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As the COVID-19 pandemic hits pocketbooks and paychecks, one group hasn't changed its financial habits: those who save a lot for retirement.
Nearly one third of so-called "super savers" haven't made any financial changes due to the coronavirus, according to Principal Financial Group's annual survey of "Super Savers," defined as those who defer 90% of the IRS maximum to their retirement accounts or 15% or more of their income. In fact, 75% said the current U.S. market is a buying opportunity, and more than one third are saving more, not less.
"'Super savers' feel they're built for this," said Joleen Workman, vice president of customer care in Principal Financial Group's Retirement and Income Solutions division. "They've been saving for the unexpected. They want to be financially secure and they want to prepare for the unexpected."
The 15-minute survey, conducted from June 12 through June 22, involved 1,703 consumers of Principal aged 20 to 54. The survey found that the top concerns of "super savers" in the midst of the pandemic are the impact on small businesses, the U.S. economy, a spike in COVID-19 cases in the fall and the ability of others to socially distance.
Although 31% of "super savers" lost 6% to 10% of their retirement savings because of market fluctuations this year, they remain confident about their financial future.
"We've been pleasantly surprised by the lack of individuals tapping into their retirement savings," Workman said. "Just under 5% have done anything to impact their retirement savings, which is a real positive."
So why does this group save so much? The No. 1 motivation, an overwhelming 73%, was because they had the income to do so.
About 70% said they wanted to feel financially secure, while 61% want a "good lifestyle" during retirement. The survey also revealed distinguishing characteristics of "Super Savers":
- "Super savers" spend differently, with their "splurges" more likely to be on Netflix or Hulu and shopping sprees rather than expensive homes, cars or trips.
- 54% of respondents said they had "financial independence," which they defined as not having to worry about bills, being able to meet those bills if laid off, not holding onto credit card debt and being able to splurge on a purchase.
- Parents had the greatest influence on the habits of "super savers." About 83% said they learned little or nothing about personal finances at school.
Workman said she predicted "super savers" to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, even a year from now.
"What the research is telling us is this group of individuals, they're prepared for the future, they're confident, and their savings behaviors are strong," she said.
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Amanda Bronstad
Amanda Bronstad is the ALM staff reporter covering class actions and mass torts nationwide. She writes the email dispatch Law.com Class Actions: Critical Mass. She is based in Los Angeles.
