Debt: The Ticking Time Bomb for Retirement — Where Do We Stand and What Can We Do About It?

EBRI [Employee Benefit Research Institute]

[Editor's note:  link is to 48 presentation slides from February 3, 2021 webinar.]

Much of the attention to retirement preparedness focuses on asset accumulation in individual account retirement plans and the presence of defined benefit plans. But the other side of the balance sheet — debt — can potentially have a significant impact on the financial success of an individual’s retirement. Any debt that a family may have accrued entering or during retirement can offset any asset accumulations, resulting in lower levels of retirement income security. 

This EBRIefing will discuss the trends in debt levels among American families with a special emphasis on families with family heads ages 55 or older and those of different racial/ethnicity groups, as financial liabilities are a vital but often ignored component of retirement income security. Furthermore, the impact of financial wellbeing programs on setting the course to having debt under control for retirement will be discussed. 

Speakers:

• Craig Copeland, Senior Research Associate, EBRI
• David Richardson, Managing Director of Research, TIAA
• Mark Smrecek, Senior Director, Financial Wellbeing Market Leader, Willis Towers Watson
• Greg Ward, Director, Financial Wellness Think Tank, Financial Finesse, Inc., Moderator

More Information, How to Register