As the economy slowly begins to recover from economic devastation, many people are left wondering what will happen to their financial futures if they do not plan carefully. The 2011 Retirement Confidence Survey found that 70 percent of people do not feel that they are where they need to be in order to be financially secure in retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
The number of workers who feel they are ahead of schedule is a mere eight percent, while those who believe their retirement plan has them on track has dropped 16 percent over the last six years, the study found.
In an effort to quell this feeling of financial insecurity, financial advisers suggest investing early and often, the Washington Post reports. Taking part in a company 401(k) plan, as well as looking into annuities and the stock market, can help build a person's investment portfolio.
Since the government passed the 2006 Pension Protect Act the number of companies offering automatic investment plans has grown to 39 percent in 2011, up from 28 percent when the act was passed. These automated features are helping people save without requiring much thought on their part.