People today are more responsible for their own retirement income security. Over the past 15 to 20 years there has been a shift in responsibility for long-term well-being away from institutions (employers, the government) to individuals. For example, in 1980, 70% of pension plans were defined contribution (DC, as opposed to defined benefit plans; DC plans shift more of the responsibility for the growth of retirement funds to the consumer); by 1997, 92% of plans were defined contribution (Conte 1998). In 1988, one-fourth (25%) of workers were covered primarily by DC plans; in 1998, over three-fifths (63%) were covered by such plans (Copeland 2002). (more…)

Increasing your savings is the key to establishing a sound financial future. The more you save, the better you will be able to handle unexpected emergencies and the sooner you will be able to meet your financial goals. If you save large amounts, it may be possible for you to retire comfortably and to send your children to college. Best of all, money that is saved earns interest income. (more…)