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As we age...

Stress wreaks havoc on our mind and body

The Impact

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Health care can be a huge expense.

A 2015 survey found nearly 25% of Americans experienced a major, unexpected out-of-pocket medical expense in the prior year and 46% say they currently have debt from that expense.

Federal Reserve Board Survey, 2015

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It’s not a matter of if a financial crisis will hit, but when. 

About 60% of American households have faced an expense or loss of income in the past 12 months for which they did not budget.

Pew Charitable Trusts, 2015

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Life defining decisions happen when a financial crisis

One in three pre-retirees has less than $2,000 in liquid savings—the cost of a typical worst-case financial shock. Draining that money can alter plans around work, debt, and family. 

AARP, 2016

The Takeaway

Make saving a conversation topic.

Advice from Real People

“When I told my friend I was trying to pay off my student loans, she said she was, too! Now we do fun home-cooked meals over expensive dinners. I’m not embarrassed anymore, and I’m saving a lot.”

"Every year, my partner and I do a ‘Financial Summit.’ We lay out all of our financial, goals, debts, and fears—then make a solid plan. It brings us closer because we don’t have to do this alone.”

"I asked a coworker how he saves for a big trip. He said he has part of his salary deposited into a separate account, for travel money. Now I’m doing the same. This has helped me realize people have good tips to share.”

The Research

Everyone struggles with saving at some point. Talking about it makes it less overwhelming. 

“Americans have been made to feel like failures when it comes to retirement savings. But it is typical for a person to experience setbacks in their retirement savings throughout their lifetime -- 96% of Americans experience four or more income shocks by the time they reach age 70.”

National Endownment for Financial Education, 2017

Having a "buddy" as a support system helps us stick to long-term financial goals.

“85% of respondents believe having someone who understands their financial goals and can assist in holding them accountable would he helpful.”

Naitonal Endownment for Financial Education, 2013.

Most of us don't know what deals we're missing. Talking to people helps us discover tips, tricks, and helpful financial "life hacks."

“A whopping 79% of travel credit cardholders said they have never transferred credit card rewards points to an airline or hotel loyalty program. 72% of respondents said they never check to see if credit card companies are offering new or better sign-up bonuses.”

Princeton Survey Research via The Points Guy, 2015.

How Does Living 100 Change the Way We Earn?

AARP traveled to six cities across the country to truly understand how Americans feel about the possibility of living longer. We asked about their most hopeful thoughts and largest worries and what they think would make their community an even better place to work, live and play as people are living longer lives. What we heard is that money matters – especially in a longer life. But we aren’t talking enough about it.

NEW RULES FOR RETIREMENT

Personal finance expert Suze Orman has been dispensing tough-love guidance for years to people seeking financial security, so AARP asked the high-energy money guru to share some of her best planning advice with you. Her new rules for downsizing, spending wisely and delaying Social Security benefits are designed to help you in any form or stage of retirement.

Learn More

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