Whew – 90 minutes flew by this morning as Dr. Barbara O’Neill presented the final Personal Finance webinar of 2016. This annual review webinar has become a staple of our programming; this is the third annual review we’ve presented.
Always, jam-packed with information, research and issues, these reviews offer insight into the topics that made headlines this year and will make an impact on your wallet next year.
Some especially troubling insights shared in today’s webinar included the finding from the Federal Reserve that states 46% of adults could not cover a $400 emergency expense. This finding is supported by the AP survey that found 76% of Americans making $50,000 annually or less could not cover a $1,000 emergency expense.
More troubling findings included the report that found fewer men ages 24-54 are currently working than were employed near the end of the Great Depression. Coupled with the expense of child care costs, which exceeds the cost of in-state tuition in some areas, and the fact that 1/3 of Millennials are still living at home with parents, and we can open the door to some true insight into the economic state of many Americans.
On a positive note, a decrease in uninsured Americans was found this year. However, high deductibles have increased. The highest deductible on record, at $1,000 for an individual plan, was impacting half of insured workers this year. Research also showed a decline in long-term care insurance. This trend is especially troubling as the oldest Baby Boomers, born in 1946, celebrate their 70th birthdays this year.
More insights were shared about older Americans in today’s webinar. The fastest growing category of workers, either by race or gender, is women older than 65. This could be due to the fact that more 65-year olds have 47% more mortgage debt and 29% more automobile debt than a 65-year old had in 2003. In addition, more 70-year olds are paying off mortgages than ever before.
What finding struck you? There were so many discussion points started in this webinar, and so little opportunity to dig deeper. Please share your thoughts on these issues. Do these findings support what you’re seeing in your own clients?
For a more comprehensive list of the resources shared in todays’ webinar, check out our Twitter stream. Dr. O’Neill also included many of these resources in the Online Resource Guide, found under “Event Materials” on the event’s page. Check out the presentation slides, available here, as well. You can also check the Learn page to rewatch the webinar via the recording or share with a colleague. The recording is usually posted within 24 hours of the live event.
