Early Planning is Key to More Security in Retirement

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Baby Boomers continue to have concerns about retirement security, according to the latest survey from the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI). Six in ten boomers (62 percent) believe that their personal financial situation will be the same or worse five years from now, and the majority (60 percent) believe their financial security in retirement will be the same or worse than that of their parents.

To help raise public awareness of the need to plan for retirement today, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) and the National Retirement Planning Coalition (NRPC), led by the IRI, is supporting National Retirement Planning Week^® from April 9-13.

“It's crucial to start the process of retirement planning as early as possible so you can build toward a future that you desire,” said Allianz Life President and CEO Walter White. “Finding the time and energy to devote to retirement planning is a challenge, but the strategic choice to focus on retirement planning now will pay dividends down the road.”

To help with the retirement planning process, Allianz Life recently launched The ABCs of Annuities, a new animated three-video series that address why it's important to take an active role in planning for retirement, how annuities can fit into a well-rounded retirement strategy and how today's annuities have evolved from those in the past. To learn more, visit www.allianzlife.com/GetInformed/ABC_Annuities.aspx.

During National Retirement Planning Week, Americans are urged to make time for retirement planning and establishing their long-term financial goals, demonstrating that if comprehensive retirement plans are properly developed and managed, it is possible to "Retire On Your Terms."

The National Retirement Planning Coalition recognizes that the need to educate Americans on retirement planning is an ongoing effort and is committed to making this a national priority. To support these education efforts, the coalition has collected the latest resources to help consumers and financial professionals focus on long-term financial goals. These tools are available year-round at www.retireonyourterms.org.

Throughout the week, educational materials will be made available in conjunction with the week's agenda, and the coalition will be encouraging retirement planning through a nationally distributed radio spot, a coordinated media outreach program and a host of events throughout the week.

About National Retirement Planning Week^® 2012: National Retirement Planning Week^® 2012 takes place from April 9 to 13. Held during financial literacy month, National Retirement Planning Week^® is led by the National Retirement Planning Coalition—a group of prominent financial industry, education and advocacy organizations that have joined together to increase awareness of the need for comprehensive retirement planning.

About the National Retirement Planning Coalition: The National Retirement Planning Coalition, a group of prominent financial industry, education and advocacy organizations, have joined together to raise public awareness of the need for comprehensive retirement planning. The NRPCis headed by IRI, and includes America Saves, American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), American Savings Education Council (ASEC), Americans for Secure Retirement (ASR), Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA), Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), Financial Services Institute (FSI), Financial Services Roundtable (FSR), Jump$tart Coalition, National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA), NICSA, Retirement Income Industry Association (RIIA), The American College, The Aspen Institute, and the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement.

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2012, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 150,000 employees worldwide. More than 75 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America offers insurance and annuities in all states except New York. In New York, products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York, New York, NY.