Emotions are key to decisions about retirement, life goals and planning—as if we didn't know how fraught with feelings actions about money can be.

A new survey from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. underscores the relationship between emotions and retirement goals, based on responses from working adults and retirees aged 25–75 who were deemed "successful savers" because they reported investable assets of at least $50,000 (under age 44) or at least $100,000 (aged 44+), not including funds in 401(k) retirement accounts.

"We understand that consumer decisionmaking about significant purchases or investments, such as buying a new car, a first home or many other products is heavily influenced by emotion. Similarly, we believe emotions are in play when people think about retirement," Rich Ramassini, CFP director of strategy for PNC Investments, says in the report. He adds, "Our survey results reinforce the importance of setting goals and monitoring plans to balance those emotions."