Date of Conferral

2-6-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Labrina Jones

Abstract

As Generation X (GenX) women near full retirement age, concerns about retirement preparedness have increased due to limited time to save and greater dependence on employer-sponsored retirement plans. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore Gen X women’s perceptions of their retirement preparedness and to identify themes that influence effective retirement planning. Life cycle theory, the theory of reasoned action, and vested interest theory ground the conceptual framework for this study, which together explain how individuals anticipate future needs and engage in intentional financial behaviors. The study primarily focused on participants’ perceptions of retirement preparedness and the factors influencing their ability to save. Purposeful sampling was used to select eight Gen X women who actively contributed to employer-sponsored retirement plans and intended to retire within 10 years. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and supplemented with contextual data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study, the 2021 National Financial Capability Study, and 2021 Form 5500 filings. Data analysis involved identifying patterns using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework. Seven themes emerged related to successful retirement preparedness: (a) necessitates having a clear plan, (b) beliefs about money, (c) adapting saving behaviors, (d) managing debt, (e) seeking financial knowledge, (f) managing risk and events, and (g) leveraging employer-sponsored benefits. The implications for positive social change include the potential for employers, financial educators, advisors, and policymakers to apply these insights to improve plan design, education, and support strategies that strengthen retirement security for Gen X women.

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