Menu Our services in the selected location:
  • No services available for your region.
Select Location:
Remember my selection
Your browser is out of date.

THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE

Diving Deeper Into The Financial Vortex

Leveraging data from the Retirement Survey & Insights Report 2023, this supplemental report examines the challenges faced by each working generation (working Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z) in an effort to better understand their retirement journey.

The Retirement Survey & Insights Report 2023 explored the ongoing impact of the Financial Vortex on working and retired populations. Our findings are from 5,261 individuals surveyed in July 2023 and provide insights from a diverse set of perspectives, including (i) working individuals (3673 working individuals across generations—working Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z), and (ii) retired individuals (1,588 retired individuals age 50-75).

 

In this supplemental report, The Generational Divide, we evaluate the challenges faced by each working generation (working Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z).  By appreciating the needs of each generation, we can better see the macro changes happening across Social Security, longevity, caregiving, education costs and in general, views on retirement, that are all impacting how people save and prepare for their retirement:

 

  • Social Security Uncertainty: Social Security benefits are set to decline 24% by 2033 without policy revisions. The level of financial support provided by Social Security will likely change impacting how future generations may rely on these benefits.

  • Increasing Longevity Risk and Healthcare Costs: Advancements in healthcare suggest we may need to plan for longer lives than previous generations which has important financial planning considerations.

  • Shifting Views on Work & Retirement: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, workers attitudes may have permanently shifted regarding work-life flexibility, part-time or gig work, and shared caregiving responsibilities.  Additionally, the notion of “retirement” is evolving with more retirees considering part-time work or phased retirement.

  • Supporting Children and Aging Parents: Due to the rising costs of caregiving, as well as the growing age 65+ population, many working generations find themselves financially supporting both children and aging parents.

  • Education Costs: Whether trying to pay down existing student loans or trying to save for their children’s education, the rising cost of education is broadly felt by retirement savers.

  • Financial Literacy and Education: The Financial Vortex necessitates that retirement savers navigate the complexities of investing, saving for retirement, and managing debt. Enhancing their financial literacy can empower more informed decisions and improve retirement planning.

 

The path to retirement savings is undoubtedly challenging for each generation but we believe that with better understanding, proactive measures and strategic planning, it's possible to help retirement savers navigate these hurdles successfully.

Planning for Retirement

Understanding the unique challenges each generation faces while preparing for retirement can help employers and advisors improve their ability to motivate, engage and support empolyees along their retirement journey.

 

Related Insights

×

Start the Conversation

We evaluate survey responses from both working and retired Americans to understand the realities of preparing for and living in retirement. Our goal is to learn about the financial obstacles individuals need to overcome and the lessons they can apply. Our Retirement Survey & Insights Report includes key findings that we hope will help plan advisors and plan sponsors better prepare their employees for retirement.

Views expressed discussed are those of survey respondents, compiled by Goldman Sachs Asset Management as of 9/19/2023 . Responses were collected between June 16, 2023–July 8, 2023.

This information discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends, or other broad-based economic, market or political conditions and should not be construed as research or investment advice. This material has been prepared by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and is not financial research nor a product of Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research (GIR). It was not prepared in compliance with applicable provisions of law designed to promote the independence of financial analysis and is not subject to a prohibition on trading following the distribution of financial research. The views and opinions expressed may differ from those of Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research or other departments or divisions of Goldman Sachs and its affiliates.

 

DISCLOSURES

All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. 

These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual results. If any assumptions used do not prove to be true, results may vary substantially. 

The survey was conducted by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Qualtrics Experience Management between June 16, 2023–July 8, 2023. Views expressed discussed are those of survey respondents. 

This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. 

THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED SOLELY ON THE BASIS THAT THEY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE INVESTMENT ADVICE AND WILL NOT FORM A PRIMARY BASIS FOR ANY PERSON’S OR PLAN’S INVESTMENT DECISIONS, AND GOLDMAN SACHS IS NOT A FIDUCIARY WITH RESPECT TO ANY PERSON OR PLAN BY REASON OF PROVIDING THE MATERIAL OR CONTENT HEREIN. PLAN FIDUCIARIES SHOULD CONSIDER THEIR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES IN ASSESSING ANY POTENTIAL INVESTMENT COURSE OF ACTION.

Views and opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation by Goldman Sachs Asset Management to buy, sell, or hold any security. Views and opinions are current as of the date of this presentation and may be subject to change, they should not be construed as investment advice.

Although certain information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness or fairness. We have relied upon and assumed without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information available from public sources. 

THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT WOULD BE UNAUTHORIZED OR UNLAWFUL TO DO SO.

Prospective investors should inform themselves as to any applicable legal requirements and taxation and exchange control regulations in the countries of their citizenship, residence or domicile which might be relevant.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. This material is not intended to be used as a general guide to investing, or as a source of any specific investment recommendations, and makes no implied or express recommendations concerning the manner in which any client’s account should or would be handled, as appropriate investment strategies depend upon the client’s investment objectives.

United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, this material is a financial promotion and has been approved by Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, which is authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

European Economic Area (EEA): This marketing communication is disseminated by Goldman Sachs Asset Management B.V., including through its branches (“GSAM BV”). GSAM BV is authorised and regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiële Markten, Vijzelgracht 50, 1017 HS Amsterdam, The Netherlands) as an alternative investment fund manager (“AIFM”) as well as a manager of undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”). Under its licence as an AIFM, the Manager is authorized to provide the investment services of (i) reception and transmission of orders in financial instruments; (ii) portfolio management; and (iii) investment advice. Under its licence as a manager of UCITS, the Manager is authorized to provide the investment services of (i) portfolio management; and (ii) investment advice. Information about investor rights and collective redress mechanisms are available on www.gsam.com/responsible-investing (section Policies & Governance). Capital is at risk. Any claims arising out of or in connection with the terms and conditions of this disclaimer are governed by Dutch law. Switzerland: For Qualified Investor use only – Not for distribution to general public. This is marketing material. This document is provided to you by Goldman Sachs Bank AG, Zürich. Any future contractual relationships will be entered into with affiliates of Goldman Sachs Bank AG, which are domiciled outside of Switzerland. We would like to remind you that foreign (Non-Swiss) legal and regulatory systems may not provide the same level of protection in relation to client confidentiality and data protection as offered to you by Swiss law. 

Asia excluding Japan: Please note that neither Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (“GSAMHK”) or Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Company Number: 201329851H ) (“GSAMS”) nor any other entities involved in the Goldman Sachs Asset Management business that provide this material and information maintain any licenses, authorizations or registrations in Asia (other than Japan), except that it conducts businesses (subject to applicable local regulations) in and from the following jurisdictions: Hong Kong, Singapore, India and China. This material has been issued for use in or from Hong Kong by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited and in or from Singapore by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Company Number: 201329851H).

Australia: This material is distributed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Australia Pty Ltd ABN 41 006 099 681, AFSL 228948 (‘GSAMA’) and is intended for viewing only by wholesale clients for the purposes of section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This document may not be distributed to retail clients in Australia (as that term is defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) or to the general public. This document may not be reproduced or distributed to any person without the prior consent of GSAMA. To the extent that this document contains any statement which may be considered to be financial product advice in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), that advice is intended to be given to the intended recipient of this document only, being a wholesale client for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Any advice provided in this document is provided by either of the following entities. They are exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act of Australia and therefore do not hold any Australian Financial Services Licences, and are regulated under their respective laws applicable to their jurisdictions, which differ from Australian laws. Any financial services given to any person by these entities by distributing this document in Australia are provided to such persons pursuant to the respective ASIC Class Orders and ASIC Instrument mentioned below. 

  • Goldman Sachs Asset Management, LP (GSAMLP), Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (GSCo), pursuant ASIC Class Order 03/1100; regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission under US laws. 

  • Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (GSAMI), Goldman Sachs International (GSI), pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1099; regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority; GSI is also authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and both entities are under UK laws. 

  • Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (GSAMS), pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1102; regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under Singaporean laws 

  • Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (GSAMHK), pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1103 and Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (GSALLC), pursuant to ASIC Instrument 04/0250; regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong under Hong Kong laws 

No offer to acquire any interest in a fund or a financial product is being made to you in this document. If the interests or financial products do become available in the future, the offer may be arranged by GSAMA in accordance with section 911A(2)(b) of the Corporations Act. GSAMA holds Australian Financial Services Licence No. 228948. Any offer will only be made in circumstances where disclosure is not required under Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act or a product disclosure statement is not required to be given under Part 7.9 of the Corporations Act (as relevant).

Canada: This presentation has been communicated in Canada by GSAM LP, which is registered as a portfolio manager under securities legislation in all provinces of Canada and as a commodity trading manager under the commodity futures legislation of Ontario and as a derivatives adviser under the derivatives legislation of Quebec. GSAM LP is not registered to provide investment advisory or portfolio management services in respect of exchange-traded futures or options contracts in Manitoba and is not offering to provide such investment advisory or portfolio management services in Manitoba by delivery of this material. 

Japan: This material has been issued or approved in Japan for the use of professional investors defined in Article 2 paragraph (31) of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law (“FIEL”). Also, any description regarding investment strategies on or funds as collective investment scheme under Article 2 paragraph (2) item 5 or item 6 of FIEL has been approved only for Qualified Institutional Investors defined in Article 10 of Cabinet Office Ordinance of Definitions under Article 2 of FIEL.

Colombia: Esta presentación no tiene el propósito o el efecto de iniciar, directa o indirectamente, la adquisición de un producto a prestación de un servicio por parte de Goldman Sachs Asset Management a residentes colombianos. Los productos y/o servicios de Goldman Sachs Asset Management no podrán ser ofrecidos ni promocionados en Colombia o a residentes Colombianos a menos que dicha oferta y promoción se lleve a cabo en cumplimiento del Decreto 2555 de 2010 y las otras reglas y regulaciones aplicables en materia de promoción de productos y/o servicios financieros y /o del mercado de valores en Colombia o a residentes colombianos. Al recibir esta presentación, y en caso que se decida contactar a Goldman Sachs Asset Management, cada destinatario residente en Colombia reconoce y acepta que ha contactado a Goldman Sachs Asset Management por su propia iniciativa y no como resultado de cualquier promoción o publicidad por parte de Goldman Sachs Asset Management o cualquiera de sus agentes o representantes. Los residentes colombianos reconocen que (1) la recepción de esta presentación no constituye una solicitud de los productos y/o servicios de Goldman Sachs Asset Management, y (2) que no están recibiendo ninguna oferta o promoción directa o indirecta de productos y/o servicios financieros y/o del mercado de valores por parte de Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Esta presentación es estrictamente privada y confidencial, y no podrá ser reproducida o utilizada para cualquier propósito diferente a la evaluación de una inversión potencial en los productos de Goldman Sachs Asset Management o la contratación de sus servicios por parte del destinatario de esta presentación, no podrá ser proporcionada a una persona diferente del destinatario de esta presentación.” 

Bahrain: This material has not been reviewed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the CBB takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the statements or the information contained herein, or for the performance of the securities or related investment, nor shall the CBB have any liability to any person for damage or loss resulting from reliance on any statement or information contained herein. This material will not be issued, passed to, or made available to the public generally. 

Kuwait: This material has not been approved for distribution in the State of Kuwait by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or the Central Bank of Kuwait or any other relevant Kuwaiti government agency. The distribution of this material is, therefore, restricted in accordance with law no. 31 of 1990 and law no. 7 of 2010, as amended. No private or public offering of securities is being made in the State of Kuwait, and no agreement relating to the sale of any securities will be concluded in the State of Kuwait. No marketing, solicitation or inducement activities are being used to offer or market securities in the State of Kuwait.

Oman: The Capital Market Authority of the Sultanate of Oman (the “CMA”) is not liable for the correctness or adequacy of information provided in this document or for identifying whether or not the services contemplated within this document are appropriate investment for a potential investor. The CMA shall also not be liable for any damage or loss resulting from reliance placed on the document. 

Qatar: This document has not been, and will not be, registered with or reviewed or approved by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority or Qatar Central Bank and may not be publicly distributed. It is not for general circulation in the State of Qatar and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. 

United Arab Emirates: This document has not been approved by, or filed with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates or the Securities and Commodities Authority. If you do not understand the contents of this document, you should consult with a financial advisor. 

South Africa: Goldman Sachs Asset Management International is authorised by the Financial Services Board of South Africa as a financial services provider. 

Cambodia: The attached information has been provided at your request for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation in respect of the purchase or sale of instruments or securities (including funds) or the provision of services. Neither Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. nor any of its affiliates is licensed as a dealer or investment advisor under The Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia. The information has been provided to you solely for your own purposes and must not be copied or redistributed to any person without the prior consent of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. 

East Timor: The attached information has been provided at your request for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation in respect of the purchase or sale of instruments or securities (including funds), or the provision of services. Neither Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. nor any of its affiliates is licensed under any laws or regulations of Timor-Leste. The information has been provided to you solely for your own purposes and must not be copied or redistributed to any person or institution without the prior consent of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

United States: In the United States, this material is offered by and has been approved by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., which is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Vietnam: The attached information has been provided at your request for informational purposes only. The attached materials are not, and any authors who contribute to these materials are not, providing advice to any person. The attached materials are not and should not be construed as an offering of any securities or any services to any person. Neither Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. nor any of its affiliates is licensed as a dealer under the laws of Vietnam. The information has been provided to you solely for your own purposes and must not be copied or redistributed to any person without the prior consent of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. This communication is confidential and intended only for a select audience. If you are not the intended recipient, please advise the sender immediately and delete this message. See http://www.gs.com/ disclaimer/email for further information on confidentiality and the risks inherent in electronic communication. 

Israel: This document has not been, and will not be, registered with or reviewed or approved by the Israel Securities Authority (ISA”). It is not for general circulation in Israel and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International is not licensed to provide investment advisory or management services in Israel.

Saudi Arabia: These materials are presented to you by Goldman Sachs Saudi Arabia Company (“GSSA”). GSSA is authorised and regulated by the Capital Market Authority (“CMA”) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. GSSA is subject to relevant CMA rules and guidance, details of which can be found on the CMA’s website at www.cma.org.sa. The CMA does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of these materials, and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from, or incurred in reliance upon, any part of these materials. If you do not understand the contents of these materials, you should consult an authorised financial adviser.

FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY (WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE MIFID DIRECTIVE)- NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION. THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE RECIPIENT TO ASSESS THE FINANCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONCERNED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT(S) AS PROVIDED FOR IN ARTICLE L. 533-13-1, I, 2° OF THE FRENCH MONETARY AND FINANCIAL CODE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AND MAY NOT BE USED AS MARKETING MATERIAL FOR INVESTORS OR POTENTIAL INVESTORS IN FRANCE.

This material and the views and opinions expressed are for informational purposes only, do not constitute a recommendation or advice by Goldman Sachs Asset Management to buy, sell, or hold any security, and are subject to change.

Date of First Use: May 20, 2024.

368525-OTU-2021053