AICPA polls show many adults believe home ownership is out of reach, workers relying on pensions for retirement.

Forty-one percent of Americans feel they cannot afford to buy a home, according to a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive for the AICPA. Of that number, just over half (51%) cite lack of money as the primary reason. Moreover, 16% of the U.S. adult population is looking for a second or part-time job to meet current expenses. Three in 10 U.S. adults (29%) are not able to save any of their money. More information on this poll is available from this month's CPA Letter public accounting supplements (see page 2 for access instructions).

Another poll found nearly half (48%) of all non-retired adult Americans expect to retire with a pension. "Despite all evidence to the contrary, pensions are still regarded as a safety net for retirement," said Carl George, CPA, chair of the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission. "Americans have to understand that many of the entitlements of their predecessors are not guaranteed. It is up to them as individuals to prepare for retirement."

The safety net of a pension plan may not be there for many American workers, as more...