Annuities are the first choice of individuals who want to establish a stream of retirement income (cited by 12%), followed by stocks (9%) and real estate (3%). Fully 76% of those surveyed, however, do not know the source of the retirement income stream they believe they have established.

This finding suggests a need for plan providers and advisors not only to guide individuals to the appropriate investments but also to explain better the purpose of each investment in their portfolios.

Among the options available for communicating with participants:

Educational materials

Seminars

Personalized illustrations

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