• 25-JUL-2017

AARP and Ad Council Launch New PSA Campaign to Empower Millions of Americans to Get on Track for Retirement

The Campaign Introduces an Interactive Digital Experience that Breaks Down the Challenge of Saving into Simple, Achievable Steps

NEW YORK, NY, July 19, 2017 — Two in five households headed by Americans age 55-64 have no assets saved for retirement, according to the National institute on Retirement Security. To help address this savings shortfall, AARP and the Ad Council are launching a Saving for Retirement campaign to empower people to take control of their financial futures. The integrated PSA campaign, created pro bono by FCB New York, will remind consumers they have already demonstrated the financial savvy it takes to tackle this challenge, and a new interactive online resource at AceYourRetirement.org​ will provide personalized tips to inspire them to take action.

“Retirement planning can sometimes leave people anxious, confused or even paralyzed,” said Debra Whitman, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP. “This campaign will break down retirement savings into easy, actionable steps for all Americans.”

A recent survey conducted by AARP revealed that Americans are getting the most out of every dollar in many areas in their life, with 92 percent engaging in money-saving hacks, such as comparison shopping, couponing, and signing up for customer reward programs. However, fewer Americans have taken this penchant for saving and applied it to their retirement. For example, only a quarter have completed easy retirement savings strategies such as increasing their annual contributions to their retirement savings by even one percent or rolling over any old employer-sponsored retirement plans. And nearly three out of 10 Americans are essentially leaving free money on the table by not contributing enough to their employer-sponsored retirement plan to maximize company match.

The creative strategy for the PSAs was informed by the insight that Americans are resourceful when it comes to getting the most out of every dollar in their day-to-day life, but often fail to demonstrate that same confidence when it came to getting the most out of their retirement savings.

"For people who find their retirement savings so complicated that they can’t see how to have additional impact, this campaign will serve as a ‘cheerleader,’” said Gary Resch, Executive Creative Director, FCB. "The creative asserts that they've already cleared far trickier financial hurdles in their life, and that they're more than equipped to handle this one."

Taking an encouraging and empowering tone, the PSAs celebrate financial milestones and successes these savvy consumers have already aced—from home ownership and vacation planning, to financing a child’s education—and urge them to apply that same financial know-how and gusto to get on track with their retirement savings with tips from AceYourRetirement.org​.

To inspire people to take action, AceYourRetirement.org​ breaks down the retirement savings process into easy, actionable steps. After answering a few questions about their savings and goals, each user will receive a personalized Action Plan that highlights three practical next steps. The recommendations cover a wide range of topics, such as how to get the most out of a workplace retirement plan, how to turn a hobby into a source of income during retirement, or how to have a conversation with family members about getting on the same financial page.

“Though saving for retirement can seem intimidating, this campaign can help people recognize just how financially savvy they can be,” said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “We are thrilled to partner with AARP and FCB New York to help people better their financial futures.”

The new creative will run in donated time and space, per the Ad Council’s model. They are available in TV, radio, print, outdoor and digital formats nationwide.  

To receive your personalized retirement savings action plan, visit AceYourRetirement.org​​.