BUSINESS MATTERS
enough money to pay their bills on time (45%) and to retire when they want to (39%). Over 1 in 4 want to make enough to avoid working multiple jobs.
Top money goals for the year ahead
Inflation and cost of living continue to be top concerns for Americans, as 6 in 10 say their income isn't keeping up with rising prices. These economic concerns far outweigh worries about the job market (7%) or career growth (4%).
Despite these challenges, just a third (31%) plan on asking for a raise this year, and the trend of "quiet quitting" seems to be waning: 9% plan to employ this strategy in the year ahead. Some 44% feel they make enough money to live comfortably, and overall, Americans feel optimistic, with 58% of respondents believing they will continue to make more money in the future.
Access the full report on The Currency™.
Methodology: This study is based on online survey responses from 1,117 Americans ages 18+ commissioned by Empower and fielded by Morning Consult from January 3-4, 2024.
What's on the Workplace Wishlist?
Respondents point to greater access to financial advice and benefits as topping the list; over 2 in 5 Americans (44%) wish their employer offered more one-on-one financial help.
* Advice advantage: 39% say their employer doesn't offer enough financial planning support. Half (48%) say financial coaching is a major must-have and 52% wish their job would provide more financial literacy opportunities.
* Retirement roll: 71% of Americans say retirement plan matching is an important employee benefit and over half (54%) wish their job automatically enrolled them into a 401(k) plan.
* Betting on a bonus: Bonuses are important to 75% of Americans, though nearly 1 in 5 respondents (17%) say their employer doesn't offer one. One in 4 put their annual bonus toward essential items (24%), savings (44%), and retirement (28%), though 32% plan to spend it on a vacation.
* The big flex: 48% say they'd be willing to go back to the office if their employer offered a four-day work week - just 6% would be willing to take a pay cut to go remote. On the flip side, 1 in 4 Americans (26%) say if their employer asks them to go back to the office more this year, they'll quit.
* Paycheck principles: When it comes to salary/compensation goals in 2024, Americans are focused on making