While retirement savings is a leading concern for a majority of Americans, more immediate financial priorities is one barrier preventing insurance companies and their intermediaries from reaching prospects with retirement-related advice, products and services, according to a recent survey by Deloitte's Center for Financial Services.

Deloitte's survey of nearly 4,500 consumers from a wide range of age and income groups revealed five barriers creating a disconnect between financial institutions and consumers when it comes to retirement planning. We laid out these barriers in our previous blog, including ineffective communications, lack of product awareness, mistrust, and a "do it myself" mentality, in addition to conflicting priorities. 

Indeed, while saving for retirement was by far the most highly ranked financial goal — even among respondents who are years away from retiring — the most common reason for not being able to save for retirement is that other financial concerns get in the way, including paying off a mortgage, student loans and other debt, or saving for a child's education.