New Research Scores Retirement and Investing Web Sites for Ease of Use and Informativeness

The Best Retirement Web Sites Allow Users to Drive Their Own Destinies

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 25, 2009 -- A new report released today by Change Sciences Group, Inc. (www.ChangeSciences.com) examines what people experience as they look for, learn about and set up a retirement account online.

The new report, The Consumer Experience of Retirement and Investing Web Sites, shows which sites support the goals of people looking to save (and roll over accounts) best and why. Charles Schwab ranks number one out of fifteen. T. Rowe Price and Wells Fargo rank number two and three respectively. Other sites included in the research are AIG Retirement, Ameriprise, Bank of America, E*Trade, Edward Jones, ING DIRECT, Morgan Stanley, Prudential, Smith Barney, TD Ameritrade, TIAA-CREF and Vanguard.

For a complete overview of the comprehensive study please visit www.changesciences.com/retirement.

As the market continues to underperform, people are turning to the Web for answers. For many, the Web has taken the place of the advisor's office on the corner. Too many firms miss opportunities to meet customer and prospect needs online.

"Many retirement and investing web sites don't give user needs and usability the attention and consideration they deserve", said Steve Ellis, a Change Sciences partner. "Schwab's site allows users to learn about accounts, make informed choices, see their own retirement picture and apply online, with the least amount of effort, fewer usability problems and more informative content overall."

Change Sciences still sees room for improvement on most sites. 13% percent of sites fail to provide a clear overview of basic retirement account types, 20% of sites fail to provide a tool to help prospects determine if they are on track saving for retirement and 40% of sites fail to provide a way for users to apply for an account online.

"Not so long ago, your advisor listened to your needs and helped you create the best investment portfolio for you and your family. Now as more and more investors turn to the Web, companies need to find a way to create that same advisor relationship online", said Steve Ellis.

About Change Sciences Group

Change Sciences was founded in January 2000 to help companies optimize online business by basing decisions on how people use technology while they live, work, and play.

CONTACT

Rhonda Mills

Change Sciences Group, Inc.

888-864-1160 x731

www.ChangeSciences.com

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