DSG-Network.com: RM2 Research Reports

Optimizing Retirement Income Market Strategies in Unprecedented Economic Times

A timely quantitative research study to examine critical changes in older consumers' attitudes and behaviors as they strive to preserve assets, plan for retirement, and create retirement income.

Following the incredible economic and stock market upheavals that began in 2008, financial services companies are faced with substantial losses from investment shrinkage compounded by a major loss of consumer confidence. In time, investments will grow again, but how has the meltdown affected consumers, particularly those near or in retirement? We know that Depression-era consumers were radically influenced for the rest of their lives by their experiences. Will we see a similar effect on today's consumer, and if so, will this be permanent or only temporary? And how will it influence their financial decision-making?

Despite the economic crisis, demographic trends have not changed, nor has the need for retirement income solutions gone away. We are still faced with an aging population that needs help with their retirement solutions, although their capabilities and expectations may need to be revised.

While the recent market turmoil has led a number of companies to cut back temporarily on their activities, those firms that are prepared to move the soonest once the crisis has ended will be best positioned to capture a meaningful share of this market. Now is the time for them to determine how to "hit the ground running" when opportunities resurface, thereby building strong and enduring relationships with the consumer.

In 2006, DSG conducted a major quantitative research study, Consumer Attitudes and Perceptions about Retirement Income Management. Using the results from that study as a baseline of pre-market meltdown perceptions, this quantitative survey will identify significant changes in the consumer's attitudes, expectations, and behaviors caused by the onset of the recent market decline.

The study will examine key consumer decisions and issues, including:

How have consumer attitudes, behaviors and expectations changed?
What has been the impact on consumer comfort levels, risk preferences, and retirement plans?
What changes, if any, did they make to their investments and other financial products as a reaction to the market meltdown?
For those near retirement, have they postponed their retirement date, and if so, for how long?
How satisfied have they been with their Financial Advisor’s recent assistance, and are they planning to find a new Financial Advisor?
How well did their previously-owned financial products and solutions live up to their expectations during the economic crisis?
Have the drivers of financial decisions changed, and if so, how?
Have their preferences for retirement solutions or product features been revised?
How has the market meltdown changed their expectations for financial guidance or products from their employers?
Ultimately, what approaches to this market are best for your firm? And how soon is it reasonable and desirable to again push forward?

Based on our previous study results, we have the unique capability to quantify the shift in consumer attitudes, behaviors, and preferences that resulted from the market's decline. In addition, the survey will include questions to help determine what changes can be expected in terms of product, provider, and advisor selection under new conditions.

Consumers targeted for this research will be 55 years or older, and screened to have a minimum of $175,000 in household investable assets. The study will also differentiate between pre-retirees and retirees.

Sponsors of this syndicated research will be able to provide initial input to the objectives and focus of the study, as well as benefit through the sharing of costs. Companies that sponsor this research will also receive a copy of the baseline 2006 study.

The study will be conducted during the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2009, and the report will be issued mid-year. The final report will include a thorough review and assessment of the survey findings, with a focus on actionable distribution and marketing-oriented recommendations.

To answer your questions, or get a more complete description of the project, please contact Borden Ayers by calling 610-989-1710, ext: 21 or by sending an e-mail to: BordenA@DSG-Network.com