Americans Delaying Plans for Life and Death

Between February 26 and March 2, 2019, DHM Research asked 625 respondents nationwide questions pertaining to planning for their retirement and death. The research found that an alarming amount of people are putting off important intentions that should be performed earlier rather than later.

The results showed that only 19% of those surveyed had an advance directive, 26% had a will, 15% had a power of attorney, 30% had a general financial plan for the future, an astounding 44% said they did not have any of the above named items. More women had an advance directive, will, or power of attorney, and more men had a financial or life plan. As the age of the respondents increased, the likelihood of them having a will also increased.

The survey found that the better-educated the respondent, the more likely he or she had at least one or more plans for life, finances, health and death. This was also true if the respondent earned a higher income. Respondents earning $25,000 or less a year were only 16% likely to have a financial or life plan.

See Joyce Blay, Americans Delaying Plans for Life and Death, Financial Advisor, April 5, 2019.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.