18 quirky retirement planning memes

According to 2012 research from LIMRA, 85 percent of American consumers prioritize other expenses (such as their rent or mortgage) above their retirement savings.

Related: 5 proven ways to reach stuck customers

Turning to a reverse mortgage for retirement income is generally a sign of financial stress.

Related: Don’t take retirement advice from late-night TV ads

There is a genuine need for qualified financial professionals who can offer consumers insightful estate planning, if for no other reason than the fact that laws and regulations related to this arena of finance are constantly in flux.

Related: Changes to estate planning laws in 2016: what to expect

Even the cool kids are probably not “doing” retirement at age 65. The average retirement age in the United States has been creeping up for decades. By the time today’s (20- and 30-something) millennials retire, it’s anticipated that most of them will be around 73 years old.

Related: Workers’ views on retirement change as they age [Infographic]

Today’s baby boomers are not nearly as optimistic about being able to retire early as this meme featuring Captain Picard, or the fictional “Star Trek” character played by actor Patrick Stewart. The “Boomer Expectations for Retirement 2016” study released earlier this year by the Insured Retirement Institute revealed that at least a quarter of today’s Americans age 53 to 69 feel pessimistic about their retirement outlook, predominantly due to a lack of financial planning.

Related: A risky outlook: 8 facts about women and retirement [infographic]

Early retirement is much more likely for people who live in Cambodia or Thailand, where the average retirement age is 50, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. On the other end of the spectrum, the United Kingdom has the oldest average retirement age, at 68. The United States is one of several countries where the average retirement age is 67.

Related: Survey flags 5-year gap between planned, actual retirement ages

To determine the best retirement planning products for a particular client, smart agents and advisors conduct a through, periodic policy review.

Related: The top 4 life insurance brands of 2016  

Contrary to the sentiment (fictionally) expressed by entertainer Justin Timberlake in this meme, many people in his millennial generation actually believe it’s more important to experience life to the fullest than spend money on life insurance or other retirement savings products.

Related: What millennials want from work and life

If they believe the statisticians from New York Life, younger retirees might want to put off the early-to-bed regimen for later in life. That’s because the earlier years of retirement tend to be the best years, according to that company’s 2015 retirement insights study. What’s the very best year of retirement, according to those surveyed? The first year.

Related: 10 best cities to retire in the U.S.

Despite the fact that many baby boomers may choose to work past the average retirement age, or keep a job during their retirement, many others continue to face age discrimination in the workplace, according to AARP.

Related: Boomers aren’t terribly happy, and it shows (in 5 charts)

Increased longevity is another issue that’s throwing Americans off when it comes to adequately planning for retirement. At a minimum, today’s retirees must plan to fund life into their mid-90s.

Related: 9 factors that affect longevity

People who tend to be the most prepared for retirement have surveyed their savings options and invested in a variety of financial tools as opposed to a single employer plan.

Related: What you don’t know about retirement can hurt you  

Pet ownership may be key to a happy retirement. Some of the benefits of having an animal around during old age include they help battle human loneliness and stress, and they encourage exercise and a healthy daily routine.

Related: Estate planning for pets

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