401(k)s More Confusing Than Health Insurance: Charles Schwab

Workers are taking responsibility for their retirement, but many need help getting there, a survey released Aug. 15 by Charles Schwab found. Almost 90% of respondents said they were counting on their own savings to support themselves in retirement, and more than 60% say that income will be largely or entirely from a 401(k) plan.

Unfortunately, more than half say their 401(k) plans are more confusing than their health care benefits, and 46% don’t know what their best options are. Over a third reported being very stressed about the right allocation in their plan.

While workers clearly need help with specific planning issues, the survey found they’ve adopted positive savings behaviors overall. Fifty-five percent have increased their savings rate in the last two years, and 70% said their 401(k) is in better shape than it ever has been.