Millennials Committed to Saving

Access to employer-sponsored retirement plans helps them with this commitment.

More than three in four Millennial workers with access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan make consistent contributions from their paycheck to the retirement plan or to a savings account, compared with 43% of those without access to an employer-sponsored plan, according to a poll by Young Invincibles, a national  advocacy group that aims to engage young adults on financial issues, higher education, health care and jobs.

Overall, two-thirds (67%) of full- and part-time working Millennials surveyed are saving consistently. Most Millennial workers who are saving save between 6% and 10% of their monthly income. Fifty-four percent of Millennial workers are saving between 0% and 10% of their income, while 13% save 11% or more.

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Eighty percent of survey respondents with access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan say their employer contributes to their retirement account, while 18% do not receive employer contributions.

The survey found that more than two-fifths (41%) of Millennials surveyed would put a 10% increase in annual income toward savings or investment. Twenty-four percent would put that money in an accessible savings account, 11% would put it toward long-term savings or retirement, and 6% would invest the money in higher-risk markets or stocks.

NEXT: Retirement plan access for Millennials

Just 23% said they would spend a 10% increase in annual income on a home or car purchase, a child’s education or care, consumer or luxury goods, or managing other financial obligations. Twenty-one percent would put this additional income toward paying down debt.

Seventy-four percent of Millennials surveyed who are working full- or part-time have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan; however, access to these plans varies dramatically by income level. Fewer than half (48%) of workers earning less than $25,000 have access to an employer-sponsored plan, compared with 72% of workers earning $25,000 to $50,000, 77% of workers earning $50,000 to $75,000, and 84% earning $75,000 or more.

Millennial workers’ access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan also varies by education attainment: 64% of Millennial voters without a bachelor’s degree have access to an employer-sponsored plan, while 82% of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher have access.

Eighty-five percent of Millennials surveyed would support a state-facilitated retirement plan that “would provide a voluntary option for workers without a way to save for retirement at work.”

Findings of the Young Invincibles poll are here.

ICMA-RC Promotes ‘Grow Your Savings’ Calculator

The public-sector retirement plan provider is introducing the tool in advance of America Saves Week.

ICMA-RC, a provider of retirement plans exclusively for public-sector employees, is participating in America Saves Week.

ICMA-RC is promoting several digital resources specifically for the week, including its new “Grow Your Savings” calculator, which shows participants how their savings can add up over time by increasing contributions to their retirement plan. The calculator also shows the effects of compound interest on savings.

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In addition to distributing electronic resources, during America Saves Week ICMA-RC representatives across the country will be participating in benefits fairs, conducting one-on-one meetings, and hosting education sessions.

America Saves Week is a national campaign to encourage individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth. Held February 22 through 27, 2016, the week gives employees an opportunity to renew their focus on saving and planning for retirement.

The ICMA-RC calculator is at www.icmarc.org/grow.  

More information about America Saves Week is at www.americasavesweek.org.

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