Workers Reduce Savings to Get By

A CareerBuilder survey found more than one-in-five (21%) workers said they have reduced their 401(k) contributions or personal savings in the last six months to get by financially.

An almost equal number (23%) of workers earning six figures or more also reported that they have reduced their 401(k) or savings, according to a press release.

In addition, the number of workers who said they do not participate in any programs such as 401(k), IRAs, or retirement plans has risen to 36% from 31% in 2008. One-third of respondents also reported they don’t put any money aside into their savings each month, up from 25% who said so in 2008.

Thirty percent indicated they set aside $100 or less per month for savings and 16% save less than $50.

The survey found more workers are struggling with their budgets since the economic downturn began. Six-in-10 (61%) workers reported they always or usually live paycheck to paycheck just to make ends meet, up from 49% last year and 43% in 2007.

Even those in the higher income bracket are struggling, as 30% with salaries of $100,000 or more report they too live paycheck to paycheck, up from 21% in 2008.

The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 4,478 U.S. workers (employed full-time; not self-employed; non government) ages 18 and older between May 22 and June 10.

Lincoln Names Head of Retirement Solutions Distribution

Lincoln Financial Distributors, the intermediary distribution company of Lincoln Financial Group, has announced John C. Kennedy has joined the firm as head of Retirement Solutions Distribution.

In this new position, Kennedy will oversee growth strategies for the distribution of Lincoln’s annuities and intermediary 401(k) businesses and report to Lincoln Financial Distributors President and CEO Will Fuller.

Prior to joining Lincoln Financial, Kennedy was national sales manager for MetLife Investors. His previous positions include Senior Vice President for AXA Distributors and various senior sales and marketing roles for PLANCO, a financial services subsidiary of The Hartford.

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