Retirement Preparation of the Non-Farm Self-Employed

Despite growth in the numbers of self-employed workers, there is little research on the retirement planning behavior of this group. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of self-employed workers and determine factors that lead to increased savings for retirement. Findings from a survey mailed to a convenience sample indicated the largest amounts of annual savings were in stocks and business equity and the smallest amounts were in Keogh plans. Self-employed workers tended to have larger total retirement savings if they were older, had higher income levels, and had conducted some retirement planning activities