Shannon Csapilla is a Wealth Management Client Associate at Merrill Lynch.

STAMFORD, CT / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2024 / Shannon Csapilla, a Wealth Management Client Associate at Merrill Lynch, is raising awareness about the critical importance of early retirement planning and financial literacy. With a background in economics and wealth management, Shannon is committed to helping individuals take control of their financial future by encouraging them to start planning early and make informed decisions.

"Only 39% of Americans feel confident about their retirement savings, according to a recent report by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies," said Csapilla. "It's alarming to see that so many people are unsure about their financial future. My goal is to highlight the importance of starting retirement planning early, even if it's with small steps."

Retirement planning is more than just saving-Csapilla emphasizes that understanding investments, tax strategies, and long-term financial goals are equally important. According to the Federal Reserve, the median retirement savings for American households is just $65,000, which often falls short of what's needed for a comfortable retirement. Csapilla's work focuses on helping clients craft personalized strategies that align with their financial situation and long-term aspirations.

"I've worked with clients who initially felt overwhelmed by the idea of retirement planning. By breaking down the process and showing them the power of compounding investments, they've been able to see the benefits of starting early," Csapilla explains. "Even small, consistent contributions can grow into significant savings over time."

Csapilla also highlights the disparity between genders when it comes to retirement planning, noting that women are more likely to take career breaks, leading to gaps in retirement savings. "Women often face unique challenges when it comes to financial planning. Studies show that women are 80% more likely to be impoverished during retirement compared to men, largely due to wage gaps and caregiving responsibilities," she said. "I'm passionate about ensuring women feel empowered to take charge of their financial futures, no matter where they are in their career."

As part of her mission to raise awareness, Shannon plans to offer free educational workshops in Stamford to provide essential financial literacy resources, particularly focusing on retirement planning, investments, and financial wellness. These workshops are designed to demystify the planning process and equip attendees with the tools they need to make informed decisions.