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January 27, 2021 at 05:48 PM
Women seem to shoulder much of the worry when it comes to how COVID-19 is affecting the economy — and the impact on their finances, thus their future and retirement — according to a 2020 study by Nationwide.
“For several consecutive years, our Advisor Authority study has revealed the disconnect between women’s growing concerns about their ability to retire and their level of preparation — and the pandemic has taken this to new levels,” said Ann Bair, senior vice president of marketing for Nationwide Financial, said in a statement. “While women are acutely aware of the challenges they face, it’s critical that they take steps now to address gaps in their retirement plan, especially as we start a new year.”
The sixth annual study polled 2,500 women and men, including 1,768 advisors and financial professionals and 817 investors. The investors included 520 men and 297 women. The online survey was conducted by Harris Poll from May 27 through June 25, 2020.
Here are five key finding of the study:
1. Women were more concerned in 2020 about a recession and a bear market than they were in 2019.
Findings showed that 82% of women polled were concerned about a U.S. economic recession over the next 12 months versus 60% in 2019. Again, this poll was done in May and June 2020, with the March stock plunge still vivid. Also, 74% of women worried about an ongoing U.S. bear market in the next 12 months versus 57% in 2019.
2. Women said portfolio losses were their top financial concern.
It’s no surprise that one of the two largest financial concerns in 2020 was losses in their portfolio due to COVID-19. However, the same share of respondents, 36%, said protecting their assets was a top concern, versus 26% in 2019.
In 2019, the cost of health care was a major concern of 36%, which fell to 21% in 2020. Also key in 2019 was saving enough for retirement, 24%, which dropped to 16% in 2020. Generating reliable income during retirement was concerning to 18% in 2020, slightly higher than 15% in 2019. Managing volatility was a top concern for 16% in 2020 versus 11% in 2019.
