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Retirement saving and security, Social Security, Medicare as retirement, and pensions.
| Question | Source | Years | Waves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expects to apply for Social Security disability benefits What type of benefits do you think that you will apply for? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 21 |
| Expects to apply for Social Security survivors benefits What type of benefits do you think that you will apply for? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 21 |
| Expects to apply for Social Security retirement benefits What type of benefits do you think that you will apply for? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 21 |
| Expects to apply for Supplemental Security Income What type of benefits do you think that you will apply for? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 21 |
| Pandemic effect on decision to apply for Social Security benefits How has the coronavirus pandemic affected your decision about applying or not applying for Social Security benefits (Retirement, Disability, or Survivors), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or Medicare benefits? Select only one answer. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 21 |
| Applied for Social Security, SSI, or Medicare since March 2020 Did you apply or attempt to apply for Social Security benefits (Retirement, Disability, or Survivors), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or Medicare benefits after March 13, 2020? Select only one answer. benefits, or Medicare benefits after March 13, 2020? Select only one answer. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 15 |
| Currently receives Social Security, SSI, or Medicare Do you currently receive Social Security benefits (Retirement, Disability, or Survivors), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or Medicare benefits? Select only one answer. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 15 |
| Likelihood of applying for Social Security, SSI, or Medicare How likely are you to apply for Social Security benefits (Retirement, Disability, or Survivors), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or Medicare benefits in the next 12 months? Select only one answer. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 15 |
| Applied for Social Security retirement benefits since March 2020 What type of benefits did you apply or attempt to apply for since March 13, 2020? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 15 |
| Applied for Social Security Disability since March 2020 What type of benefits did you apply or attempt to apply for since March 13, 2020? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 15 |
| Applied for Social Security Survivors benefits since March 2020 What type of benefits did you apply or attempt to apply for since March 13, 2020? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2020–2021 | 15 |
| Received pension income in past 12 months Pension - In the past 12 months, did you (and/or your spouse or partner) receive any income from the following sources: | Fed SHED | 2015–2025 | 11 |
| Retirement savings on track Do you think that your retirement savings plan is currently on track? | Fed SHED | 2017–2025 | 9 |
| Borrowed or cashed out retirement savings in past year In the past 12 months, have you borrowed money from or cashed out (permanently withdrawn) money from any of your retirement savings accounts? | Fed SHED | 2014–2022 | 9 |
| Has employer-based defined contribution retirement plan 401(k), 403(b), Keogh, or other defined contribution plan through an employer - Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2015–2022 | 8 |
| Has retirement savings outside a retirement account Savings outside a retirement account - Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2014–2022 | 8 |
| Has employer defined benefit pension Pension with a defined benefit through an employer that will pay a fixed monthly amount in retirment - Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2015–2022 | 8 |
| Has an IRA or Roth IRA IRA or Roth IRA - Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2015–2022 | 8 |
| Retired because of disliking the work Didn't like the work - Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 7 |
| Retired because of a health problem Health problem - Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 7 |
| Retired upon reaching normal retirement age Reached normal retirement age - Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 7 |
| Received Social Security income in past year Social Security (including old age and DI) - In the past 12 months, did you (and/or your spouse or partner) receive any income from the following sources: | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 7 |
| Forced to retire or lack of available work Forced to retire or lack of available work - Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 7 |
| Retired to care for family members Care for family members - Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 7 |
| Retired to do other things or spend time with family Wanted to do other things or spend time with family - Were each of the following important to your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 7 |
| Comfort making own retirement investment decisions How comfortable are you with making your own investment decisions in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2016–2022 | 7 |
| Amount saved for retirement Approximately how much money do you currently have saved for retirement? | Fed SHED | 2017–2022 | 6 |
| Likelihood of applying for benefits during 2021 How likely are you to apply for Social Security benefits (Retirement, Disability, or Survivors), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or Medicare benefits during 2021? Select only one answer. | Household Pulse | 2021 | 6 |
| Applied for Social Security Retirement since January 2021 What type of benefits did you apply or attempt to apply for after January 1, 2021? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2021 | 6 |
| Currently receives Social Security, SSI, or Medicare Do you currently receive Social Security benefits (Retirement, Disability, or Survivors), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or Medicare benefits? Select only one answer. | Household Pulse | 2021 | 6 |
| Applied for Social Security Disability since January 2021 What type of benefits did you apply or attempt to apply for after January 1, 2021? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2021 | 6 |
| Applied for Social Security, SSI, or Medicare since January 2021 Did you apply or attempt to apply for Social Security benefits (Retirement, Disability, or Survivors), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or Medicare benefits after January 1, 2021? Select only one answer. | Household Pulse | 2021 | 6 |
| Applied for Social Security Survivors benefits since January 2021 What type of benefits did you apply or attempt to apply for after January 1, 2021? Select all that apply. | Household Pulse | 2021 | 6 |
| Government responsibility for the elderly's standard of living D. Provide a decent standard of living for the old. | GSS | 1985–2016 | 6 |
| How long ago respondent retired When did you retire? | Fed SHED | 2020–2024 | 5 |
| Owns business or real estate for retirement income Own a business or real estate that will provide income in retirement - Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2018–2022 | 5 |
| Has other retirement savings Other retirement savings - Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2019–2022 | 4 |
| Received pension income in past year [Pension] In the past 12 months, did you [and/or your spouse/partner] receive any income from the following sources: | Fed SHED | 2015–2018 | 4 |
| Owns a business as retirement savings [Ownership of a business] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2015–2018 | 4 |
| Has other retirement savings [Other retirement savings (please specify):] Do you currently have each of the following retirement savings? | Fed SHED | 2015–2018 | 4 |
| Borrowed from retirement accounts in past year Borrowed money from your retirement accounts - In the past 12 months, have you done each of the following? | Fed SHED | 2023–2025 | 3 |
| Comfort with choosing and managing investments How comfortable are you with choosing and managing your investments? | Fed SHED | 2023–2025 | 3 |
| Has a defined benefit pension through an employer Pension with a defined benefit through an employer that will pay a monthly amount in retirement - Do you currently have each of the following types of savings or assets? | Fed SHED | 2023–2025 | 3 |
| Cashed out retirement accounts in past year Cashed out (permanently withdrawn) money from your retirement accounts – In the past 12 months, have you done each of the following? | Fed SHED | 2023–2025 | 3 |
| Has a retirement savings account Retirement savings account, such as a 401(k) plan through an employer, IRA or Roth IRA – Do you currently have each of the following types of savings or assets? | Fed SHED | 2023–2025 | 3 |
| Reduced retirement contributions in past year Reduced your regular contributions to your retirement accounts - In the past 12 months, have you done each of the following? | Fed SHED | 2023–2025 | 3 |
| Has a defined benefit pension plan B. Do you have a defined benefit pension plan at your company? | GSS | 2014–2022 | 3 |
| Importance of poor health in retirement decision [Poor health] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2016–2018 | 3 |
| Importance of disliking the work in retirement decision [Didn't like the work] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2016–2018 | 3 |
| Importance of wanting to do other things in retirement decision [Wanted to do other things] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2016–2018 | 3 |
| Owns real estate or land for retirement income [Ownership of real estate or land that you plan to sell or rent to generate income in retirement] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2015–2017 | 3 |
| Family support as a retirement funding source [Relying on children, grandchildren, or other family] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013–2015 | 3 |
| Business income as a retirement funding source [Income from a business or the sale of a business] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013–2015 | 3 |
| Non-retirement savings as a retirement funding source [Savings outside a retirement account (e.g. a brokerage account, savings account)] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013–2015 | 3 |
| 401(k) or similar plan as a retirement funding source [401(k), 403(b), or other defined contribution plan from work] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013–2015 | 3 |
| Real estate income as a retirement funding source [Income from real estate or the sale of real estate] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013–2015 | 3 |
| Spouse or partner's job as a retirement funding source [My spouse/partner has a job] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013–2015 | 3 |
| Concern about retirement savings Retirement savings - Are each of the following a financial challenge or concern for you or your family? | Fed SHED | 2024–2025 | 2 |
| Worked in retirement for financial reasons Financial reasons (such as earning money or keeping health insurance) - You indicated you consider yourself to be retired and that you worked for pay last month. Were each of the following important for your decision to work last month? | Fed SHED | 2024–2025 | 2 |
| Worked in retirement for nonfinancial reasons Nonfinancial reasons (such as enjoy work/sense of purpose or social connections) - You indicated you consider yourself to be retired and that you worked for pay last month. Were each of the following important for your decision to work last month? | Fed SHED | 2024–2025 | 2 |
| Age at retirement At what age did you retire? | Fed SHED | 2019–2025 | 2 |
| COVID-19 contributed to timing of retirement Did factors related to COVID-19 contribute to you retiring when you did? | Fed SHED | 2020–2021 | 2 |
| Retired because forced out or lack of work [Forced to retire or lack of available work] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2017–2018 | 2 |
| Importance of family responsibilities in retirement decision [Family responsibilities] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2017–2018 | 2 |
| Age at retirement At what age did you retire? | Fed SHED | 2017–2018 | 2 |
| Retired to spend more time with family [Wanted to spend more time with family] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2017–2018 | 2 |
| 401(k) or similar plan as a retirement funding source [401(k), 403(b), Keogh, or other defined contribution plan from work…] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Social Security as a retirement funding source [Social Security] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Non-retirement savings as a retirement funding source [Savings outside a retirement account (e.g. a brokerage account, savings account)] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Real estate income as a retirement funding source [Income from real estate or the sale of real estate] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Spouse or partner's job as a retirement funding source [My spouse/partner has a job] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Business income as a retirement funding source [Income from a business or the sale of a business] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Other savings as a retirement funding source [Other retirement savings] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Job earnings as a retirement funding source [I have a job] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Family support as a retirement funding source [Relying on children, grandchildren, or other family] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Defined benefit pension as a retirement funding source [Pension with a defined benefit from work (i.e. pension based on a formula, your earnings, and years of service? Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| IRA or Roth IRA as a retirement funding source [IRA or Roth IRA] Are each of the following sources of funds for you [and your spouse or partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2016–2017 | 2 |
| Would contribute if employer offered a retirement plan If your employer did offer a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution retirement plan, woudl you contribute to the plan? | Fed SHED | 2015–2016 | 2 |
| Expects to rely on inheritance in retirement [Rely on inheritance] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Other savings as a retirement funding source [Other retirement savings] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects real estate income in retirement [Income from real estate or the sale of real estate] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects Social Security as a retirement funding source [Social Security] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects to keep working as a retirement funding source [I will continue working] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects non-retirement savings as a retirement funding source [Savings outside a retirement account (e.g. a brokerage account, savings account)] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects a defined benefit pension in retirement [Pension with a defined benefit from work] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Defined benefit pension as a retirement funding source [Pension with a defined benefit from work (i.e. pension based on a formula, your earnings, and years of service) Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects spouse's work as a retirement funding source [Spouse/partner will continue working] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Job earnings as a retirement funding source [I have a job] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects business income in retirement [Income from a business or the sale of a business] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects to rely on family in retirement [Rely on children, grandchildren, or other family] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Age at full retirement At what age did you retire fully, meaning completely stop working? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects other retirement savings as a funding source [Other retirement savings] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Expects a 401(k) or similar plan in retirement [401(k), 403(b), or other defined contribution plan from work] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Social Security as a retirement funding source [Social Security] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014–2015 | 2 |
| Plan for retirement Which one of the following best describes your plan for retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013–2014 | 2 |
| Retired then took a different part-time job [Retired from my previous career, but then found a different part-time job] Thinking about your transition to retirement, please tell us if you did any of the following: | Fed SHED | 2013–2014 | 2 |
| Retired then took a different full-time job [Retired from my previous career, but then found a different full-time job] Thinking about your transition to retirement, please tell us if you did any of the following: | Fed SHED | 2013–2014 | 2 |
| Retired, then started working as self-employed [Retired from my previous career, but then started working as self-employed] Thinking about your transition to retirement, please tell us if you did any of the following: | Fed SHED | 2013–2014 | 2 |
| Saving money for retirement [Retirement] Which of the following categories, if any, are you saving money for? | Fed SHED | 2013–2014 | 2 |
| Worked fewer hours approaching retirement [Worked fewer hours as I got close to retirement] Thinking about your transition to retirement, please tell us if you did any of the following: | Fed SHED | 2013–2014 | 2 |
| Worked full time until retiring, then stopped working [Worked full time until I retired, then stopped working altogether] Thinking about your transition to retirement, please tell us if you did any of the following: | Fed SHED | 2013–2014 | 2 |
| Retired in the past year Over the past year have you...(Check all that apply) [Retired] | CES | 2024 | 1 |
| Retired in the past year Over the past year have you... [Retired] | CES | 2020 | 1 |
| Used savings or retirement withdrawals to cover expenses Withdrawals from savings or a retirement account - In the past 12 months, have you used any of the following to cover expenses in retirement: | Fed SHED | 2019 | 1 |
| Used business or real estate sale money in retirement Money from selling a business or real estate that you own - In the past 12 months, have you used any of the following to cover expenses in retirement: | Fed SHED | 2019 | 1 |
| Borrowed or cashed out retirement savings in past year In the past 12 months, have you borrowed money from or cashed out (permanently withdrawn) money from any of your retirement savings accounts? | Fed SHED | 2018 | 1 |
| Importance of family time in retirement decision [Wanted to spend more time with family] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2016 | 1 |
| Importance of forced retirement or lack of work in retirement decision [Forced to retire or lack of available work] How important were each of the following in your decision to retire at the age that you did? | Fed SHED | 2016 | 1 |
| Would contribute to employer retirement plan if offered Does your employer offer a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution retirement plan, would you contribute to the plan? | Fed SHED | 2016 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: other reason [Other (Please specify):] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Employer offers a defined contribution retirement plan Does your employer offer a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Expected age of full retirement At what age do you expect to retire fully, meaning completely stop working for pay? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: prefer spending over saving [Prefer to spend the money rather than save] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: cannot afford contributions [Unable to afford contributions to a retirement plan] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses other sources for retirement investment advice [Other (Please specify):] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses an investment broker for retirement investment advice [Investment broker] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Has savings outside retirement accounts for retirement [Savings outside a retirement account (e.g. a brokerage account, savings account, or stock holdings)] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses employer for retirement investment advice [Employer] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| IRA or Roth IRA as a retirement funding source [IRA or Roth IRA] Which of the following are sources of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Why no advice on retirement investments You indicated that you did not receive advice from others when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts. Is this because you do not feel that you need help, because you do not know where to get it, or because it is too expensive? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses a financial planner for retirement investment advice [Financial planner] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: plan to but not signed up [Plan to invest through the retirement plan but have not signed up yet] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Expects IRA or Roth IRA as a source of retirement funds [IRA or Roth IRA] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you [and your spouse/partner] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Confidence in making retirement investment decisions How confident are you in your ability to make the right investment decisions when managing and investing the money in your retirement accounts (including IRA, 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other retirement accounts where you choose the investments for yourself)? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: unsure how to invest [Unsure of best way to invest money contributed to the retirement plan] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses friends or relatives for retirement investment advice [Friends or relatives] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: no employer match [Employer does not match contributions] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: prefer other saving methods [Prefer to save for retirement in other ways] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses no one for retirement investment advice [No one] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not investing in work plan: not eligible [I am not eligible to participate in my employer's plan] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses internet, books, or magazines for retirement advice [Internet research, books, or magazines] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Uses a lawyer or accountant for retirement investment advice [Lawyer or accountant] Which of the following sources of advice do you usually use when deciding how to invest the money in your retirement accounts? | Fed SHED | 2015 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: prefer to spend money [Prefer to spend the money rather than save] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: no employer match [Employer offers a plan but does not match contributions] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Retirement savings on track for comfortable retirement Thinking about your current savings for retirement, do you think that your retirement savings is on track to allow you to retire with a comfortable standard of living by your planned retirement age of [K1B response]? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Has savings outside a retirement account [Savings outside a retirement account] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: unsure how to invest [Unsure of best way to invest money contributed to the retirement plan] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Has an employer defined benefit pension [Defined benefit pension through an employer or former employer] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Has other retirement savings or pension [Other retirement savings] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Expects IRA as a source of retirement funds [Individual Retirement Account (IRA)] Which of the following do you expect will be a source of funds for you (and your spouse/partner) in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Maximum employer contribution to retirement account What is the maximum percent of your salary that your employer will contribute to your account? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: plan to sign up [Plan to invest through the retirement plan but have not signed up yet] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Has a 401(k) or other defined contribution plan [401(k), 403(b), Thrift or other defined contribution pension plan] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Retirement savings: real estate or land to sell or rent [Ownership of real estate or land that you plan to sell or rent to generate income in retirement] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: cannot afford contributions [Unable to afford contributions to a retirement plan] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Retirement savings: ownership of own business [Ownership of my business] Do you currently have each of the following types of retirement savings or pension? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: employer offers none [Employer does not offer a plan] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Confidence in making retirement investment decisions How confident are you in your ability to make the right investment decisions when managing and investing the money in your retirement accounts (including IRA, 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other retirement accounts where you choose the investments for yourself)? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Expected age of full retirement At what age do you expect to retire fully, meaning completely stop working for pay? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Worked until health problems forced retirement [Worked until health problems prevented me from continuing to work] Thinking about your transition to retirement, please tell us if you did any of the following: | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: prefer other saving [Prefer to save for retirement in other ways] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| IRA as a retirement funding source [Individual Retirement Account (IRA)] Which of the following are sources of funds for [you] in retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Thought given to retirement financial planning How much thought have you given to the financial planning for your retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Not in work retirement plan: other reason [Other] You stated that you do not participate in a 401(k), 403(b), Thrift, or other defined contribution plan from work. Please select all the reasons below for why you do not currently invest in this type of retirement plan. | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Alternate plan if retirement savings fall short Which one of the following best describes your alternate savings plan or plan for retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Percent of paycheck contributed to workplace retirement plan What percent of your paycheck do you contribute to your 401(k), 403(b), Thrift or other defined contribution benefit plan? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| How would adjust plans if savings off track If you determine that your retirement savings is no longer on track, how you would adjust your savings plan or plans for retirement? | Fed SHED | 2014 | 1 |
| Has Social Security old-age benefits Social Security Old-Age benefits | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with other sources Other | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Doesn't know how retirement will be paid for I don’t know | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Age at full retirement At what age did you retire fully, meaning completely stop working? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with a defined benefit pension Defined benefit pension from work | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Has no retirement savings or pension Please tell us what type(s) of retirement savings or pension you (or your spouse/partner) have. No retirement savings or pension | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Has other type of retirement savings Other | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with a 401(k) or similar plan 401(k), 403(b), Thrift or other defined contribution pension plan | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Chance of living to at least age 75 On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is no chance and 10 is absolutely certain, and you can use any number in between, what are the chances that you will live to at least age 75? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with business income or sale Income from a business or the sale of a business | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with an IRA Individual Retirement Account (IRA) | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Expected age range for full retirement In the last 12 months have you applied for any credit (such as a credit card, mortgage, or other loan)? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with Social Security How are you (and your spouse/partner) planning to pay for your expenses in retirement? Please select all that apply. Social Security Old-Age benefits | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Retirement funds from an IRA Individual Retirement Account (IRA) | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Retirement age plans compared with before 2008 Compared to your retirement plans before 2008, would you say that you now plan to retire earlier, at the same age, later than what you had planned to do at that time? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Borrowed from retirement savings in past year In the past 12 months, have you borrowed money from any of your retirement savings accounts? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Delayed retirement because of the recession [Retirement] What majore life decision(s) did you delay? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Retirement funds from having a job I have a job | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans for spouse or partner to keep working in retirement Spouse/partner will continue working | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Has real estate or land as retirement savings Real estate or land | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Recession's effect on decision to retire Did the recent recession affect your decision to retire? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Using Social Security old-age benefits in retirement Are you (and your spouse/partner) using any of these to pay for your expenses in retirement? Please select all that apply. Social Security Old-Age benefits | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Thought given to retirement financial planning How much thought have you given to the financial planning for your retirement? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Cashed out retirement savings in past year In the past 12 months, have you cashed out any of your retirement savings (permanently withdrawn the money)? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Has an Individual Retirement Account Individual Retirement Account (IRA) | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Has employer defined benefit pension Defined benefit pension through an employer | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement by continuing to work I will continue working | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to rely on family in retirement Rely on children, grandchildren, or other family | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with non-retirement savings Savings outside a retirement account (e.g. a brokerage account, savings account) | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Other source of retirement funds Other | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Chance of living to at least age 85 On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is no chance and 10 is absolutely certain, and you can use any number in between, what are the chances that you will live to at least age 85? | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Has savings outside a retirement account Savings outside a retirement account (e.g. a brokerage account, savings account) | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Retirement funds from defined benefit pension Defined benefit pension from work | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Plans to pay for retirement with real estate or land Real estate or land | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Has 401(k), 403(b), or other defined contribution plan 401(k), 403(b), Thrift or other defined contribution pension plan | Fed SHED | 2013 | 1 |
| Expected Social Security benefits at retirement When you retire, do you think Social Security benefits will be much better than those now paid of retirees, somewhat better, about the same, somewhat worse, or much worse? | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| How serious Social Security's problems are Please tell me which of the following statements comes closest to your opinion about the Social Security program … | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| Phase out Social Security for private accounts Do you think it would be better to phase out Social Security and require people to take what they and their employers now pay into Social Security and invest it in mandatory private retirement accounts, or do you think Social Security should continue much as it is now? | GSS | 1998 | 1 |
| Eligible for a pension or retirement program H. A pension or retirement program. | GSS | 1991 | 1 |
| Mandatory retirement at an age set by law C. All employees should be required to retire at an age set by law. | GSS | 1985 | 1 |