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MILWAUKEE, July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- According to recent data, one in eight Americans aged 40-60 is a part of the "Sandwich Generation" – a portion of the population simultaneously supporting aging parents and their own children. As July's annual National Sandwich Generation Month observance gets underway, Northwestern Mutual's 2014 Planning & Progress Study reveals some sobering realities regarding the financial health of this growing segment.
In addition to those already doing so, findings indicate that one in five respondents expect to be providing long-term care to someone in the future. Notably however, though they are most likely to shoulder the burden of navigating these complex, overlapping financial demands, Americans aged 40-59 are less likely than any other age group to view themselves as "highly disciplined" or "disciplined" financial planners.
"Saving for retirement while maintaining a desired lifestyle is challenging enough on its own," said Steve Sperka, vice president of long-term care at Northwestern Mutual. "For members of the Sandwich Generation, who are also juggling family obligations, a focused financial strategy is integral to achieving their goals without sacrificing their own nest egg and priorities."
Members of the Sandwich Generation tend to be in their prime working years. According to Sperka, taking time off from work to provide care could have a significant long-term impact on financial and retirement security. He recommends working with a financial professional to ensure that planning strategies incorporate a comprehensive range of solutions that are sufficiently robust and flexible to address both current and prospective needs.
"The status of a caregiver is unpredictable," continued Sperka. "Circumstances may arise or change unexpectedly therefore thinking ahead and feeling prepared for any number of scenarios is the best way to minimize the potential financial and emotional toll."
Sperka also suggests that Sandwich Generation parents consider helping younger adult children (regardless of whether they are currently supporting them) jumpstart their journey towards financial independence by introducing them to a financial advisor or resources like www.themintgrad.com, an online financial resource designed specifically for Millennials.
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With more than $217 billion in assets, $26 billion in revenues and more than $1.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.2 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.
SOURCE Northwestern Mutual