For over two decades, tectonic shifts have been under way in retirement benefits and planning. The net result of these trends is that many individuals and households can no longer count on pensions for retirement income and are more on their own to plan for a comfortable retirement. This Research Note exposes the poor state of preparedness of the average US household and identifies and dissects many of the challenges faced by future retirees. Forthcoming TowerGroup research will highlight opportunities for financial services institutions to provide products and services that address households' urgent need to ensure they will have sufficient income for their retirement years.