A pocket of younger Americans are increasingly turning to parents for financial advice, making real sacrifices to save
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gen X and Gen Y super savers are saving big for retirement, according to new research from Principal Financial Group®. Super savers, defined as those saving 90% or more of the IRS maximum or 15% or more of their income for retirement, cite numerous sacrifices and motivations for saving.
Super savers are highly motivated by wanting to feel financially secure (62%), having a good lifestyle in retirement (57%), being prepared for the unexpected (43%) and wanting to save enough for retirement (42%) and travel in retirement (42%). This year, less savers reported having the income to save was a driver of their habits (39% compared to 59%1.)
In order to reach their lofty savings goals, super savers make sacrifices such as driving older vehicles (43%), owning a modest home (41%), not traveling as much as they’d prefer (41%) and doing DIY projects instead of hiring outside help (40%). Taking on DIY projects increased drastically, up from 30% in 2018.
Super savers aren’t all work and no play. They still splurge on subscription services (46%), travel (46%), dining out (39%) entertainment (30%) and shopping (26%).
“Super savers are making smart financial choices, but they aren’t sacrificing their quality of life,” said Jerry Patterson, senior vice president of retirement and income solutions at Principal®. “We make time for the things we find most important, and this group has prioritized savings and financial independence in a big way.”
The concept of young Americans saving big might sound foreign, but the growing FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement has been a rallying cry for young people. Seeking financial freedom, some of these young savers can bank 70% of their take-home income into savings.
The role of family
By and large, super savers list their parents as their top influence on their savings habits (34%). Eight in 10 said their parents were or are savers, and a third (35%) said their parents created savings rules for them to follow when they were children.
Perhaps one of the reasons super savers turn to their parents is a lack of personal finance education in schools. Eighty-one percent said they learned little to nothing about personal finance in school, but 98% agreed that students should learn about it before graduating high school.
“What these super savers have figured out, and what we want more people to realize, is the value of saving more, earlier,” added Patterson.
Confidence in saving
Though everyone surveyed fit the definition of a super saver, only 24% self-identified as a such. Of those who thought they were a super saver, 28% were men, compared to only 19% of women. Men were also much more likely to be confident in their financial future (59%) compared to women (49%) and be confident in financial decision making (52% vs. 40%.)
“We know that education drives confidence, and confidence drives action,” added Patterson. “Even investing a small amount of time learning more about personal finance can have a huge boost to confidence.”
About Principal®
Principal helps people and companies around the world build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement, insurance and asset management solutions that fit their lives. Our employees are passionate about helping clients of all income and portfolio sizes achieve their goals – offering innovative ideas, investment expertise and real-life solutions to make financial progress possible. To find out more, visit us at principal.com.
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The subject matter in this communication is educational only and provided with the understanding that Principal® is not rendering legal, accounting, investment advice or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax, investment or accounting obligations and requirements.
Insurance products and plan administrative services are provided through Principal Life Insurance Company, a member of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
1 There was a methodology change in 2019 to the Principal Super Saver Survey. The adjusted percentages to align with the previous methodology are 44% for 2019 and 59% for 2018.
Contacts
Media Contact: Hillary Carlson, [email protected], (515) 878-1460
