It’s not uncommon for retirees to feel insecure about their finances, but single women retirees are less confident about their financial security than single males, married or partnered retirees, according to research from the LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute.

Four in ten retirees believe they will run out of retirement savings if they live past the age of 90, while nearly half of single women retirees are fearful of the same outcome.

One in three women retirees reported the cost of covering their basic needs was higher than they anticipated, versus only one in five men, according to the report. On average, single women spend a higher percentage of their income on basic and health care costs in retirement than men, while spending less on discretionary activities than single men.

Either way, LIMRA SRI found that going it alone in retirement adds a level of uncertainty. Specifically, 71 percent of married retirees are confident they will be able to live their ideal retirement lifestyle, while that number drops to 64 percent among both single men and women retirees.

But working with a financial advisor can help single female retirees develop a realistic picture of what their expenses will look like after leaving the workforce, says LIMRA SRI.

More single women retirees are seeking professional help to sort out their finances. Single retired women (40 percent) were more likely to work with an advisor than single retired men (30 percent), the study shows. Married couples were more likely to have worked with an advisor than singles (47 percent).

Working with an advisor significantly improved confidence levels in all retirees, according to the report. Three quarters of retired single men and women who work with a financial advisor believe they will be able to achieve their desired lifestyle in retirement, compared to only 66 percent of those who did not receive assistance from a professional. In fact, single retired women are 38 percent more confident that their retirement savings will last if they live to be 90, than those without an advisor.

LIMRA SRI surveyed 1,130 households consisting of single men or single women retirees, with a household income of at least $35,000. Participants ranged from age 55 to 79 and were in retirement for a minimum of one year. As part of a larger survey, LIMRA SRI has also asked the same questions of married retirees.