TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Almost half (46 per cent) of retired
Canadians and only one-in-four (23 per cent) Canadians who are not yet
retired have determined the amount of money they will need for a
comfortable retirement, according to the 23rd Annual RBC RRSP Poll. Those who are not yet retired have significantly reduced their retirement savings goal by more than $200,000 to an average of $564,000 in 2012 from
$778,000 in 2011. Prior to retirement, retirees estimated that they
would only need an average of $347,000.
The gender gap has significantly narrowed between men's and women's
retirement savings goals, from a difference of $280,000 in 2011 down to
$86,000 in 2012. Men had an average retirement goal of $732,000 in
2011, which fell 42 per cent to $424,000 in 2012, while women had an
average retirement goal of $452,000 in 2011, which increased 13 per
cent to $510,000 in 2012.
"When looking at your percentage of pre-retirement income needed in
retirement, some say 75 per cent, some say 85 per cent and some even
say 110 per cent - we say everyone is different," said Jason Round,
head, Financial Planning Support, RBC Financial Planning. "While it's
important to have a retirement savings goal, there isn't one number
that's right for everyone. Your goals and dreams for retirement deserve
a plan that's personalized to you and takes into account many other
relevant factors."
The RBC poll also found that Canadians have had a relatively consistent
view of how they are doing with their retirement savings over the past four years. More than half of Canadians (53 per cent in
2012) say they are at or ahead of where they should be in terms of
retirement savings.
Round notes that using a rule of thumb approach in planning can be
useful in getting started when retirement is many years away but, as
retirement nears, averages are less helpful. There comes a point when
you need to dig a little deeper and create a plan for you based on you
and the reality you will face in retirement. For example, consider the
following factors that will shape your retirement:
Longevity: Canada's aging population is a reality. According to Statistics Canada,
Canadians aged 65 in 2012 can expect to spend more than 20 years in
retirement. The average male retirement expectancy is 18 or more years;
for women it is 21 plus years. Retirement is not a single phase of your
life but a series of stages and living longer does not necessarily mean
living the same. How will your time horizon impact your retirement
savings?
Health: Your personal health can affect your enjoyment of your retirement years
as well as your income. Almost one third (30 per cent) of retirees say
the cost of healthcare is among the top concerns in retirement. Do you
have health concerns? Have you planned to ensure healthy aging? Have
you considered the costs associated with potential or real health
concerns?
Inflation: One-third of retired Canadians (32 per cent) state that inflation and
the effect it might have on their retirement finances is among top
concerns. What measures have you taken to manage inflation? How will
you maintain a sustainable level of income in retirement amidst
unforeseeable circumstances?
Work: Among the Canadian working population, 42.4 per cent are between the
ages of 45 and 64, a record high proportion, according to Census Canada
2011. Canadians are increasingly choosing to continue to work or return
to work after retirement. The RBC Poll found 27 per cent of Canadians
say they will never retire and 23 per cent plan to open a business in
retirement. Have you considered whether you would choose to fully
retire or return to work during retirement?
"Planning for retirement is so much more than just a magic number and
this is where financial advice can ensure all aspects of retirement are
explored to ensure you have the retirement you want," added Round.
About RBC's financial planning advice, resources and interactive tools
The RBC Advice Centre offers free online advice, resources and tools
regarding retirement and estate planning including RRSPs, the RSP-Matic® Savings Calculator and updates on the federal government's RRSP First Time Home Buyers' Plan. In addition, RBC's myFinanceTracker, a comprehensive online financial management tool, offers
all personal RBC online banking clients the ability, at no cost, to create a set budget and track their
spending habits and to access H&R Block tax-related apps in the new myTax Centre, to help manage and plan their taxes.
About the 23rd Annual RBC RRSP Poll
The 23rd Annual RBC RRSP poll was conducted by Ipsos Reid between October 24 and
November 27, 2012 via a random sample of 1,225 Canadian adults in the
general population (aged 18 and over). The results are based on samples
where quota sampling and weighting are employed to balance demographics
and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the actual
population according to Census data. Quota samples with weighting from
the Ipsos online panel provide results that are intended to approximate
a probability sample. A weighted probability sample of 1,225 Canadian
respondents, with 100 per cent response rate, would have an estimated
margin of error of ±3 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
SOURCE: RBC
