private sector workers are not sure they will
ever be able to retire without the need to work for an income. Seventy-one percent are
somewhat, not too, or not at all confident they will have the means to be able to retire someday.
Nearly all (93 percent) think it is important the next generation learn how to manage money and
save for retirement at an early age, and seven in 10 workers (71 percent) expect the next
generation of their family to be either better off (46 percent) or the same (25 percent) as they
are today. African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino/as are more likely than whites to
believe future generations will be better off.
1
AARP Public Policy Institute. 2014. “Workplace Retirement Plans Will Help Workers Build Economic
Security.” http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2014-10/aarp-workplace-retirement-plans-buildeconomic-security.pdf
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
1
DETAILED SURVEY FINDINGS
SAVING FOR RETIREMENT
SIGNIFICANT MAJORITIES OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS AGREE THAT
ELECTED OFFICIALS SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR EMPLOYEES TO SAVE
FOR RETIREMENT.
Most private sector employees wish they had more money saved for retirement, but many do
not have options to do so. In order to save for the future, most private sector employees support
state-administered retirement savings plans whereby workers could save for retirement
automatically out of their regular paycheck. Further, most workers think their elected officials
should be doing more to make it easier for them to save their own money for retirement.
Most private sector employees believe that elected officials should support legislation that
makes it easier for workers to save their own money for retirement. Eighty-four percent agree
that elected officials should support retirement-saving legislation, 4 percent disagree, and 11
percent neither agree nor disagree.
Legislation that makes it easier for workers to save for retirement enjoys widespread support
among private sector employees.
Strongly or
somewhat agree
84%
Neither agree nor
disagree
11%
Somewhat or
strongly disagree
4%
Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Elected officials should support legislation that makes it easier for
workers to save their own money for retirement.”
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
2
More than 3 in 4 Latino/as (78 percent), African Americans (83 percent), Asian Americans (89
percent), and whites (86 percent) believe that elected officials should support legislation that
makes it easier for workers to save for retirement.
Private sector employees across racial and ethnic groups agree that elected officials should
support legislation that helps workers save for retirement.
Percent of all private sector
employees age 18-64
Latino/as
100
80
78
89
83
African Americans
Asian Americans
Whites
86
60
40
17
20
11
8
10
5
5
4
2
0
Strongly or somewhat agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat or strongly disagree
Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Elected officials should support legislation that makes it easier for
workers to save their own money for retirement.”
Likewise, workers across political ideologies agree that elected officials should support
legislation that makes it easier for workers to save for retirement. Eight in 10 self-identified
conservatives, moderates, and liberals agree on such a proposal.
More than 8 in 10 conservatives, moderates, and liberals say elected officials should support
legislation that makes it easier for workers to save money for retirement.
Percent of all private sector
employees age 18-64
Conservatives
100
82
86
Moderates
Liberals
89
80
60
40
20
11
11
9
7
3
2
0
Strongly or somewhat agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat or strongly disagree
Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Elected officials should support legislation that makes it easier for
workers to save their own money for retirement.”
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
3
MOST WORKERS SUPPORT STATE PLANS THAT ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO SAVE
FOR RETIREMENT AUTOMATICALLY OUT OF THEIR PAYCHECK.
There is also strong support for states to set up retirement savings plans whereby workers could
save for retirement automatically out of their regular paycheck if they choose to do so and the
plans would be portable from job to job. Eight in 10 support state-administered retirement
savings plans to make it easier for private sector employees to save for retirement, 6 percent
oppose this type of plan, and 14 percent neither support nor oppose it.
A large majority of workers support states setting up retirement savings plans to help employees
save for retirement.
Strongly or
somewhat support
80%
Neither support nor
oppose
14%
Somewhat or
strongly oppose
6%
Question: One way to help more residents save would be for their state to set up a retirement savings plan, where private sector
workers can save for retirement automatically out of their regular paycheck. Workers can choose whether or not to participate, and
the account would be portable from job to job. The plan would not use taxpayer dollars. Do you support or oppose this plan?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
4
Likewise, more than 3 in 4 Latino/as (76 percent), African Americans (81 percent), Asian
Americans (84 percent), and whites (80 percent) support states setting up retirement savings
plans for workers.
There is widespread support for state-facilitated retirement savings plans across races and
ethnicities.
Percent of all private
sector employees age 1864
Latino/as
100
80
76
81
African Americans
84
Asian Americans
Whites
80
60
40
16
20
12
14
10
7
6
6
5
0
Strongly or somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Somewhat or strongly oppose
Question: One way to help more residents save would be for their state to set up a retirement savings plan, where private sector
workers can save for retirement automatically out of their regular paycheck. Workers can choose whether or not to participate, and
the account would be portable from job to job. The plan would not use taxpayer dollars. Do you support or oppose this plan?
Most workers, regardless of political ideology, favor states setting up retirement savings plans.
A majority of conservatives (77 percent), moderates (81 percent), and liberals (87 percent) say
they support state-administered retirement savings plans that are easy to use and portable from
job to job.
Among private sector workers, at least three in four conservatives, moderates, and liberals
support a plan for their state to set up a retirement savings plans for workers to contribute to
regularly.
Percent of all private
sector employees age 1864
Conservatives
100
80
77
81
Moderates
Liberals
87
60
40
20
13
14
10
10
5
3
0
Strongly or somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Somewhat or strongly oppose
Question: One way to help more residents save would be for their state to set up a retirement savings plan, where private sector
workers can save for retirement automatically out of their regular paycheck. Workers can choose whether or not to participate, and
the account would be portable from job to job. The plan would not use taxpayer dollars. Do you support or oppose this plan?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
5
MOST WORKERS BELIEVE ELECTED OFFICIALS SHOULD DO MORE TO MAKE
IT EASIER FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO OFFER EMPLOYEES A WAY TO SAVE.
Many small businesses face challenges in providing workplace retirement savings plans for their
employees. However, retirement savings options are popular with employees. Providing small
businesses with options for workplace retirement savings plans allows their employees to better
plan for the future, while at the same time helping small businesses realize the benefits of
improved worker recruitment and retention.
Among private sector employed adults, there is strong support for elected officials to do more to
make it easier for small businesses to offer employees a way to save for their retirement.
Eighty-three percent agree that elected officials should do more to make it easier for small
businesses to offer their employees a way to save, 5 percent disagree, and 12 percent neither
agree nor disagree.
Private sector employees overwhelmingly agree that elected officials should do more to make it
easier for small businesses to provide retirement plans to their employees.
Strongly or
somewhat agree
83%
Neither agree nor
disagree
12%
Somewhat or
strongly disagree
5%
Question: Currently, many small businesses do not offer their employees retirement savings plans like most big companies do
because the costs are too high. Thinking about this, do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Elected officials should
do more to make it easier for small businesses to offer their employees a way to save for retirement?
Across all racial and ethnic groups, there is wide support for policies that help make it easier for
small businesses to offer workers a way to save for retirement.
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
6
More than 8 in 10 Latino/as (83 percent), African Americans (87 percent), Asian Americans (86
percent), and whites (83 percent) agree that elected officials should do more to help small
businesses offer their employees a way to save.
Workers across racial and ethnic groups agree that elected officials should do more to make it
easier for small business owners to offer retirement plans to employees.
Percent of all private
sector employees age 1864
Latino/as
100
83
African Americans
87
86
Asian Americans
Whites
83
80
60
40
10
20
10
9
13
6
4
5
4
0
Strongly or somewhat
agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat or strongly
disagree
Question: Currently, many small businesses do not offer their employees retirement savings plans like most big companies do
because the costs are too high. Thinking about this, do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Elected officials should
do more to make it easier for small businesses to offer their employees a way to save for retirement?
Nearly 8 in 10 conservatives, 8 in 10 moderates, and 9 in 10 liberals see the business case for
workplace retirement savings plans, and agree that elected officials should do more to make it
easier for small businesses to offer retirement savings plans to their employees.
At least 3 in 4 conservatives, moderates, and liberals agree that elected officials should do more
to make it easier for small businesses to provide retirement savings options to their employees.
Percent of all private
sector employees age
18-64
Conservatives
100
80
76
85
Moderates
Liberals
90
60
40
15
20
10
8
8
4
2
0
Strongly or somewhat
agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat or strongly
disagree
Question: Currently, many small businesses do not offer their employees retirement savings plans like most big companies do
because the costs are too high. Thinking about this, do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Elected officials should
do more to make it easier for small businesses to offer their employees a way to save for retirement?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
7
FINANCIAL INSECURITY
MANY PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS FACE FINANCIAL INSECURITY, WITH 44
PERCENT STRUGGLING TO GET BY FINANCIALLY.
Many American workers are struggling to get by financially following the Great Recession of the
last decade. Years of high unemployment and low-wage growth have contributed to financial
insecurity for a lot of workers.2
Many private sector workers may see the need for state based retirement savings plan and
businesses to provide workplace retirement savings options because many of them are
financially insecure and report day-to-day financial challenges that impact their financial futures.
Nearly half say that they are having a tough time financially, with 14 percent reporting it is
difficult for them to get by these days, and another 30 percent saying they are just getting by.
On the other hand, 16 percent say they are living comfortably, and 39 percent say they are
doing okay.
Differences emerge in financial insecurity among private sector workers based on race and
ethnicity, income, gender, and age. Additionally, there are different financial experiences
between those with access to workplace retirement savings and those without access.
Fifty-seven percent of Latino/as report that they are just getting by or having difficulty getting by
compared with 52 percent of African Americans, 39 percent of whites, and 35 percent of Asian
Americans.
Sixty-one percent of those earning less than $63,500 a year find it difficult to get by compared to
only 24 percent of those with incomes of $63,500 or more. Women (49 percent) are more likely
to say they are experiencing financial insecurity compared to men (40 percent). Middle-aged
workers, who are in their prime savings years, are the most likely to report financial insecurity
with 49 percent of those age 35-49 struggling, compared with 44 percent of those age 18-34
and 39 percent of those age 50-64.
Those private sector workers age 18-64 who do not have access to an employer-sponsored
retirement plan report a range of financial challenges when it comes to planning and saving for
the long-term.
Financially, over half (55 percent) of those without access to workplace retirement savings say
they are just getting by or finding it difficult to get by. Only 9 percent of workers without access
to workplace retirement savings say they are living comfortably.
2
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 2015. “Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S.
Households in 2014.” https://www.federalreserve.gov/econresdata/2014-report-economic-well-being-ushouseholds-201505.pdf
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
8
Many private sector employees face financial insecurity.
Just getting by/Having difficulty
Overall
Doing okay/Living comfortably
44
Latino/as
African Americans
Asian Americans
Whites
55
57
52
42
48
35
39
With workplace access
Without workplace access
65
61
39
61
55
Earn under $63,500
Earn $63,500 or more
45
61
24
Women
Men
39
76
49
Age 18-34
Age 35-49
Age 50-64
0
51
40
60
44
49
39
56
51
61
20
40
60
80
Percent of all private sector employees age 18-64
100
Question: On the whole, which of the following best describes how well you are managing financially these days? Would you say
you are finding it difficult to get by, just getting by, doing ok, or living comfortably?
SAVING IS A CHALLENGE FOR MANY WORKERS AS 1 IN 4 REPORT LITTLE OR
NO LONG-TERM SAVINGS.
Saving is also a challenge for many private sector workers age 18-64. A majority of private
sector workers are only planning ahead with their savings through the next year or less. Four in
10 are able to plan financially beyond the immediate future, but 6 in 10 say they are only able to
plan for the next year or less.
Thirty-six percent of private sector workers say they plan for the next few weeks (12 percent),
the next few months (16 percent), or the next year (8 percent). Fully a quarter of private sector
workers age 18-64 report they only plan through their next paycheck (16 percent) or that they do
not or cannot plan ahead at all (9 percent).
The likelihood of planning ahead with savings differs by race and ethnicity, education, and
income. Latino/as (35 percent) and African Americans (34 percent) are more likely to say they
do not plan their savings beyond their next paycheck or do not plan at all, compared to Asian
Americans (23 percent) and whites (20 percent).
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
9
Likewise, 34 percent of those with incomes under $63,500 say they do not plan their savings
more than one paycheck out compared to just 14 percent of those earning more than $63,500.
Private sector workers without access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan have an
immensely diminished ability to plan years into the future, often limited to planning paycheck-topaycheck or not at all. Those without employer-sponsored retirement plans also face challenges
saving beyond their day-to-day expenses. When deciding how much household income to save,
29 percent say that they only plan ahead to their next paycheck or do not or cannot plan ahead
at all. Compared with private sector workers whose employers do offer a retirement plan, those
without one are less likely to make forward-thinking financial plans for the next few years or
more (45 percent vs. 28 percent).
About a quarter of workers say they do not plan for savings beyond their next paycheck, but
savings vary based on race, access to workplace savings plans and income.
Don't plan savings ahead/next paycheck
Plan next few weeks to next year
Overall
36
25
Latino/as
African Americans
Asian Americans
Whites
39
35
34
42
39
23
20
With workplace access
Without workplace access
22
55
55
33
45
43
34
14
Men
Women
42
39
27
24
24
25
56
29
0
28
30
21
Age 18-34
Age 35-49
Age 50-64
23
27
35
23
29
Earn under $63,500
Earn $63,500 or more
Plan next few years or more
40
38
33
46
33
27
28
43
50
20
40
60
80
Percent of all private sector employees age 18-64
100
Question: When deciding how much of their household income to save, some people focus mainly on the present, while others think
about a longer period of time. In planning your savings, how far ahead do you plan? Would you say you plan next paycheck, next
few weeks, next few months, next year, next few years, next 5-10 years, longer than 10 years, or I don’t/can’t plan ahead?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
10
MOST PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS WANT TO SAVE MORE FOR RETIREMENT
AND ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT NOT HAVING ENOUGH MONEY SAVED.
With many private sector workers age 18-64 not planning their savings beyond the next year
and a quarter living paycheck-to-paycheck, it is not surprising that most say they would like to
have more money tucked away for retirement. Nine in 10 wish they had more money for their
retirement years compared to just 1 in 10 who are happy with the amount they currently have
saved.
Nearly all private sector employees wish they had more money saved for retirement.
Yes
90%
No
10%
Question: Given the amount you currently have saved, do you wish you had more money saved for your retirement years or not?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
11
The desire to have more money saved for retirement is high among private sector workers of all
demographic groups. More than 8 in 10 whites, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian
Americans say they wish they had more saved.
Workers across racial and ethnic groups wish they had more money saved for retirement.
Percent of all private
sector employees age
18-64
Latino/as
100
88
African Americans
91
Asian Americans
Whites
91
83
80
60
40
12
20
17
9
9
0
Wish had more money saved
Do not wish had more money saved
Question: Given the amount you currently have saved, do you wish you had more money saved for you retirement years, or not?
There is little difference in the desire to save in regard to gender, education, or income.
Those closer to retirement are the most likely to wish they had more saved than younger
workers, but even among younger workers the vast majority want to be saving more (92 percent
among those age 35-64 vs 86 percent among 18-34).
There are some small differences related to political ideology in the desire to save more as
conservatives (93 percent) are more likely than moderates (89 percent) to wish they had saved
more for retirement.
Across ideology about nine in ten say they wish they had more money saved for retirement.
Percent of all private
sector employees age
18-64
Conservatives
100
93
89
Moderates
Liberals
90
80
60
40
20
7
11
10
0
Wish had more money saved
Do not wish had more money saved
Question: Given the amount you currently have saved, do you wish you had more money saved for you retirement years, or not?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
12
THREE-QUARTERS OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT
HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO LIVE COMFORTABLY THROUGH THEIR
RETIREMENT YEARS.
With not as much saved as they would like, 3 in 4 private sector workers feel very or somewhat
anxious about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. Just a
quarter say they are not anxious.
Anxiety is high among all racial and ethnic groups, with large majorities of Latino/as (77
percent), whites (74 percent), African Americans (73 percent), and Asian Americans (70
percent) all saying they are anxious they will not be able to financially support a comfortable
retirement.
Those earning less than $63,500 a year are more likely to be anxious (78 percent) than those
earning at least $63,500 (69 percent). More women (77 percent) are anxious about their
retirement than are men (71 percent). And while about three-quarters of both those employed
by a small business and those employed elsewhere are at least somewhat anxious, those
employed by a small business are more likely to say they are very anxious about retiring
comfortably compared to those who are not employed by a small business (35 percent vs. 30
percent).
While there are some slight differences in levels of anxiety about retirement savings depending
on income and gender, it is still a majority in every demographic group that feels anxious.
Interestingly enough, those with and without access to workplace savings plans are equally
anxious about living comfortably in retirement.
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
13
Nearly three-quarters of private sector employees age 18-64 say they are anxious about having
money to retire comfortably, with women and those with less income being especially anxious.
Anxious
Overall
Latino/as
African Americans
Asian Americans
Whites
With workplace access
Without workplace access
Earn under $63,500
Earn $63,500 or more
Not Anxious
74
26
76
73
70
74
23
27
30
26
74
74
26
26
78
21
69
31
Men
Women
71
77
29
22
Age 18-34
Age 35-49
Age 50-64
73
78
71
27
21
29
0
20
40
60
80
100
Percent of all private sector employees age 18-64
Question: As you think about your finances in the future, how anxious do you feel about having enough money to live comfortably
through your retirement years? Are you very anxious, somewhat anxious, not very anxious, or not anxious at all?
Most workers, regardless of political ideologies, are anxious about not having enough money to
retire.
Seven in 10 conservatives, moderates, and liberals are anxious about having enough money to
retire comfortably.
Percent of all private
sector employees
age 18-64
Conservatives
100
80
71
76
Moderates
Liberals
75
60
29
40
24
25
20
0
Anxious
Not anxious
Question: As you think about your finances in the future, how anxious do you feel about having enough money to live comfortably
through your retirement years? Are you very anxious, somewhat anxious, not very anxious, or not anxious at all?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
14
WORKERS ANXIOUS ABOUT THEIR FINANCES ARE MOST LIKELY TO SUPPORT
ACTION AND POLICIES TO HELP WORKERS SAVE.
There is no significant difference between those who are anxious and those who are not when it
comes to beliefs about whether or not elected officials should support legislation that helps
workers save for retirement; over 8 in 10 workers in each group agree with the idea.
Anxiety is not a factor impacting opinions on whether or not elected officials should support
legislation that helps workers save for retirement.
Anxious about finances
Percent of private sector
employees age 18-64
100
85
Not anxious about finances
83
80
60
40
11
20
12
5
4
0
Strongly/Somewhat agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat/Strongly disagree
Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Elected officials should support legislation that makes it easier for
workers to save their own money for retirement.”
Those with higher levels of anxiety about their finances are most likely to support action and
policies to help workers save. Workers who say they feel very or somewhat anxious about their
finances during retirement are more likely to agree that elected officials should do more to make
it easier for small businesses to offer their employees a way to save for retirement than those
who are not anxious (Anxious: 85 percent vs. Not Anxious: 77 percent).
Those with anxiety about retirement are more likely to agree that elected officials should do more
to help small businesses provide employees with retirement plan options.
Anxious about finances
Percent of all privae sector
employees age 18-64
100
80
85
Not anxious about finances
77
60
40
20
11
14
4
8
0
Strongly/Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat/Strongly disagree
Question: Currently, many small businesses do not offer their employees retirement savings plans like most big companies do
because the costs are too high. Thinking about this, do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Elected officials should
do more to make it easier for small businesses to offer their employees a way to save for retirement?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
15
Those who express anxiety are also more likely to support a retirement savings plan set up by
their state to help workers save (82 percent vs. 74 percent).
Percent of all private sector
employees age 18-64
More than 4 in 5 workers with anxiety about their retirement savings support state- facilitated
retirement programs.
Anxious about finances
Not anxious about finances
100
82
74
50
13
16
5
9
0
Strongly/Somewhat support Neither support nor oppose Somewhat/Strongly oppose
Question: One way to help more residents save would be for their state to set up a retirement savings plan, where private sector
workers can save for retirement automatically out of their regular paycheck. Workers can choose whether or not to participate, and
the account would be portable from job to job. The plan would not use taxpayer dollars. Do you support or oppose this plan?
MORE THAN A THIRD OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS LACK ANY CONFIDENCE
THAT THEY WILL EVER BE ABLE TO RETIRE WITHOUT THE NEED TO WORK
FOR AN INCOME.
In light of retirement anxiety and an overall lack of savings, many private sector workers are not
sure if they will ever be able to retire without the need to work for an income. More than 1 in 3
(37 percent) say they are not too confident or not at all confident they will be able to completely
retire someday while another 34 percent are only somewhat confident.
Among racial and ethnic groups, 46 percent of Latino/as, 36 percent of whites, 30 percent of
African Americans, and 29 percent of Asian Americans are not too confident or not at all
confident they will get to retire at some point.
Expectations about being able to retire vary by income, gender, and age, however, many
workers in each demographic group lack confidence they will be able to retire one day. About
half (49 percent) of those earning less than $63,500 a year are not too confident or not at all
confident in their retirement prospects versus 22 percent of those earning more. More women
(42 percent) than men (32 percent) lack confidence they will retire someday. And 44 percent of
those age 35-49 are not too confident or not at all confident they will be able to retired compared
with 34 percent of those age 18-34 and 33 percent of those age 50-64.
The lack of confidence in being able to retire comfortably is a feeling shared by many
conservatives, moderates, and liberals.
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
16
Many private sector workers are not confident they will be able to retire someday, and there are
differences across race, gender, income, age, and access to workplace retirement savings.
Not too/Not at all confident
Somewhat confident
Extremely/Very confident
37
Overall
34
46
Latino/as
African Americans
30
Asian Americans
29
31
35
41
30
35
32
With workplace access
29
37
31
47
Without workplace access
29
49
Earn under $63,500
22
Earn $63,500 or more
34
34
Age 18-34
33
35
35
44
Age 35-49
33
Age 50-64
20
38
42
Women
23
30
39
32
Men
23
34
36
Whites
28
22
31
32
24
36
31
33
33
Conservatives
35
Moderates
36
36
28
Liberals
36
36
27
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Percent of private sector employees age 18-64
90
100
Question: Overall, how confident are you that you will be able to retire at some point and no longer work for money? Would you say
that you are extremely confident, very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
17
OVER HALF OF SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEES DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO
WORKPLACE SAVINGS.
Using the national 2013 Current Population Survey, AARP estimates that 49 percent of private
employees do not have access to any workplace retirement savings tool.3,4 About 1 in 3 private
sector workers age 18-64 surveyed in the study report not having access to at least one type of
workplace retirement savings tool.
Consistent with other research, the size of the company a person works for is a key predictor of
having access to a retirement savings plan through work5. Fifty-seven percent of small business
employees surveyed do not have access to retirement savings, compared with just 21 percent
of those who work for a larger business.
Small business employees are much less likely to have access to an employer-sponsored
retirement plan than those who work for larger companies.
Percent of all private sector
employees age 18-64
Access to workplace retirement savings
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
No access to workplace retirement savings
79
57
43
21
Employed by a small business
Not employed by a small business
Question: Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current employer provide…? [A traditional pension plan] [A defined
contribution plan, such as 401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457] [A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P plan]
Though overall agreement is similar, Americans employed by a small business are more likely
to strongly agree that elected officials should do more to make it easier for small businesses to
offer their employees a way to save for retirement than those who are not employed by a small
business (63 percent vs. 57 percent).
3
AARP Public Policy Institute. 2014. “Workplace Retirement Plans Will Help Workers Build Economic
Security.” http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2014-10/aarp-workplace-retirement-plans-buildeconomic-security.pdf
4
The earlier estimate is based on Current Population Survey data. Between the two surveys, there are
several differences in how the savings questions are asked, as well as how the survey interview is
administered that could account for the differences in self-reported access.
5
AARP Public Policy Institute. 2009. “Employer-Provided Pensions: Less to Count On.”
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/econ-sec/2009-17-pensions.pdf
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
18
While a substantial number of private sector workers age 18-64 surveyed in the study report
that they do not have access to a workplace retirement plan, many say they would participate in
such plan if their employer offered it. Several factors, including income, education, and race, are
related to having access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
After controlling for other demographic factors, many workers across races and ethnicities lack
access to workplace retirement savings. Forty-two percent of Latino/as do not have access to
workplace retirement savings compared with 32 percent of whites, 30 percent of African
Americans, and just 24 percent of Asian Americans.
Many workers across races and ethnicities lack access to workplace retirement savings.
Percent of all private sector
employees age 18-64
No access to workplace retirement savings
Access to workplace retirement savings
100
80
76
70
68
58
60
42
40
30
32
24
20
0
Latino/as
African Americans
Whites
Asian Americans
Question: Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current employer provide…? [A traditional pension plan] [A defined
contribution plan, such as 401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457] [A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P plan]
Socioeconomic status plays a role in access to workplace retirement savings. Nearly half (46
percent) of those with incomes below $63,500 do not have access to an employer-sponsored
plan compared with just 19 percent with incomes above that level.
Similarly, 44 percent of those with a high school degree or less do not have access compared
with 34 percent of those with some college and 22 percent with a college degree.
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
19
MOST PRIVATE SECTORS WORKERS AGE 18-64 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A
WORKPLACE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS WHEN THEIR EMPLOYER OFFERS
ONE.
Most of those who do have access to defined contribution plans, SIMPLE IRAs, or SEP plans
take advantage of them by making regular contributions. Among those whose employer offers a
retirement savings plan, more than 3 in 4 report they are currently contributing to one. Overall,
nearly half (49 percent) of all private sector workers report saving with a workplace retirement
plan.
Seventy-seven percent of private sector workers who have access to a defined contribution plan,
SIMPLE IRA, or SEP through their employer are currently contributing to their plans.
Yes
77%
No
23%
Questions: Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current employer provide…? [A defined contribution plan, such as
401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457] [A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P plan]; Thinking about savings, are you currently making regular contributions
to any of the following savings tools, or not? [A workplace retirement saving plan offered by your employer such as 401k, 403b, Roth
401k, SIMPLE I-R-A or SEP]
In addition to employer-sponsored retirement plans, many private sector workers save in other
ways. Sixty-one percent say they are currently contributing to a personal savings account, and
23 percent report contributing to a personal retirement savings plan such as an IRA.
While the percentage of private sector workers currently contributing to a personal savings
account is about the same across ages, more workers contribute to employer-based and
personal retirement accounts as they get older. The youngest workers, age 18-34, are the least
likely to report contributing to an available employer-sponsored plan (70 percent) or a personal
retirement plan (18 percent), and those 35-49 years old are more likely than their younger
counterparts to contribute to employer-sponsored plans (80 percent) or personal retirement
plans (25 percent). However, private sector workers age 35-44, who tend to have more
established careers, families, and financial situations, contribute to retirement plans at about the
same rate as adults 50-64 years old, who are closer to retirement age.
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
20
The youngest private sector workers are least likely to save for retirement.
Percent who contribute
to a workplace
retirement savings plan
Percent who contribute
to a personal retirement
savings plan
Percent who contribute
to a personal savings
account
Age 18-34
70
18
64
Age 35-49
80
25
60
Age 50-64
83
25
58
Questions: Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current employer provide…? [A defined contribution plan, such as
401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457] [A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P plan]; Thinking about savings, are you currently making regular
contributions to any of the following savings tools, or not? [A workplace retirement saving plan offered by your employer such as
401k, 403b, Roth 401k, SIMPLE I-R-A or SEP] [A personal retirement savings plan such as an IRA] [A personal savings account]
People with more income and more education are more likely to have such savings plans and to
contribute to employer-sponsored plans available to them. Those with incomes of $63,500 or
higher are nearly twice as likely as those making less than $63,500 to have a personal
retirement savings plan (31 percent vs. 16 percent). Similarly, 33 percent of those with a college
degree have a personal retirement plan compared to 14 percent of those with a high school
diploma. And while nearly all of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher who have a workplace
retirement plan contribute to it (85 percent), only 68 percent of those with a high school diploma
or less do the same.
MOST PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS WHO DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE ACCESS
TO A WORKPLACE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN WOULD PARTICIPATE IF
GIVEN THE CHANCE.
Just as most of those who already have access to a retirement savings plan through their
employer contribute to it, many of those who do not currently have access to a plan would
choose to participate if given the opportunity. Among those without access to a retirement
savings plan, about 64 percent say it is very likely they would participate if their employer
offered such a plan and another 22 percent say they are somewhat likely to participate.
Majorities of private sector workers of all racial and ethnic groups say it is very likely they would
participate in a workplace savings plan if offered. Among those who do not have access to
workplace savings, 81 percent of Latino/as, 83 percent of Asian Americans, 89 percent of
African Americans, and 86 percent of whites are likely to participate.
When asked in an open-ended question why they would likely participate, many people noted it
would help them save for retirement or plan for the future (34 percent), it is a good idea (8
percent), and it would be a good or easy way to save (6 percent). Specific responses include: “I
can have it deducted automatically,” “So that I wouldn’t have to think about it myself,” and “It’s
an easy way to save for retirement.”
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
21
If given the opportunity, many of those who do not have access to a workplace retirement plan
would participate in one if their employer offered a way to save.
Among private sector employees
age 18-64 who do not have access to
a workplace retirement plan
Latino/as
African Americans
100
89
90
83
81
Asian Americans
Whites
86
80
70
60
50
40
30
18
20
14
11
13
10
0
Would use workplace savings plan if
offered
Would not use workplace savings plan if
offered
Questions: Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current employer provide…? [A pension] [A defined contribution
plan, such as 401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457] [A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P plan]; If your employer offered a way to save for retirement
at work how likely would you be to participate in it?
At least 8 in 10 political conservatives, moderates, and liberals who do not have access to a
workplace retirement plan would participate if they had such an opportunity.
Regardless of political ideology, many of those who do not have access to a workplace retirement
plan would participate if their employer one.
Among private sector
employees age 18-64 who do
not have access to a
workplace retirement plan
Conservatives
100
89
88
Moderates
Liberals
82
80
60
40
20
10
10
18
0
Likely to use workplace savings plan if Not likely to use workplace savings plan
offered
if offered
Questions: Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current employer provide…? [A pension] [A defined contribution
plan, such as 401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457] [A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P plan]; If your employer offered a way to save for retirement
at work how likely would you be to participate in it?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
22
A THIRD OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS HAVE SIDE JOBS, AND THOSE DOING
SUCH EXTRA WORK ARE ESPECIALLY LIKELY TO REPORT FINANCIAL
INSTABILITY.
One way to prepare for an uncertain future is to have multiple streams of income. About 1 in 3
(34 percent) private sector workers age 18-64 report that they do something to earn extra
money in addition to their main source of income. Similar percentages of people across racial
and ethnic groups work side jobs (Latino/as: 33 percent, African American: 34 percent, Asian
American: 29 percent, White: 34 percent). These workers engage in a wide variety of ways of
generating this extra income. Among people with side jobs, some of the most popular ways to
earn extra money include doing handy work (9 percent), teaching/tutoring (6 percent), making
crafts (5 percent), reselling items (5 percent), providing childcare (5 percent), landscaping (5
percent), working as a consultant or contractor (4 percent), and doing freelance work (4
percent).
Pursuit of secondary income sources is tied to financial uncertainty. Compared with those who
do not have side jobs, workers who report secondary income sources are more likely to say
they are finding it difficult to get by or are just getting by (51 percent vs. 41 percent) and are
more likely to wish they had more saved for retirement (93 percent vs. 88 percent).
In addition, having a secondary source of income is more common among those without access
to a retirement plan through an employer than those who do have access to workplace
retirement plans (39 percent vs. 31 percent).
Workers with side jobs face greater financial insecurity.
Percent of all private sector
employees age 18-64
Have side job
100
Do not have side job
93
88
80
60
51
41
39
40
31
20
0
Difficult to get by/just getting
by
Wish more saved for
retirement
Access to workplace
retirement savings
Questions: On the whole, which of the following best describes how well you are managing financially these days? Would you say
you are finding it difficult to get by, just getting by, doing ok, or living comfortably? Given the amount you currently have saved, do
you wish you had more money saved for you retirement years, or not? Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current
employer provide…? [A pension] [A defined contribution plan, such as 401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457] [A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P
plan];
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
23
MOST WORKERS ARE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK OF THEIR
YOUNGER FAMILY MEMBERS AND BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG
PEOPLE TO LEARN EARLY ABOUT FINANCES.
Many private sector workers age 18-64 are optimistic about the financial realities that the next
generation of their family will face. Seven in 10 say they expect that when the next generation
reaches their current age, they will either be better off (46 percent) or will be faring about the
same (25 percent). Only about 3 in 10 private workers fear that the next generation will be
worse off.
Consistent with other research6, the poll reveals that racial and ethnic minority groups are more
optimistic about the next generation’s future when it comes to finances. While only 36 percent of
whites believe their family’s future generations will be better off financially, majorities of African
Americans (68 percent), Latino/as (60 percent), and Asian Americans (55 percent) hold this
view.
Racial and ethnic divides emerge regarding optimism about financial security for future
generations.
Better off
The same
Latino/as
Worse off
60
African Americans
21
68
Asian Americans
14
55
Whites
20
17
19
36
0
18
29
40
25
35
60
80
100
Percent of private sector employees age 18-64
Question: Think about the next generation of your family and loved ones (e.g., your children, nieces, nephews, etc.). When they are
your age, do you think that they will be better off, the same, or worse off financially than you are today?
This optimism also varies by age, with younger adults being most hopeful. Forty percent of
adults age 50-64 believe the next generation of their family will be better off than they are now,
compared with 47 percent of those 35-49 years old and 49 percent of those 18-34 years old.
6
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. 2013. “The Public Mood: White Malaise but
Optimism among Blacks, Hispanics.” http://www.apnorc.org/PDFs/Public%20Mood/APNORC_PublicMoodWhiteMalaiseButOptimismAmongBlacksandHispanics.pdf
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
24
FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS IS SOMETHING NEARLY ALL AMERICANS AGREE ON.
Regardless of outlook, age, gender, or other demographic differences nearly all private sector
workers believe it is important for younger generations to learn about financial management at
an early age.
Nearly all say it is very important that the younger generation of their family learn how to manage
money and save for retirement at an early age.
Extremely or very
important
93%
Somewhat
important
5%
Not important
1%
Question: How important do you think it is that the younger generation of your family and loved ones learn how to manage money
and save for retirement at an early age?
The importance of financial preparedness for the younger generation is something Americans
across all race, ethnicity, and political ideologies agree on.
Across political ideology nine in ten conservatives, moderates, and liberals say it is important
younger generations learn how to manage and save money at an early age.
Percent of private sector
employees age 18-64
Conservatives
100
95
93
Moderates
Liberals
94
80
60
40
20
4
6
5
1
2
1
0
Extremely or very important
Somewhat important
Not too or not at all
important
Question: How important do you think it is that the younger generation of your family and loved ones learn how to manage money
and save for retirement at an early age?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
25
At least 9 in 10 private sector employees of all races and ethnicities say it is very important that
younger generations of their family learn how to manage money and save for retirement at an
early age.
At least 9 in 10 in each racial and ethnic group, say it is important younger generations learn
financial preparedness.
Latino/as
Percent of Private Sector
Employees age 18-64
100
90
93
93
African Americans
Asians
Whites
95
80
60
40
20
8
5
6
4
2
0
Very/extremely important
Somewhat important
2
1
1
Not too/not at all important
Question: How important do you think it is that the younger generation of your family and loved ones learn how to manage money
and save for retirement at an early age?
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
26
Study Demographics
Unweighted
sample size
Weighted percent
of sample
802
18
1,077
13
607
7
Whites
1,357
59
Access to workplace
retirement savings
2,451
66
No access to workplace
retirement savings
1,469
34
Earn under $63,500
2,206
53
Earn $63,500 or more
1,670
46
Men
1,616
55
Women
2,304
45
Age 18-34
1,517
37
Age 35-49
1,217
34
Age 50-64
1,186
29
769
37
Some college
1,538
29
College degree
1,613
35
Latino/as
African Americans
Asian Americans
High school degree or less
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
27
Study Methodology
This survey was conducted for AARP by NORC at the University of Chicago. AARP funded the
survey, and data were collected using AmeriSpeak®, NORC’s probability-based panel designed
to be representative of the U.S. household population including the 50 states and the District of
Columbia, and a supplemental address-based sample from TargetSmart. Interviews for this
survey were conducted online and via phone between November 1, 2016, and January 16,
2017, with 3,920 adults age 18-64 employed in private sector industries. Eighty-nine percent of
the interviews were completed online and 11 percent by phone. The online and phone
interviews were conducted in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese. For the
AmeriSpeak panelists, the final stage completion rate is 85.4 percent, the screener completion
rate is 55. 3 percent, the weighted household panel response rate is 31.0 percent, and the
weighted household panel retention rate is 95.4 percent. When combined with the supplemental
sample, the cumulative response rate is 13.4 percent. The overall margin of sampling error is
+/- 2.5 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level, including the design effect of 2.45.
The margin of sampling error may be higher for subgroups.
Subgroup
Design Effect
Non-Hispanic White
Non-Hispanic Black
Hispanic/Latino/a
Asian
Access to Workplace
Retirement Savings
No Access to Workplace
Retirement Savings
1.76
1.70
2.54
1.77
2.41
Margin of Sampling Error
(+/- Percentage Points)
3.3
4.0
5.5
5.5
3.1
2.37
3.9
Once the sample had been selected and fielded, and all the study data had been collected and
made final, a poststratification process was used to adjust for any survey nonresponse as well
as any non-coverage or under- and oversampling resulting from the study-specific sample
design. Poststratification variables included age, gender, Census region, race/ethnicity, and
education. The weighted data reflect private sector workers who are 18-64 years of age.
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
28
2017 Financial Security National Survey
Conducted by AARP and NORC at the University of Chicago
Interviews: 11/1/2016-1/16/2017
3,920 adults ages 18-64 currently employed in the private sector
Margin of error: +/- 2.5 points at the 95% confidence level among adults ages 18-64 currently
employed in the private sector. The margin of sampling error may be higher for subgroups.
NOTE: All results show percentages among all respondents, unless otherwise labeled.
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
29
S6. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?
NORC
11/1/20161/16/2017
Self-employed fulltime
Self-employed parttime
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Retired and not
working at all
(ineligible for study)
Unemployed and
looking for work
(ineligible for study)
Or are you not in the
labor force for other
reasons (ineligible for
study)
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
Hispanic
African
American
Asian
American
White
10
5
19
10
12
10
9
5
1
13
6
3
5
6
69
16
83
11
42
25
66
18
67
18
69
16
71
14
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
S7. Is your main employer a government agency, a for-profit business, or a non-profit business?
NORC
11/1/20161/16/2017
For-profit
Non-profit
Government
(ineligible for study)
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
79
21
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
77
23
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
81
19
Hispanic
70
30
African
American
73
27
Asian
American
80
20
White
82
18
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
30
S8. Thinking about ways to save for retirement, does your current employer provide…?
A traditional pension plan
NORC
11/1/20161/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
22
63
15
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
32
53
13
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
81
18
Hispanic
22
53
25
African
American
28
49
22
Asian
American
21
66
13
White
20
68
11
1
1
*
*
1
1
1
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Asian
American
70
22
8
White
62
32
6
A defined contribution plan, such as 401k, 403b, Roth 401k, or 457
NORC
11/1/20161/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
60
31
8
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
91
6
3
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
80
20
Hispanic
52
33
15
African
American
63
26
11
*
*
*
-
*
-
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
12
65
22
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
18
58
23
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
79
21
Hispanic
11
54
34
African
American
16
53
29
Asian
American
15
63
21
White
10
71
17
1
2
*
*
1
1
1
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
A SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P plan
NORC
11/1/20161/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
31
[ACCESS TO ANY WORKPLACE RETIREMENT SAVINGS IN S8 A/B/C]
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
With access to workplace retirement savings
Without access to any workplace retirement
savings
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
66
Hispanic
58
African
American
70
Asian
American
76
White
68
34
42
30
24
32
3,920
802
1,077
607
1,357
If no access to workplace retirement savings
S9. If your employer offered a way to save for retirement at work how likely would you be to
participate in it?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Likely NET
Extremely likely
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not likely NET
Not very likely
Not at all likely
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
64
37
27
22
14
8
5
*
Hispanic
56
27
30
25
18
12
7
-
African
American
64
43
21
25
11
6
5
-
Asian
American
63
30
34
20
14
6
9
1
White
67
41
26
19
13
8
5
1
*
-
1
1
*
1,468
327
339
183
574
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
32
If any response other than don’t know or refused in S9
S9A. If your employer offered a way to save for retirement at work, why would you be [INSERT
RESPONSE OPTION SELECTED AT S9] to participate in it?
[OPEN END]
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
To save/prepare for retirement or my future/to
have money
Didn't specify
It’s a good idea/smart/important to save
It’s an easy or good way to save/I don’t have to
think about it
I can’t afford to save/don’t make enough/want
money now
Other
Automatic deduction from paycheck
Have little or no retirement savings/need or
want to begin saving
I want to be able to retire/stop working
someday or at a younger age
Depends on the plan/my situation
Employer would contribute/match
To supplement Social Security
I’m getting older
Tax benefits/interest/saves money
I don’t want to/not interested/don’t trust it
Self-employed
I or my spouse already have other retirement
accounts
Prefer to invest in other ways/save on my own
I plan to leave this employer/don’t plan to retire
from this employer
I work part time/contract work
I’m a student/too young/not necessary yet
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/ REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
Hispanic
African
American
Asian
American
White
34
34
34
39
32
10
8
17
7
8
10
7
5
8
7
6
8
1
7
6
5
2
4
3
6
4
3
1
1
6
5
4
2
5
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
2
7
*
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
6
1
*
1
*
2
3
5
1
1
2
6
1
4
6
2
3
2
1
2
2
3
3
2
1
2
2
3
*
1
2
2
2
1
4
2
2
3
2
3
1
1
1
1
1
*
*
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
3
*
*
2
1
*
1
1,255
285
300
145
484
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
33
Q1. When deciding how much of their household income to save, some people focus mainly on the
present, while others think about a longer period of time. In planning your savings, how far
ahead do you plan?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Don’t plan ahead/
Next paycheck NET
I don’t/can’t plan
ahead
Next paycheck
Next few weeks to
next year NET
Next few weeks
Next few months
Next year
Next few years or
more NET
Next few years
Next 5-10 years
Longer than 10 years
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
Hispanic
African
American
Asian
American
White
25
23
29
35
34
23
20
9
7
11
13
8
8
8
16
15
18
22
26
14
13
36
33
43
42
39
22
35
12
16
8
10
15
7
16
18
8
14
19
8
13
19
8
6
11
5
11
15
8
39
45
28
23
27
55
45
9
10
20
*
9
12
24
*
9
8
11
*
7
6
9
-
10
8
9
*
14
15
26
-
8
11
25
*
*
*
*
*
-
-
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
34
Q2. As you think about your finances in the future, how anxious do you feel about having enough
money to live comfortably through your retirement years?
NORC
11/1/20161/16/2017
Anxious NET
Very anxious
Somewhat anxious
Not anxious NET
Not very anxious
Not anxious at all
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
74
32
42
26
19
6
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
74
31
43
26
20
6
-
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
74
34
40
26
19
7
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
Hispanic
76
39
38
23
15
8
-
African
American
73
36
36
27
17
10
-
Asian
American
70
29
41
30
21
10
-
White
74
29
45
26
21
5
*
*
1
*
-
-
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Q3. Overall, how confident are you that you will be able to retire at some point and no longer work
for money?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Confident NET
Extremely confident
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Not confident NET
Not too confident
Not at all confident
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
28
9
20
34
37
25
12
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
31
9
22
37
32
23
9
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
23
8
16
29
47
29
18
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
Hispanic
23
7
16
31
46
33
13
-
African
American
34
15
19
35
30
21
9
*
Asian
American
30
10
19
41
29
21
8
-
White
29
8
21
35
36
24
13
*
*
1
*
1
*
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
35
Q4. Thinking about savings, are you currently making regular contributions to any of the following
savings tools, or not?
If employer provides a defined contribution plan, SIMPLE I-R-A, or S-E-P
A workplace retirement saving plan offered by your employer such as a 401k, 403b, Roth 401k,
SIMPLE I-R-A or S-E-P
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/ REFUSED
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
77
23
*
*
Hispanic
74
26
*
African
American
73
27
*
Asian
American
79
20
*
1
White
78
22
*
2,336
456
697
406
746
N=
A personal retirement savings plan such as an IRA
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
23
75
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
27
71
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
14
84
*
Hispanic
17
81
-
African
American
21
77
*
Asian
American
34
65
*
White
23
75
-
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
36
A personal savings account
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
61
38
1
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
65
33
1
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
52
46
1
Hispanic
53
47
1
African
American
59
39
1
Asian
American
66
32
1
White
64
35
2
*
-
*
-
-
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Other types of financial investments such as stocks or mutual funds
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
27
70
-
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
32
65
-
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
16
82
-
Hispanic
20
77
-
African
American
23
75
-
Asian
American
38
61
-
White
28
69
-
3
3
2
3
2
2
3
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Q5. Given the amount you currently have saved, do you wish you had more money saved for your
retirement years, or not?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
90
10
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
91
9
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
88
12
-
Hispanic
88
12
-
African
American
91
9
-
Asian
American
83
17
*
White
91
9
-
*
-
*
1
-
-
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
37
Q6. On the whole, which of the following best describes how well you are managing financially these
days?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Difficult to get by/
Just getting by NET
Finding it difficult to
get by
Just getting by
Doing ok/Living
comfortably NET
Doing ok
Living comfortably
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
44
39
14
Hispanic
African
American
Asian
American
White
55
57
52
35
39
11
19
20
12
12
12
30
28
35
37
40
23
27
56
61
45
42
48
65
61
39
16
-
41
20
-
36
9
-
34
9
-
40
8
-
43
22
-
41
20
-
*
*
*
1
*
-
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Q7. Think about the next generation of your family and loved ones (e.g., your children, nieces,
nephews, etc.). When they are your age, do you think that they will be better off, the same, or
worse off financially than you are today?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Better off NET
Much better off
Somewhat better off
The same
Worse off NET
Somewhat worse off
Much worse off
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
46
15
31
25
29
23
6
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
42
12
30
25
32
26
6
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
53
21
32
23
23
16
6
1
Hispanic
60
24
36
21
18
14
4
*
African
American
68
34
34
14
17
13
4
1
Asian
American
55
24
32
19
25
19
5
1
White
36
7
29
29
35
28
7
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
38
Q8. How important do you think it is that the younger generation of your family and loved ones learn
how to manage money and save for retirement at an early age?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Important NET
Extremely important
Very important
Somewhat important
Not important NET
Not too important
Not at all important
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
93
62
31
5
1
1
*
-
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
94
64
30
5
1
1
*
-
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
91
58
33
7
2
1
1
-
*
*
3,920
2,451
Hispanic
90
57
33
8
2
2
*
-
African
American
93
68
24
5
2
1
1
-
Asian
American
93
61
31
6
1
1
*
-
White
95
62
33
4
1
*
*
-
*
*
*
*
*
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Q9. Currently, many small businesses do not offer their employees retirement savings plans like most
big companies do because the costs are too high. Thinking about this, do agree or disagree
with the following statement:
Elected officials should do more to make it easier for small businesses to offer their
employees a way to save for retirement?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Agree NET
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Neither agree nor
disagree
Disagree NET
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
83
59
25
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
84
58
26
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
81
60
21
12
11
5
3
2
*
Hispanic
83
56
27
African
American
87
68
19
Asian
American
86
61
25
White
83
57
26
13
10
9
10
13
5
3
2
*
5
3
3
*
6
3
3
-
4
2
2
*
4
2
2
*
5
3
2
*
*
*
1
*
*
-
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
39
Q10. One way to help more residents save would be for their state to set up a retirement savings
plan, where private sector workers can save for retirement automatically out of their regular
paycheck. Workers can choose whether or not to participate, and the account would be
portable from job to job. The plan would not use taxpayer dollars.
Do you support or oppose this plan?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Support NET
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Neither support nor
oppose
Oppose NET
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
80
45
35
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
81
47
34
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
77
40
36
Hispanic
76
42
34
African
American
81
52
29
Asian
American
84
48
36
White
80
43
37
14
13
16
16
12
10
14
6
3
3
*
6
3
3
*
7
3
4
*
7
3
4
*
6
4
2
*
5
3
1
1
6
3
3
-
*
*
*
*
1
1
-
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Q11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
“Elected officials should support legislation that makes it easier for workers to save their own
money for retirement.”
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Agree NET
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Neither agree nor
disagree
Disagree NET
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
84
54
31
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
86
56
30
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
80
49
31
11
9
4
2
2
*
Hispanic
78
45
33
African
American
83
56
27
Asian
American
89
61
28
White
86
55
31
16
17
11
8
10
4
2
2
*
4
2
2
-
5
3
2
-
5
2
3
*
2
1
1
-
4
2
1
-
*
*
1
1
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
40
D1. What is your current marital status?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Married
Not married, living
with your partner
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
Single and never been
married
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
49
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
54
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
40
Hispanic
38
African
American
26
Asian
American
59
White
57
11
10
14
15
14
11
9
2
11
2
1
11
2
4
10
2
6
10
2
4
12
3
1
4
*
1
11
2
25
22
30
29
40
24
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
41
D2. What is the highest level of education that you completed?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Less than high school
– did not receive a
diploma or GED
High school diploma
or GED
Post high school
certificate or diploma
at a trade/
technical/vocational
school
Some college/Post
high school college
degree but less than a
4 year bachelor’s
degree
4-year college degree
Post graduate study or
graduate degree
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
Hispanic
African
American
Asian
American
White
4
2
8
11
5
4
2
29
26
36
39
34
16
27
8
7
8
12
8
2
7
24
24
26
20
30
16
25
21
24
14
12
16
29
23
14
17
8
5
7
33
16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
*
*
*
*
*
1
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
D3. Do you currently own your own home, rent, live with family, or live with friends?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Own
Rent
Live with family
Live with friends
Something else
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
55
33
9
1
2
-
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
61
29
7
1
1
-
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
41
39
13
2
4
-
Hispanic
35
43
15
2
4
-
African
American
32
49
15
*
3
-
Asian
American
54
29
15
*
1
-
White
66
26
6
1
1
-
*
*
1
*
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
42
D4. Who currently lives with you in your household?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Asked if married in D1
Spouse (n=1,685)
Children under 18
Children over 18
Son in-law or
daughter in-law
Grandchildren
Parents or parents inlaw
Grandparent
Other adult relatives
(uncles, sibling,
cousins)
Unrelated adult
persons
No one, live alone
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
Hispanic
African
American
Asian
American
White
48
53
38
36
24
56
56
42
14
44
13
39
14
49
15
45
16
45
11
40
13
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
3
1
1
11
10
12
17
11
20
7
1
*
1
1
1
2
*
5
4
8
9
11
8
3
13
11
18
12
13
12
13
14
-
15
-
13
-
11
-
18
-
9
-
15
-
1
*
1
*
*
1
1
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
D5. Do you have any children or step-children?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
64
36
-
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
65
35
-
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
61
39
-
Hispanic
61
39
-
African
American
66
34
-
Asian
American
55
44
-
White
65
34
-
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
43
D6. Do you have any grandchildren or step-grandchildren?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
19
81
*
3,920
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
18
81
-
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
21
79
-
Hispanic
17
82
-
African
American
22
78
-
Asian
American
10
90
-
White
20
80
-
*
1
1
1
*
*
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
Asian
American
29
71
-
White
34
66
-
D7. Do you do something to earn extra money that is not your main source of income?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
34
66
-
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
31
69
-
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
40
60
-
Hispanic
33
66
-
African
American
34
66
-
*
*
1
1
*
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
44
If yes in D7
D7A. What do you do to earn extra money that is not your main source of income?
[OPEN END]
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Other
Handyman/odd
jobs/construction/painting/
carpentry
Didn’t specify
Teach/tutor/coach
Crafts/jewelry/art/
photography/clothing
Childcare or caretaker
Real estate/rental income
Resale/yard sales/Ebay
Landscaping/gardening/
farming
Professional
consulting/contract/
administrative work
Direct sales/Cosmetics
Independent/freelance
designer/editor/writer
Driver (rideshare/taxi
driver/delivery)
Cleaning
Investing or financial planning
Hairstylist/Barber/Makeup/
Beauty
Retail/foodservice
Car repair
Entertainer/performer/actor/
musician
Cooking/Baking/Catering
Donate plasma/sperm/egg
Watching pets
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
19
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
20
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
19
Hispanic
21
African
American
21
Asian
American
15
White
19
9
8
10
10
7
3
10
9
6
12
8
6
3
11
2
11
3
10
7
8
6
5
6
4
4
2
10
6
5
5
5
4
5
4
5
4
7
6
3
7
7
6
2
1
8
5
4
5
6
5
3
7
4
2
1
7
4
5
3
4
5
7
4
4
4
3
3
3
1
4
4
5
3
2
3
4
5
3
2
4
3
5
2
2
3
2
1
2
5
2
5
2
2
1
*
12
2
2
2
1
3
4
6
*
*
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
1
3
4
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
*
1
*
2
1
*
2
2
1
1
1
2
3
1
2
3
2
1
1
1
1
6
1
1
2
*
1
1,285
726
559
252
385
159
456
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
45
D8. Are you employed by a small business or not?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
35
65
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
22
78
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
59
40
*
Hispanic
37
62
*
African
American
26
74
*
Asian
American
33
66
-
White
36
64
-
*
*
*
*
-
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
D9. Are you registered to vote in [RESPONDENT’S STATE]?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Yes
No
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
86
14
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
89
11
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
79
21
-
Hispanic
73
27
-
African
American
88
12
*
Asian
American
79
21
-
White
89
11
-
*
*
1
1
1
*
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
D10. Do you consider yourself to be a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or something else?
[ORDER OF FIRST THREE RESPONSE OPTIONS RANDOMIZED]
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Democrat
Republican
Independent
Something else
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
34
27
26
13
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
34
27
26
12
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
33
26
24
14
*
Hispanic
43
19
20
16
*
African
American
63
2
20
14
-
Asian
American
39
15
30
14
2
White
24
37
27
11
-
1
*
1
1
1
1
1
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
46
D11. How would you characterize your political views?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Conservative NET
Very conservative
Somewhat
conservative
Moderate
Liberal NET
Somewhat liberal
Very liberal
None of these/
Something else
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
29
9
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
29
8
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
29
10
Hispanic
22
7
African
American
20
7
Asian
American
18
3
White
34
10
20
21
19
15
13
14
24
35
25
16
9
35
26
18
8
34
24
13
11
39
24
13
11
41
22
13
9
39
35
23
12
32
26
17
8
10
9
11
14
16
8
7
*
*
*
-
*
*
*
*
*
1
-
*
1
*
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
D12. Is your household income below $63,500, or is it $63,501 or higher?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Below $63,500
$63,501 or higher
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
53
46
*
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
44
55
*
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
73
26
*
Hispanic
72
27
*
African
American
70
29
*
Asian
American
37
61
*
White
46
54
*
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
47
The next question is about the total income of your household for 2015. Please include your own
income plus the income of all members living in your household (including cohabiting partners and
armed forces members living at home). Please count income before taxes and from all sources (such
as wages, salaries, tips, net income from a business, interest, dividends, child support, alimony, and
Social Security, public assistance, pensions, or retirement benefits).
If below $63,500 in D12
D13. Which of the following best describes your total annual household income before taxes in 2015?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Less than $14,000
At least $14,000 but
less than $25,000
At least $25,000 but
less than $40,000
At least $40,000 but
less than $63,500
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
14
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
10
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
18
23
20
32
Hispanic
19
African
American
19
Asian
American
17
White
9
27
23
25
20
22
35
30
27
31
24
37
29
34
24
28
23
38
32
*
-
*
-
*
-
*
1
1
2
2
2
*
1
2,070
1,066
1,004
534
733
222
540
If $63,500 or more in D12
D14. Which of the following best describes your total annual household income before taxes in 2015?
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
$63,501 but less than
$100,000
$100,000 but less than
$150,000
$150,000 but less than
$200,000
$200,000 or more
DON’T KNOW
SKIPPED ON WEB/
REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
Hispanic
African
American
Asian
American
White
45
43
53
52
54
36
45
31
32
25
27
24
30
31
13
12
14
10
11
16
13
10
*
11
*
6
-
11
-
5
*
16
-
10
-
2
2
2
*
5
2
2
1,667
1,264
403
256
310
367
706
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
48
INCOME. D12, D13, and D14 combined
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Less than $14,000
At least $14,000 but
less than $25,000
At least $25,000 but
less than $40,000
At least $40,000 but
less than $63,500
$63,501 but less than
$100,000
$100,000 but less than
$150,000
$150,000 but less than
$200,000
$200,000 or more
DK/SKIPPED/REFUSED
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
7
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
4
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
13
Hispanic
14
African
American
14
Asian
American
6
White
4
12
8
19
17
18
8
9
17
14
22
20
22
9
15
15
14
17
21
16
14
13
22
25
14
14
16
22
26
15
19
7
7
7
19
19
6
7
4
3
3
10
7
5
2
6
1
2
2
3
2
2
3
10
1
5
1
3,737
2,330
1,407
790
1,043
589
1,246
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
12
25
21
23
18
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
10
25
23
24
19
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
17
26
18
21
18
Hispanic
19
25
27
18
11
African
American
17
29
22
21
12
Asian
American
13
24
26
22
15
White
9
24
19
25
23
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
AGE
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
N=
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
49
GENDER
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Male
Female
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
55
45
With access
to
workplace
retirement
savings
55
45
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
53
47
Hispanic
59
41
African
American
48
52
Asian
American
54
46
White
55
45
3,920
2,451
1,469
802
1,077
607
1,357
RACE/ETHNICITY
NORC
11/1/2016-1/16/2017
Hispanic
African American
Asian American
White
Other
N=
All private
sector
employed
adults
18-64
18
13
7
59
3
With access
to workplace
retirement
savings
16
14
8
60
2
Without
access to
workplace
retirement
savings
22
12
5
57
4
3,920
2,451
1,469
2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Ages 18-64
50