Of those who retired early in 2006, the majority indicated that they were forced to do so due to health or disability problems (28%), job loss (28%), or a need to provide care for an ill spouse or family (25%) (Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2007).
Approximately 33% of workers between the ages of 45 and 55 have less than $25,000 saved for retirement (Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2007).
In 2007, 77% of Standard & Poor's 500 companies are paying out dividends, compared to 94% in 1980 (Source: Barron's, 2007).
Approximately 74% of wealthy households plan to leave at least part of their wealth to their children, with only 30% planning to restrict access to that inheritance with vehicles such as incentive trusts (Source: Journal of Financial Planning, September 2007).
The average age for an individual to move into an assisted-living facility is 83, and the average length of stay is 27 months (Source: American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance, 2007).
In a recent survey, 95% of the respondents indicated that they have lent money to a friend or relative (Source: Journal of Financial Planning, September 2007).