The people in the best shape with savings tend to have 401(k) plans, said VanDerhei. With such plans, people save regularly, while people who must go on their own to a broker or mutual fund company to start an IRA tend to procrastinate.
Changes in government regulations during the last few years have been encouraging employers to enroll employees in 401(k) plans automatically without asking for permission, and that has prepared people better for their future, said VanDerhei.
