A survey from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies about Generation X called revealed a lot about this often-forgotten generation, including the fact that many are still recovering from the 2008-09 downturn.

Gen Xers are usually defined as those born between 1965 and 1978. The survey describes them as the "401(k) generation" because they "entered the workforce coincident with the introduction of 401(k) plans and the decline of defined benefit plans."

With 51 percent of Gen Xers basing their estimate of their retirement savings goal and needs on a "guess," and two-thirds (65 percent) of Gen Xers saying that they "don't know as much as they should about retirement investing," it is clear that there is a dire need for financial education and advising.

The study made some recommendations that you can use to advise Gen Xers:

1. Evaluate the financial situation: Make a full financial checkup.
2. Calculate retirement savings needs, develop a plan and write it down: Make sure to include living expenses, healthcare needs, government benefits and long-term care.
3. If the employer has a sponsored retirement plan, make sure to take full advantage of matching employer contributions, or deferring more if that's possible.
4. Start the conversation with family and friends about retirement expectations and risks.

The survey was conducted between Feb. 21 and March 17 among 1,120 full-time and part-time Gen X workers. You can read the study here, or check out the highlights in the infographic below.