Many retired Americans are financially aiding other members of their family, either by giving them money or managing their finances directly, according to the fourth Real Life Retirement quarterly survey from Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.
The survey, released Tuesday, found that 44% of retired individuals are supporting at least one individual financially. Children (53%) and grandchildren (37%) top the list of such dependents. An additional 12% are contributing to their parents' finances.
The telephone survey was conducted by Kelton Research between July 29 and Aug. 5. Forty-four percent of respondents said that an unsteady economy had made them more frugal in the past six months. Thirty-seven percent who had yet to retire said that because of the economy they would be spending more conservatively during their retirement than they originally planned.
Another strategy is to work longer. According to the survey, 35% of unretired respondents plan to delay retirement and 17% of those retired are considering returning to work, at least part time, because of the economy.
