The Causes and Costs of Financial Stress!

The just released 2007 Ameriprise Workplace Financial Planning Benefit Decisions Study found that while financial stress has increased in general for workers since 2005 the highest stressor continues to be saving for retirement and paying for healthcare in retirement. – More than 40 percent of workers are reporting that the cost of their health insurance is having an impact on their financial health as well as their stress levels. – 44 percent feel that increasing costs will impact their ability to save for retirement and other financial goals. – Almost half say they respond to increased out-of-pocket expenses by cutting back on overall saving and investing. When pitted against rising current health care costs long-term saving increasingly takes a back seat. – Fewer than one in five workers reported that they have a formal written financial plan. Those without a plan are far more likely to cut back on savings when faced with increased healthcare costs. – Nearly 9 in 10 respondents believe a financial plan that directly addressed their workplace benefit costs and decisions would be helpful. Respondents said they would feel more confident about their investment choices and would be encouraged to stick to their saving plan if they had the help of a financial planner. To talk about the study and its implications is Jim Buchholz, Vice President of Workplace Financial Planning from Ameriprise Financial. He offers alternatives for responding to increased benefit costs while keeping their retirement savings on track, and tips for talking to employers about offering a financial planning employee benefit.