Consumers Cautiously Consider Investing Again, IRI Finds

Consumers are considering investing again, with the personal help of financial advisers, the Insured Retirement Institute found from a panel survey of 24 retirees and pre-retirees conducted by Maslansky, Luntz and Partners.

This is an improvement from last year, when consumers voiced distrust of the financial industry. This year, investors said they sense a recovery and are taking a more personal approach to investing. They are seeking financial advice but are still skeptical of what they are told, and are augmenting it with their own financial research.

Investors are also seeking more conservative, long-term investments. While they say they want “protected growth” and “lifetime income” they are still wary of annuities, however.

“Our study found the financial crisis has left a lasting, long-term impact on investors, especially those who are in or nearing retirement,” said Cathy Weatherford, president and CEO of the IRI. “For many, years of retirement savings took a dramatic hit and caused them to lose much of what they were relying upon to provide retirement income. Through increased education and awareness, guaranteed lifetime income strategies are poised to play an important role in any balanced portfolio.”

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Money Management Executive
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