About one-third of Americans say they expect savings and investments to get them through retirement, according to a poll by The Wall Street Journal and Harris Interactive. Close behind at 28% are Americans who expect to rely on Social Security the most to fund their expenses, while 16% are looking toward a company pension plan and 15% on a company 401(k) plan. The survey found that 49% in the 18-34 age group were more likely to rely on savings, while only 27% of those 55 and older would do the same. About 80% of those asked say if they had the choice, they would prefer a defined-contribution plan while one in five would opt for a defined-benefit plan. According to the poll, 88% of respondents say the government should step in to make sure retirees have enough to live on, but showed no preference on the form of that assistance.
