The Allianz LoveFamilyMoneySM Study
Changing family
dynamics create new
financial needs
How the evolution of the American family
is creating new challenges – and revealing
new opportunities – for the financial
services industry
ENT-1677
Page 1 of 16
. Study overview
Over the past 40 years, shifting demographics and profound attitudinal changes have
helped redefine the concept of “family” for many Americans. In fact, the very structure
of the American family is changing dramatically: According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
today only one in five U.S. households (19.6%) is made up of a married heterosexual
couple with children – compared to 40.3% in 1970.1
To understand how this evolving family structure is changing Americans’ relationship with money and financial planning,
Allianz commissioned the LoveFamilyMoney study.
The study sought to explore exactly how American families are changing, and to answer one fundamental question:
“How does the evolving family structure change Americans’ relationship with money and financial services?”
This white paper summarizes the study’s key findings.
Today’s modern family
Families today come in so many shapes and
sizes that there is no longer a single definition of
what constitutes a “modern family.” But although
the definition of family may be both broad and
diverse, the Allianz LoveFamilyMoney Study
identified six distinct modern family types2 with
unique characteristics: multi-generational families,
single-parent families, same-sex couple families,
blended families, older parent with young children
families, and boomerang families.
We also surveyed
traditional family households so we could compare
their responses.
1
2
U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 1970-2012.
For the purposes of our study, a type is defined as a group or social class.
Page 2 of 16
. The study was conducted
in two phases.
1. Qualitative research
First, it explored the topic through qualitative research fielded by Now What
Research. An online blog community generated over 204 hours of consumer
insights (“blography”) into the modern family, which were followed up with
a dozen 90-minute, in-home interview (“ethnography”) sessions.
2. Quantitative research
Guided by the qualitative insights uncovered in the first phase, the next step was
partnering with The Futures Company to conduct the second phase of the study.
This consisted of a 110-question, 30-minute quantitative online survey of 4,500
respondents.
The respondents were ages 35-65 with a household income of
$50,000+, and were broken down into seven family types.
Key findings
The study surveyed traditional family households, and compared their answers
to the six modern family types. And although family structures are dynamic and
can change over time, the study found that modern families share some needs
in common:
• Only about half (51%) believe they are on track to achieving their financial goals.
• Most modern families (76%) worry about running out of money in retirement.
• Fewer than half (43%) have worked with a financial professional.
• In general, modern families report that they feel less financially secure than
traditional families.
Although the statistics may be disheartening, the good news is that based on their
responses, these families report being more open with their kids about discussing
finances – and all generations can benefit from a financial professional’s help. In
turn, financial professionals can better prepare themselves to help these modern
families by learning about their unique family structures, what motivates them,
and how to approach each family type to best help create a solid financial or
retirement strategy.
76%
OF MODERN
FAMILIES
WORRY ABOUT
RUNNING OUT
OF MONEY IN
RETIREMENT
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Page 3 of 16
.
73%
ARE SAVERS
Family types
RATHER THAN
SPENDERS
How to serve
traditional
families
• This family type is the most likely to be
working with a financial professional
(33%). Unfortunately, that means there
are still two-thirds who could use
help with their financial strategies and
retirement income planning.
• This family structure is most likely
to believe a financial professional’s
services are worth the expense (61%).
• Even though many within this group
are already doing fairly well, there’s
also an opportunity to help them
stay on track to achieving their
financial goals.
• Since many couples are friends with
people in similar circumstances,
this may be a good opportunity
for traditional families to tell their
friends what working with a financial
professional has done for their overall
financial futures.
Traditional families
Many Americans might define the traditional family as a mom,
a dad, two kids, a dog, and a white picket fence. But for the
LoveFamilyMoneySM study, we defined the traditional family as
two adults of the opposite sex who are married with at least one
child under age 21 living in the household. (Note: This means no
stepchildren, or adult children who have moved home, and no other
adults living in the home.)
What makes traditional families different from the other modern family
types? Traditional families have typically gone through the fewest life
transitions and, as a result, are more financially stable.
And because
they rank second among all the family types we surveyed in mean
household income, they may greatly benefit from working with a
financial professional. In fact, 61% of the traditional family respondents
agreed (strongly + somewhat agree) that financial professionals’
services are worth the expense.
Of those who responded to our survey, traditional families were the
most likely to indicate they are savers rather than spenders (73%),
saying that they are saving for mid-term goals like a house and
education (29% have a college savings plan in place). They were also
the most likely to say they are on track to achieve financial goals (60%).
The traditional families that responded to the study said they
are generally financially motivated by getting a better return on
investments (39% report that “the desire for a better return on
investments” would motivate them to go to a financial advisor).
Even though they reported being able to handle their finances on
their own, they were also the most likely to report that “the desire for
someone else to take control over my finances” would motivate them
to go to a financial professional.
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Page 4 of 16
.
60%
SAY FINANCIAL
GOALS ARE
ON TRACK
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Page 5 of 16
. OPEN TO
DELEGATING
THEIR FINANCES
TO A PROFESSIONAL
How to serve
multi-generational
families
• Because they report having not enough
income or too much debt, multigenerational families may benefit from
developing a basic financial strategy
that helps them identify their shortand long-term goals.
• Multi-generational families may need
help balancing conflicting financial
priorities – particularly for members of
the “sandwich” and elder generations.
• Because they may have more complex
care-giving responsibilities, these
families may appreciate having
someone else help them take control
of their finances.
• Saving for education – as well as
unexpected expenses – is very
important to this group.
Multi-generational families
The Allianz LoveFamilyMoneySM Study defined this family type as three
or more generations living in the same household, including children
and a parent and/or grandparent. A surprising 49% of respondents
currently in a multi-generational household say they grew up in a
multi-generational family.
Of those who responded to the survey, 49% reported living in a multigenerational household for health reasons, 44% for financial reasons, and
27% said it was for help with children and/or household responsibilities.
As the diversity of these responses indicates, it’s important to understand
the household structure in a multi-generational family because this can
impact the entire family and its overall financial picture. For example,
if there is an elder parent living in the house, are they helping with the
kids? Are they in need of care themselves? These types of questions can
reveal unique financial needs.
Aside from their sometimes-complex structures and dynamics, there are
several other things that also make multi-generational families unique.
Of all the family types, they are the most likely to worry a great deal
about planning for future financial needs (33%). They are also the most
likely to identify themselves as spenders (41%) instead of savers.
Perhaps
this is because one-third indicated they are not making enough money
(33%), or say that debt is keeping them from developing a long-term
financial plan (35%).
That said, many of the respondents said they believe this family
dynamic has positive benefits. For instance, 66% reported that living
with extended family has helped them financially (one-third of the
respondents are facing some sort of financial challenges, but there are
multiple sources of income within these families which can help with the
overall financial picture). Moreover, 71% said they plan to continue living
with extended family (strongly/somewhat disagree that “I don’t expect
to be living with extended family by this time next year”).
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.
ONLY
21%
HAVE COLLEGE
SAVINGS
Single-parent families
The study defined single-parent families as one unmarried adult with
at least one child under age 18 living in the household the majority of
the time, with no other adults living in the household.
Note: For this study, single-parent families had to meet the same
household income threshold of $50,000+ per year as families with
two breadwinners. This could skew the data collected toward a more
“successful” or “established” single parent with a good job, higher
income, and more education.
Although single-parent families have similar goals in common with
all of the other family types, they may need special help balancing
between saving for their children’s college expenses and saving for
retirement. Also – although 56% said they are a single parent by
choice – many of the single-parent family members who responded
feel that the lack of financial support from an ex-spouse is impacting
their retirement.
Surprisingly, although single-parent families reported feeling
heightened financial pressure, they were the least likely family type
to report consulting with others regarding their financial situation.
And although members of this family type are very focused on their
children and providing them with a good future, fewer than onequarter reported having college savings for their children (21%).
Equally surprising was the fact that only 59% of the single-parent
respondents reported having life insurance, indicating that they
may be too focused on meeting the “here and now” expenses,
or may not realize the importance of protecting their loved ones
with life insurance.
How to serve
single-parent
families
• 45% of the single-parent family
respondents said that college-funding
assistance would motivate them to
develop and execute a long-term
financial strategy.
• Because 86% of the respondents
reported having access to a retirement
plan through their employer, they may
want to explore other opportunities to
save for retirement.
• Single-parent families may need
help creating a financial strategy
that balances all of the household
needs (53% said they were financially
motivated to become debt-free).
• Perhaps more than any other family
type, single-parent families may need
life insurance. Offering to conduct a
policy review may help reveal whether
their coverage is adequate.
On the bright side, single-parent families were the most likely to have
access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan (86%), according to the
study responses.
This could be a good starting point for families that may
be struggling to balance saving for college and saving for retirement.
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. 77%
WORRY ABOUT
HAVING ENOUGH
RETIREMENT INCOME
Same-sex couple families
How to serve
same-sex couple
families
The study defined same-sex couple families as a married or unmarried
couple living together with a member of the same gender, regardless
of whether children are present.
• Same-sex couple families tend to be
planners and are likely to work with a
financial professional (48%).
Of the six family types the study identified, same-sex couple families
emerged as the most affluent, with a mean household income of
$113,700. About one-quarter (24%) of the respondents said they are
debt-free, excluding a mortgage, and they were more likely to have
done some planning for the future.
• These families prioritize planning for
retirement and are the most likely of
all the family types to depend upon
IRA assets (45%). 39% of the same-sex
family respondents said that “creating a
financial cushion” would motivate them
to execute a long-term financial plan.
In fact, the same-sex couple respondents said they had saved an
average of $276,200 for retirement, compared to $251,100 for
traditional families and only $186,000 for the other modern family
types, combined. Nevertheless, 77% of the respondents still reported
being concerned about running out of money in retirement.
• Of all the family types, same-sex
families are the most likely to own an
annuity (14%).
There could be a greater
need among this type for secured
retirement solutions to ease their
concerns about retirement funding.
And although the same-sex couple families shared many traits in
common with traditional families, they did stand apart in how they
manage their finances: While 80% of the traditional families said
they combined their finances, only 52% of same-sex couple families
reported doing the same.
• Because these families’ needs may be
legally complex, it’s important that they
also work with an attorney and/or CPA
who specializes in planning for samesex couples.
Perhaps not surprisingly, given their comparative affluence, about
48% of same-sex couple families said they had worked with a financial
professional – and of those who have, 84% strongly or somewhat agreed
their financial professional helped them achieve their financial goals.
Please note: Because not every state recognizes same-sex marriage,
it’s important to understand the legal implications when working with
these families. These families should consult with their tax advisor and
local estate-planning attorney if they own property together and/or file
taxes jointly.
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Page 8 of 16
. 56%
WANT HELP
BEING DEBT-FREE
Blended families
Blended families are defined in this study as parents who are married
or living together with someone of the opposite sex, and who live
with a child and/or a stepchild from a previous relationship in the
household.
Of all the family structures the study unveiled, blended families
were the most complex. There are lots of variables within these
families; questions may include who is paying for children’s expenses,
entertainment, and college planning. In addition, estate planning can
be very important. And according to the respondents, blended families
are struggling the most financially and emotionally of any of the family
types the study identified.
How to serve
blended families
• They are the least likely to have used
a financial professional, but 35% said
they’re open to the idea.
• Blended families want a plan for
saving money.
Among blended
families without a financial
professional, 36% stated that this
is the number-one thing they wanted
from a financial professional.
In fact, 43% of the blended family respondents agreed that they or
their spouse/partner brought financial baggage to their relationship.
65% said they were more focused on figuring out how to cover current
expenses than planning for the future, and 79% reported a great
deal/some stress or worry about planning for future financial needs.
• Among blended families who were
working with a financial professional,
53% said planning for and managing
retirement accounts was the most
important thing their financial
professional helped them with.
Of all the family types, blended families were also the least likely to
feel on track to achieving their financial goals (46%), and 39% reported
trying to save equally for their children and stepchildren. Blended
families were also more likely to want help with creating a basic
financial strategy, including having an emergency fund (39%), wanting
a comfortable retirement (47%), and being debt-free.
• Many blended families have gone
through some major life transitions.
For some, that means starting over again,
and learning how to do things differently
than they’ve done before.
Because these families can be complex – and because they may be
saddled with financial baggage from previous relationships – they may
especially benefit from working with a financial professional.
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Page 9 of 16
. 74%
SAY PAYING FOR A
CHILD’S EDUCATION
CAUSES STRESS
How to serve older
parent with young
children families
• Almost half of older parent with young
children families (47%) said that saving
for their children’s education motivates
them to develop and execute a longterm financial plan.
• This family type also needs help with
retirement planning, since they are
most likely to list a non-IRA retirement
plan at work as a source of income in
retirement (72%).
• Among the older parent with young
children families that didn’t work with
a financial professional, 34% said they
were open to working with a financial
professional, and 34% stated that they
are most interested in getting help
setting up a plan for saving money.
Older parent with young
children families
The study defined older parent with young children families as a family
consisting of at least one parent older than age 40 and at least one child
under age five in the same household. The study also defined this family
type as couples of the opposite sex who are married or living together,
with fewer than 10 years’ age difference between the partners.
Of all the family types, older parent with young children families are the
most likely to prioritize saving for short-term goals like buying a car or
saving for vacation (18%). A bit more than half (57%) also saw themselves
as “more financially established because we waited to have children.”
Members of this family type were the most likely to have become
a stay-at-home parent (38%) and may face unique challenges in trying
to balance day-to-day spending with longer-term goals.
In fact, 74% agreed that saving or paying for education for their
child(ren) causes them stress, and many say that saving for retirement
had taken a back seat as a result. The respondents from this group said
that, as a result, they were expecting to retire after age 65 (61%) or not
at all (19%).
Even though life insurance may be part of all family types’ overall
financial strategies, because at least one of the parents is by definition
older, this family type may particularly benefit from life insurance as
part of their overall financial strategy.
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Page 10 of 16
.
Older parents
with young children
Questioning retirement
Older parents with young children reported
not being worried about running out of
money in retirement because 61% said they
expected to retire after age 65 and 19% said
they didn’t expect to retire at all. But this can
be a dangerous way of thinking.
Although they may expect to retire later, that
isn’t happening with today’s retirees. A 2014
Insured Retirement Institute study showed
that 49% of current retirees actually had to
retire earlier than they had planned.¹ The
reasons given for an earlier-than-planned
retirement include health or disability issues
(61%), changes at the employer or downsizing
(18%), and family care-giving needs (18%). A
2014 Gallup poll showed that the average age
when people retired was actually age 62.²
1
“The 2014 Retirement Confidence Survey:
Confidence Rebounds – for Those With
Retirement Plans,” Employee Benefit Research
Institute Issue Brief, March 2014, N.
397, p. 27.
2
Gallup Poll, “Average U.S. Retirement Age Rises
to 62,” April 28, 2014.
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Page 11 of 16
.
14%
HAVE SET A DEADLINE
FOR THE CHILD
TO MOVE OUT
How to serve
boomerang
families
• Only 14% of the respondents said
they had set a deadline for their child
to move out. Financial professionals
can help these clients ensure their
retirement income is not negatively
affected by taking care of adult children.
• 40% of the boomerang family
respondents mentioned saving for
retirement as a financial priority, and
49% were concerned about having a
comfortable retirement.
• Boomerang family respondents also
listed being debt-free (51%) and
getting help with the management
of their investment portfolio (57%)
among their financial concerns.
Boomerang families
The study defined boomerang families as a family that consists of
adults ages 40-65 who are married or living together with someone
of the opposite sex, with at least one adult child (ages 21-35) who left
home and then returned to live with his or her parents.
Boomerang family respondents had the highest mean age of all the
family types, even over that of the older parent with younger children.
They were generally financially stable, describing themselves as savers
(68%), having life insurance (74%), and owning an annuity (13%).
However, 74% of the respondents were still concerned about running out
of money in retirement. In fact, boomerang families were the most likely
to list Social Security as a funding source for their retirement (73%).
Boomerang family parents were also concerned about not being
a burden to their children in retirement, and only 15% reported
expecting their children to take care of them. Likewise, a surprising
45% said they expected nothing in return for allowing their adult child
to move back home with them.
Of all the family types, boomerang family members were the
least concerned about scrutiny by the financial professional.
This
may be a good opportunity for financial professionals to show these
families where they may be able to improve their overall retirement
income plans.
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. 11
Page 13 of 16
. Summary
As demographics continue to shift, financial professionals may also have to change how they
approach their business. By understanding these modern families, the financial services industry
can better help them prepare for their future. This may be especially true of financial professionals
who specialize in the unique needs of a particular family type.
It’s also important for financial professionals to remember that family dynamics change, and to
understand that most families will likely go through several family structures within their lifetime.
Keep in mind as well that families are closer than ever and more supportive today than in the past.
Leverage this closeness within the family to encourage good, open, and honest financial dialogue
among family members. Financial professionals can build the bridge between the individual needs
and challenges regarding finances.
Remember too that many families today are managing their debt to try to cover their current
expenses, which means that they need to be more strategic with the money they allocate for the
future.
Financial professionals can help modern families work toward their financial goals and
identify what they may need to better prepare. This could mean saving for multiple goals at the
same time, like saving for college and retirement.
The bottom line is that modern families have new and distinct financial
needs, and more than ever there is a tremendous opportunity for the
financial services industry to work with these families to help them
develop good financial habits.
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Page 14 of 16
. Want an even deeper understanding
of how the evolution of the American
family is creating new challenges – and
revealing new opportunities – for the
financial services industry?
Visit www.LoveFamilyMoney.com.
Page 15 of 16
. The LoveFamilyMoney study was a
joint initiative of the Allianz companies
in the United States.
Allianz Global Assistance USA
PO Box 72045
Richmond, VA 23255
Telephone: (800) 628-4908
www.allianztravelinsurance.com
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty
225 W. Washington Street
Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606
Telephone: (312) 224-3300
www.agcs.allianz.com
Allianz Global Investors
1633 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
Telephone: (800) 947-0693
us.allianzgi.com
Allianz Life Insurance Company
of North America
PO Box 1344
Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297
Telephone: (800) 950-5872
www.allianzlife.com
Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
38th Floor
New York, NY 10005-1423
Telephone: (800) 729-9743
www.allianzlife.com/new-york
Euler Hermes
North America Insurance Company
800 Red Brook Boulevard
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Telephone: (877) 883-3224
www.eulerhermes.us
Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company
777 San Marin Drive
Novato, CA 94998
Telephone: (800) 227-1700
www.firemansfund.com
PIMCO
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
840 Newport Center Drive
Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Telephone: (949) 720-6000
www.pimco.com
Learn more at www.AllianzUSA.com
• Not FDIC insured • May lose value • No bank or credit union guarantee • Not a deposit • Not insured by any federal government agency
or NCUA/NCUSIF
Allianz has been providing financial services through its affiliates in the United States since 1896. We offer world-class expertise across a wide
range of financial services, from active asset management to innovative solutions to help grow and protect income in retirement. As a leading
global financial services company with more than 147,000 employees in 70 countries, we’re proud to make a difference in the lives of our more
than 83 million clients worldwide each day.
To learn more about Allianz, visit us online at www.allianzusa.com.
Advisory services provided by investment advisers of Allianz Asset Management. Life insurance and annuities
issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, which is not licensed in New York State and does
not solicit business there. In New York, annuities and life insurance issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company
of New York, New York City.
Both are part of Allianz SE. Guarantees based on the financial strength and claimspaying ability of the issuing company.
Page 16 of 16
(10/2014)
.