Preparing for retirement isn’t just stressful — it’s confusing. A recent Principal Financial Group ( PFG ) survey found that 59% of American workers mistakenly thought they were saving for retirement. Alarmingly, Generation Xers — the cohort closest to retirement — comprise 64% of that figure.

A modernized job market, where workers change jobs more frequently than in the past, is just one factor contributing to the issue. Evidently, too few of America’s 161 million operational workers understand how their workplace retirement plans function.

The Confusion of Retirement

Of the 59%, more than half believed they were automatically enrolled, while 41% thought they had already signed up. Such an error could profoundly affect their retirement plans.

For one, many will have to increase their monthly savings to achieve prior retirement objectives. History shows that those who don’t care enough about their retirement will suffer the consequences.

While many experts laud switching jobs regularly for income or professional growth, pension contribution schemes are often left behind or misinterpreted. For example, employees with automated deductions through work superannuation schemes might think it rolls over to their next job.

Debt Throttles Saving

Around 42% don’t have the finances to start saving. David Straughan of MarketWatch recently wrote that U.S. household debt is at record levels, totaling nearly $18 trillion. In addition, the average American household overheads rise each year, shrinking available savings.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis ( FRED ) shows how property and casualty insurance premiums have grown since 1998. The producer price index (PPI) spiked in the third quarter of 2022, rising almost 30 points since. Soberingly, prior average PPI increases over such a period would have been five or six points.

The Generational Debt Matrix

Many forms of debt hold U.S. residents back, exacerbated by spending habits, misfortune, or generational wealth mismanagement. Debt looks different for each generation: for example, millennials hold more than anybody right now, and members of Generation Z are unlikely to have a mortgage.

Alarm bells may be ringing for financial analysts worried about the Generation X debt issue — this demographic bears the highest debt balance. But how does the wealthiest generation have the most debt?

Gen X Leads the Way

Brad Tuttle writes for Money that it all comes down to living standards and the ongoing financial commitment of raising families, running a car, and maintaining property. As the so-called “lost generation” near retirement, they must also balance caring for ailing parents while keeping their careers on track.

U.S. World & News Report’s Katie Stalter writes that most Gen Xers believe they will need an average of $1,112,183 to retire without worries. However, this contrasts with their expectations — most believe they will only have $661,013 put away.

Great Expectations

There are many excuses for those not contributing to a retirement account, though this doesn’t make saving any less important. Most Gen Xers believe they will need an average of $1,112,183 to retire without worries. However, this contrasts with their expectations — most think they will only have $661,013 put away.

The good news? Even those who move between jobs regularly or are confused about their options have a wealth of resources available. The Internet is awash with personal budgeting guides and free investment advice for anyone willing to learn. Personal wealth-building testimonies can arm would-be savers with transferable experience.

Hard Decisions

When confronted with all possible retirement plans, it is unsurprising people come unstuck. The IRS’ retirement plan options include the following:

Payroll deduction IRA: Employees choose a private financial institution for their savings, deducted from their monthly salary. SARSEP (Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension): A simplified employee pension set up before 1997 in which employers contribute to employers and their own IRAs.SEP (Simplified Employee Pension): Employers agree to contribute directly to an individual retirement or annuity account for their workers.SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees): A plan wherein owners and employees working for small businesses or self-employed owners contribute to traditional IRAs.401(k) plan: A defined contribution plan in which employees receive employer contributions or salary deferrals.SIMPLE 401(k) Plan: Like a 401(k), but works for operations with fewer than 100 employees. Employers bound by this agreement match up to 3% of workers’ pay or a non-elective 2% contribution.

Other plans listed work for different settings, such as profit-sharing schemes, money purchase plans, or detailed benefit plans, all of which encompass an employer making contributions. Further, those working for non-profit institutions like schools or hospitals might use a 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity plan.

Knowledge Is Power

Steve Adcock is the author of Millionaire Habits: How to Achieve Financial Independence, Retire Early, and Make a Difference by Focusing on Yourself First. He is a self-made millionaire who retired at 35 using a series of simple wealth-growing techniques.

Adcock believes you need both a 401(k), which is pre-tax, lowering taxable income, and a Roth IRA retirement plan. His advice for a new recruit: seek human resources out immediately to understand what they offer. Also, consolidating your accounts whenever possible is key to making saving easier.

“When switching companies, I’m a big fan of rolling over your retirement accounts into a single investment firm,” says Adcock. “I’ve rolled over all my employer-sponsored 401(k)s into Vanguard. Now I only have one username and password to remember instead of seven!”

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This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.