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encourages Americans to utilize retirement savings and investment plan strategie

The week also encourages individuals to reflect on their current financial situations and their potential for a secure retirement in the future.

2. Half of Americans aren’t saving for retirement

49 percent of Americans say they aren’t contributing to any retirement plan. Those least likely to save for retirement: individuals between ages 18 and 34.

planning a home remodel and planning a vacation ranked higher on the list of priorities within the past year than planning for retirement (which ranked third).

respondents

Apparently 80 is the new 65 for many middle-class Americans when it comes to retirement. One-third of survey

The majority of middle-class Americans aren’t confident in the stock marke

When survey respondents were asked what they’d do if given $5,000 to invest for retirement, only 24 percent said they’d invest in stocks – compared to 40 percent who would choose a CD or savings account and another 22 percent who would invest in gold or precious metals.

Women are less engaged in retirement planni

More than 20 percent of Americans have borrowed against their 401(k), the highest percentage since 1996, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The average loan size is 14 percent of the remaining account balance.

About 95 percent of companies are back to matching 401(k) contributions, but only 30 percent of employees are taking advantage of this, according to a survey by the nonprofit Plan Sponsor Council of America.

Forty percent of Americans fear lack of retirement funds