Great Recession Retrospective: Retirement Plans in United States, 2007 to 2012

The five years from 2007 to 2012 proved to be extremely financially difficult for many American employers and their workers. Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies analyzed the results from its Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey and found compelling evidence that illustrates the strength and resilience of the U.S. retirement system’s employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k) and similar plans, and how they continued to help employees save for retirement during what is commonly referred to as the "Great Recession" and its aftermath.

Emerging From the Economic Storm: Retirement Plans in the United States, 2007 to 2012 (white paper) and Weathering the Economic Storm: Retirement Plans in the U.S., 2007 to 2012 (detailed report) examine the U.S. retirement system, employer-sponsored retirement benefits, and workers' savings rates before, during, and in the wake of the Great Recession.

Based on findings of the Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, the research and multi-year trend analysis bring to light opportunities and ways to improve the current retirement system. These opportunities could significantly and positively impact workers' ability to save, invest, and, ultimately, achieve retirement readiness. Moreover, many of the these opportunities can be realized without sweeping legislation or widespread reforms.