Nearly half of Americans (45%) feel financially prepared for retirement or felt so prior to retiring. 

New Empower research finds that Americans believe there's a secret to success, starting with an average yearly salary of $270,000.

Many people are seeing the “AI Advantage,” with new Empower research finding that nearly half of Americans (47%) feel more comfortable using artificial intelligence in their financial lives compared to a year ago. 

What makes for retiring well? For most Americans, it's living a little by affording experiences that bring joy (68%) and enjoying a high quality of life (49%), balanced by the security of reaching savings milestones (68%), according to new Empower research. 

Over half of Americans say there is a secret to success, and reaching it takes $270,000 a year, according to new Empower research. Just 37% of people consider themselves financially successful right now, though most (58%) believe it's attainable in their lifetime.

Americans plan to spend an average of $1,400 this holiday season, while 42% will regift to save money. New Empower research explores how America is “spending” the holidays. 

Americans are evenly split on their shopping habits: 29% favor small businesses, while 29% prefer national retailers. Though price remains top-of-mind for many shoppers (62%), speed is a major factor, according to Empower research.

The majority of Americans (60%) feel optimistic they'll reach their financial milestones. New Empower research finds nearly half have a clear financial plan to meet these money goals, from homeownership to retirement.

Cost is the primary driver for choosing benefits during open enrollment, and 35% of Millennials (27% of people overall) enroll in the least expensive option regardless of what the plans offer, according to new research from Empower. 

Americans put the “magic number” for retirement at over $1 million, according to new Empower research. Over half (52%) wish they had saved up more money in their retirement accounts when they were younger.

24% of Americans say the winner of the 2024 Presidential election helps determine “whether I’m rich or not.” New research from Empower explores the links between personal finances and politics.

New Empower research explores the power of network to influence career and money. How do relationships open doors to money making?