A recent survey conducted by Boldin, the financial confidence company, reveals that financially savvy Americans who engage in regular year-end planning demonstrate remarkable confidence about their financial future. The survey polled more than 1,000 Americans who manage their own financial plans using Boldin's tools, with respondents evenly split between retirees (51%) and those planning for retirement (49%). The findings suggest that consistent financial review is strongly correlated with confidence in one's long-term financial security.
The survey's importance lies in its demonstration of a clear link between proactive financial management and perceived future stability. Among the key findings, 99% of both retirees and retirement planners surveyed conduct year-end planning, with a majority reviewing their plan multiple times throughout the year. This habitual review appears to yield significant psychological benefits. Nine out of ten respondents (92%) reported that annual or more frequent reflection on their big-picture financial goals and progress significantly increases their confidence. For retirement planners specifically, nearly 80% complete end-of-year planning activities primarily to increase confidence in their plan, while less than half (43%) cited building more wealth over time as the main motivator.
The demographic profile of respondents adds weight to these findings. Seventy percent reported assets ranging from $1 million to $5 million, classifying them as high-net-worth individuals. Crucially, across all current wealth bands, the majority of respondents anticipate having the same or more money at their longevity than they have today. This widespread expectation of maintained or increased wealth suggests the planning habits of this group may offer a model worth emulating for others seeking financial security.
The implications of this survey extend to the broader financial planning industry and individual savers. It underscores that confidence, not just asset accumulation, is a critical outcome of disciplined financial management. For the industry, it highlights a consumer demand for tools and services that facilitate regular review and confidence-building. Boldin addresses this through its Retirement Planning software, which enables independent plan management, and through access to certified professionals via Boldin Advisors. For individual readers, the survey suggests that adopting a routine of regular, goal-oriented financial review—similar to the habits of these surveyed planners—could be a key strategy for building long-term financial confidence and security, regardless of one's current wealth level.
