Survey flags disconnect in views on retirement income [charts]

Most Americans want to have a guaranteed monthly income in retirement, but only a minority of the population has a favorable impression of annuities.

This odd disconnect has been highlighted in numerous surveys over the years. And it persists to this day, despite the insurance industry’s best efforts to overcome consumers’ negative views about its products.

For fresh evidence of the dichotomy, look no further than a February report from TIAA-CREF: “Lifetime Income Survey.” Conducted by KRC Research, the survey polled 1,000 adults, age 18 years and older, about their views on lifetime income.

The report shows that 84 percent of Americans want a guaranteed monthly income in retirement, but only 28 percent view annuities in a favorable light. An additional 12 percent and 39 percent of the survey respondents have either an unfavorable impression or are neutral about the products.

The survey notes, however, that nearly half (46 percent) of Americans fear exhausting their savings in retirement. Yet more than 6 in 10 Americans (65 percent) are not familiar with annuities.

“These results highlight the opportunity for many Americans to learn about the benefits annuities can offer,” the survey states. “The results also reveal the critical need for education and financial advice to help Americans who are clear about what they want from a retirement plan.”

Nearly half (48 percent) of the respondents are clear on this point: that having a guaranteed income to cover living costs should be the primary objective of their retirement plan. This is up from 34 percent in 2014.