This year, "more people are taking a more realistic view of what they need to do," said Mathew Greenwald, president of the research firm that bears his name. "Maybe they know enough to know their situation has worsened. That's the silver lining in a very dark cloud." Besides cutting expenses, many workers expect to work longer (21 percent until their 70s) and 72 percent plan to work for pay at least part-time after retirement.

But one thing most American workers still don't do - and it could help them tremendously - is at least to estimate how much money they will need in retirement. In this year's survey, only 44 percent of workers said they or their spouse have tried to make the calculation, down from 47 percent last year. The highest percentage ever was 53 percent in 2000, after a big run-up in stock prices. For help with the calculation and other savings tips, see Web site www.choosetosave.org.