We are conducting a qualitative study of the economic survival strategies of low-income families in Detroit. In-depth, open-ended, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 52 respondents in fall/winter 2006. Interview topics include work, income, use of public programs, health insurance, and other topics related to economic well-being, including saving. A second round of interviews with the same respondents, scheduled for summer 2007, will ask about plans for retirement and expectations about Social Security. This project will be used to analyze the responses and prepare a manuscript that describes low-income families’ understanding of, and planning for, retirement.