The Coming Retirement Crisis

Americans are not saving enough for retirement and most won’t have enough to maintain their lifestyle, or retire when they want. Andrew D. Eschtruth co-author of Falling Short: The Coming Retirement Crisis and What to Do About I explained the reasons behind the problem and what the average consumer can do to better prepare for retirement. He also outlined changes needed in the 401k system that could help avert a crisis.

Assessing Your Math Skills

Ellen Peters, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Behavioral Decision Making Initiative at The Ohio State University led a study that examined how people perceived their math abilities, then compared it to their actual math skills. About one in five people who say they are bad at math in fact score in the top half of those taking an objective test. But a third of people who say they are good at math actually score in the bottom half. She explained why math perceptions matter in everyday life and why it is important for parents to encourage their children’s enjoyment of math.

The Lottery Danger

2. Americans in dozens of states can now buy lottery tickets in a growing number of ways. Les Bernal Executive Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, a national grassroots citizen\'s movement concerned about predatory gambling talked about the increasingly aggressive ways that governments are marketing new lottery products, and how the targets are typically lower income citizens. He believes that governments have created a mindset that discourages saving and personal responsibility and promotes state-sponsored wagering.

Andrew Eschtruth

Andrew Eschtruth is associate director for external relations at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. He directs the Center’s communication activities, including publications, press relations, and social media. Mr. Eschtruth also manages relationships with the government, foundation, and corporate communities.

Previously, Mr. Eschtruth was a senior analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office specializing in federal fiscal policy and entitlement programs. He also served on a special assignment as an aide to the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Mr. Eschtruth earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in public policy from Duke University.

The Center for Retirement Research

Les Bernal

Les has been the National Director of the SPG Foundation since it was formed in 2008. During this time, he has spoken and written extensively about how government-sponsored gambling is dishonest, financially damaging to citizens and creates unfairness and inequality in America. He has testified before Congress, he has appeared on national television and radio including 60 Minutes, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, National Public Radio and The BBC. He has been interviewed by national newspapers and magazines including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and The Los Angeles Times. He has also spoken before dozens of business organizations, college audiences and faith groups across the nation.

Stop Predatory Gambling