Summary

Is there really a retirement crisis—or are we just measuring the wrong things? Bi-partisan Policy Center economist Emerson Sprick joins host James M. Matthews to break down what the data shows about how Americans actually fund retirement versus how they think they will. You’ll hear why decisions around Social Security matter more than people think, why saving into retirement accounts and relying on part-time work often falls short, and what policymakers and small businesses can do to help. If you want a clearer picture of your retirement—and how to feel more confident about spending—you won’t want to miss this episode.
Key Takeaways

• The protected income space is evolving rapidly.
• Industry innovation is focused on including more protected income sources.
• Social security remains a critical component of protected income.
• Delaying social security benefits can lead to better financial outcomes.
• Defined contribution plans are adapting to include protected income.
• The Bipartisan Policy Center advocates for better retirement planning approaches.
• Understanding protected income is essential for financial stability in retirement.
• There is a push for more thought leadership in the retirement income space.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retirement Economics

02:48 Understanding Retirement Income Expectations

05:58 The Role of Social Security in Retirement

07:39 Income and Age: Confidence in Retirement

09:24 The Irony of Income Replacement in Retirement

11:50 Challenges of Working in Retirement

13:44 The Retirement Plan Access Gap

17:35 Impact of Recent Legislation on Retirement Access

19:30 State-Level Solutions for Retirement Savings

26:38 Preparing for Social Security Changes

29:04 The Future of Social Security Benefits

32:05 Perceptions of Social Security Among YoungerGenerations

35:04 Strategies for Retirement Planning

39:23 The Importance of Protected Income in Retirement

41:36 Personal Reflections on Retirement

45:12 Insights for the Future

Resources:

Bipartisan Policy Center

The Retirement Plan Access Gap Research Paper

The Alliance for Lifetime Income

Connect with Emerson

Disclosures:

This podcast is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, please keep in mind that individual situations may vary. Therefore, the information should only be acted upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with, or endorsed by Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, Intelligent Retirement, or Consolidated Planning, and all views and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

James Matthews is a Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities, member FINRA, SIPC. James Matthews is a Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, NewYork, New York. Park Avenue Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Consolidated Planning and Intelligent Retirement are not affiliates or subsidiaries of Park Avenue Securities or Guardian. 8090704.1 exp 07/2027.