02/27/2006

Retirement Saving in the USA

Hello:

According to this week's Barron's magazine, 85% of American workers say they have started planning for retirement, leading all nations. Furthermore, the average American begins saving for retirement at age 30, with age 55 considered to be the ideal retirement age. According to Agewave, 42% of Americans surveyed say that the ideal second half of one's life is to cycle between work and leisure.

This week, we will be watching the housing figures and the consumer sentiment figures to help gauge the economy.

Studies indicate that approximately half of all Americans do not even have a simple will. This leaves it up to the state to decide who would be guardian for the children and how assets would be distributed. Is that really what half of your donors prefer? Consider talking to them about an estate plan that might include bequest to your organization.

Terri G. Millson, CIMA, CIMC President

Ray Dicius, CSA, GEPC LPL Branch Manager