While singles of both genders share a similarly high level of anxiety about their finances compared to married people, they diverge in outlook on their personal lives and careers. An annual research project conducted by Northwestern Mutual explores Americans’ attitudes and behaviors toward finances and planning.
As a part of “Northwestern Mutual’s 2016 Planning & Progress Study,” more than 2,600 adults over the age of 18 were interviewed over 10 days in February 2016. The results show that living single is a difference experience when it comes to finances. Here’s what they found:
Financial Concerns
Overall, single men and women are generally less satisfied with their financial circumstances than married Americans:
- More than half of single women (55%) and nearly half of single men (49%) are unhappy with their financial situations compared to one third of married women and even fewer married men
- Singles are nearly twice as likely as married people to feel “not at all” financially secure” (38% of single men and women combined versus 23% of married men and women combined)
As a result, financial anxiety runs higher among singles. More than four in 10 (45%) of single men and half (50%) of single women say they feel either a moderate or a lot of anxiety about their personal financial security – a notably higher percentage than married individuals (35% married men and 41% married women).
This low level of financial confidence may be a function of gaps in planning:
- Two in three singles are not confident that their financial plan can withstand market cycles
- Half of all singles (49%) have not spoken to anyone about retirement – double the percentage for married individuals (24%)
- Two thirds of singles do not have a financial advisor
Not a single voice
Despite shared financial concerns, single men and women have little in common when it comes to other aspects of their lives. Single men appear to be more focused on professional success, opting for “satisfying career” as an attribute of the American Dream more frequently than single women and married people. Moreover, single men were twice as likely as single women to choose “freedom to pursue my dreams” as the top benefit of financial security.
For single women, on the other hand, the most pressing priority appears to be relief from financial obligations, with six in 10 (compared to 46% of single men) choosing peace of mind from not worrying about day-to-day expenses as the leading benefit of financial security.
Notably, despite the financial pressure, single women are generally more positive about various aspects of their lives. Three quarters of single women (74%) are happy with their social lives compared to two thirds of single men (66%) and they also indicate a higher level of satisfaction with their family life and physical well-being.
“While single men’s and women’s perspectives may differ in some ways, one thing is clear – both equally crave the flexibility that financial security provides,” continued Barsch. “Single or not, navigating longevity, volatile markets and other financial complexities is not something anyone should attempt alone. Professional guidance is increasingly becoming the cornerstone of a solid financial foundation regardless of gender, age or relationship status.”
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