Image Description

New Research Reveals Disconnect Between Consumer And Advisor Perceptions In Social Security Planning

July 16, 2025 by Protective Life Corporation

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Protective Life Corporation a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), recently announced the release of a new whitepaper based on proprietary research conducted by its principal subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”) in partnership with Greenwald Research. The findings reveal a surprising emotional divide between consumers and financial professionals when it comes to planning for Social Security—one that could significantly influence how financial professionals approach retirement income conversations.

The research, conducted in fall 2024 and based on surveys of 1,000 consumers and 500 financial professionals, is summarized in the white paper titled “4 key steps to make Social Security planning more effective.” It highlights a notable misalignment in perceptions: while consumers often associate Social Security planning with feelings of “security,” “optimism” and “hope,” financial professionals tend to perceive their clients as feeling “confusion,” “skepticism” and “anxiety.”

“This disconnect represents an opportunity for financial professionals,” said Aaron Seurkamp, SVP and President, Protection & Retirement Division at Protective. “By commissioning this research, Protective remains committed to empowering financial professionals with the tools they need to proactively address retirement concerns and deliver more comprehensive financial solutions.”

The research also found that nearly one-third of consumers who have not yet claimed Social Security are unsure when they will do so, underscoring the need for proactive guidance. The white paper offers practical guidance for financial professionals, including when to initiate Social Security planning discussions, how to form and communicate personalized claiming strategies and how to bridge income gaps to help clients maximize their benefits.

Protective’s goal in commissioning this research is to equip financial professionals with the insights they need to better serve their clients, particularly in an era of heightened attention to the future of Social Security.

Financial professionals seeking deeper insights into the findings are invited to visit our secure portal to explore the full study and access the whitepaper. For immediate access, the whitepaper is also available for direct download here.


About Protective
Protective Life Corporation has helped people achieve protection and security in their lives for 118 years. Through its subsidiaries, Protective offers life insurance, annuity, asset protection and employee benefit solutions and is helping more than 16.4 million people protect what matters most. Protective’s more than 3,500 employees put people first and deliver on the company’s promises to customers, partners, colleagues and communities – because we’re all protectors. With a long-term focus, financial stability and commitment to doing the right thing, Protective Life Corporation, a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., has $125 billion in assets, as of Dec. 31, 2024. Protective is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and is supported by a robust virtual workforce and core sites in the greater Cincinnati area, St. Louis and Garden City, N.Y. For more information about Protective, visit protective.com.

About Greenwald Research
Greenwald Research is a consultative partner to health and wealth leaders that leverages industry expertise, access to experts, and a custom, collaborative approach to produce trusted insights and meaningful connections that drive understanding and inform strategic action. For more information, please call (202) 686-0300 or visit www.greenwaldresearch.com.


For more than 40 years, AIP Marketing Alliance (AIPMA), an Integrity Company, serves as a premier life insurance and annuity distribution partner to provide full-service support to independent wholesalers, brokerages and agents from our Troy, Michigan office. NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.

AIP Marketing Alliance is committed to STRIVE in ’25 as we support our independent insurance wholesalers and agents. Visit our blog on aipma.com to stay informed on these upcoming launches and learn why wholesalers nationwide choose AIPMA as their distributor for selling life insurance, annuities, long-term care insurance, final expense, and much more. Ask about our lead services, myAIP CRM platform with customizable recruiter portal, and online tools/resources designed to grow your business. The difference is personal.

AIP Marketing Alliance, an Integrity Company, has developed this electronic communication for informational and educational use only. Be advised, AIP Marketing Alliance, Inc. does not provide legal advice, tax advice, or guidance on issues involving securities laws, insurance laws nor securities or insurance regulations. This material should not be relied on as providing any such advice or guidance to either agents or retail consumers. Within this communication, AIPMA shares links for usage as information only. This content should not be interpreted as solicitation to purchase life insurance, annuities, or other products or as advice designed to meet your clients’ specific needs. Content involving fiduciary, tax, or legal advice should be directed to your legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations. AIPMA will not accept any legal liability resulting from any use of 3rd party material(s).

Contact Us

800.783.5206

2041 E. Square Lake Road, Suite 100, Troy, Michigan 48085-3897

About Us

For more than 40 years, AIP Marketing Alliance (AIPMA), an Integrity Company, serves as a premier life insurance and annuity distribution partner to provide full-service support to independent wholesalers, brokerages and agents from our Troy, Michigan office. NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR THE MEDICARE PROGRAM. Copyright 2025