MetLife Retirement & Income Solutions

2022 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study

Feb 23, 2022

MetLife's study looks at the Great Retirement Decision.

In this study:

  • Do pre-retirees and retirees think it's valuable to have guaranteed retirement income?
  • Do retirees' experiences with taking a lump sum meet with their expectations? 
  • How quickly do retirees deplete their lump sums?
In the last five years, the proportion of retirees depleting their lump sums continues to grow – and they are being depleted more quickly. Today, 1 in 3 retirees who took a lump sum from defined contribution plan depleted their lump sum, on average, in 5 years.

Looking at the state of today’s workplace, many employers are focused on the “great resignation” (a mass exodus from the workforce), or the “great reshuffle” (job or career moves that better align with workers’ values). However, there is another workplace priority that needs attention now: the “great retirement decision.” 

The “great retirement decision” is whether to take one’s accumulated savings as a paycheck (i.e., monthly annuity payments) or a perceived “pot of gold” (i.e., a lump sum) – or some combination of the two.

Widespread Praise for the Guaranteed Retirement "Paycheck"

90 % of pre-retirees think it's valuable to have guaranteed monthly income to pay their bills
89 % of pre-retirees would like a partial annuity/partial lump sum option
82 % of pre-retirees would pick the annuity over the lump sum if they had to choose

Not All Retirement Income Options Created Equally

Income annuities purchased at the point of retirement, such as an immediate annuity or a longevity annuity with an income benefit paid later in life, are among the most efficient ways for workers to access guaranteed monthly income from a DC plan. 

Nearly All Retirees Who Took the Annuity Tout Its Positive Impact

96 % Their budget is more predictable
96 % They are better off financially
95 % They feel more financially secure
94 % It makes it easier to pay for basic necessities
87 % They have greater flexibility for potentially more aggressive strategies with other investments

Did you know?

More women (43%) than men (29%) have already depleted their lump sums in retirement1

Conclusion

By expanding access to guaranteed lifetime income solutions, employers can empower plan participants to confidently transition into retirement – and help ensure their retirement savings lasts. 

Want more insights from the 2022 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study?

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