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In an effort to protect their children from financial stress, many Boomers are losing sight -- and control -- of their own retirement goals, according to the latest Investor Index survey released by TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD).

Seventy-six percent of Baby Boomers surveyed say they would feel obligated to financially support their adult children if asked. And, not only did 57 percent say they are willing to support them -- even if it takes away from their own retirement -- but more than half of Boomers (54 percent) have actually had adult children (25 or older) live with them for three months or longer. Of those sharing the nest with their adult offspring, 42 percent agreed that taking their children back in had a negative impact on their finances.

Many of the young adults returning home are part of Generation Y, a group now often recognized as the Boomerang Generation. Twenty-three percent of this group said they have moved back in with their parents for three months or longer after they considered themselves "financially independent." And, 41 percent said they received post-college financial support from their parents, including money for food, rent and discretionary bills like cell phones.

"While Boomers may have the best intentions, they could be setting the wrong precedent by financially supporting their adult children, particularly when it comes to discretionary items," said Lule Demmissie, managing director of investment products and retirement at TD Ameritrade, Inc. ("TD Ameritrade"), a broker-dealer subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. "No parent wants to see their child struggle financially, but assistance should come within reason -- and with firm expectations. While food and housing might be reasonable, a data plan for your son's smartphone shouldn't come between you and your retirement."

This year, the first group of Boomers will turn 65, but for many, retirement is not right around the corner. Fifty-five percent of Boomers now plan to retire later than they originally expected. The reason, according to 17 percent of those anticipating a delayed retirement, is they have found themselves financially supporting their adult children or other relatives.

"For Boomers, and others, who have fallen away from their retirement plans, it's important to remember that it's never too late to turn things around," continued Demmissie. "That may mean you have to adjust your expectations, work a little longer or think of other means of support that you never considered before. But it doesn't mean that it's too late to start."

Demmissie offers the following suggestions for Boomers trying to put their nest egg back together:

1. Reassess your goals. Take advantage of free tools, like TD Ameritrade's WealthRuler, to estimate your retirement readiness and develop a new plan to get back on track.

2. Work as a team. Have an honest discussion with your family about your financial goals and expectations. Set a new budget and develop a timeline together to help everyone regain his or her financial independence.

3. Consult the experts. Talk to an investment consultant or another financial expert to research options that might work for your financial situation. Amerivest, an investment advisor affiliate of TD Ameritrade, Inc., offers Amerivest Portfolios, professionally-managed portfolios of mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), chosen by experienced professionals at Morningstar Associates.

4. Ask for help. AdvisorDirectTM is a service that can refer investors to a knowledgeable, independent registered investment advisor (RIA) who can help them pursue their financial goals.*

For more information on TD Ameritrade's Annual Investor Index survey series, including key findings, visit www.amtd.com.

Generations defined as: Mature: born 1930-1945; Boomer: born 1946-1964; Gen X: born 1965-1976; and Gen Y/Millennials: born 1977-1989.

1 TDAmeritrade, Inc., member FINRA (www.FINRA.org) /SIPC (www.SIPC.org) /NFA (www.nfa.futures.org), and TDAmeritrade Clearing, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

2 Investools, Inc. is an education subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. Investools, Inc. does not provide financial advice and is not in the business of transacting trades. Investools, Inc. and TDAmeritrade, Inc. are separate but affiliated companies that are not responsible for each other's services or policies.

3TDAmeritrade was ranked #1 and received an overall score of 5 stars (tied for first place with one other broker), in the Kiplinger's Online Broker Ratings, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, 02/2011.Fourteen brokers were rated in the categories: Costs, Web site usability, Investment choices, Customer service, and Research and tools.

4TDAmeritrade was awarded an overall 4½ out of 5 stars and was named "Best for Options Traders" in Barron's 2011 Online Broker Survey, 03/2011. TDAmeritrade also received the highest rating, 4½ out of 5 stars, in the "Best for Long-term Investing" category, sharing that rating with only one other broker. TD Ameritrade was evaluated versus 23 other online brokers in eight total categories, including trade experience, trading technology, usability, range of offerings, research amenities, portfolio analysis and reports, customer service and education and costs. Barron's is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company © 2006-2011.

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