Most Americans, especially women, are underprepared for retirement. According to new research by Mintel, four in 10 women have less than $10,000 saved and only 21 percent have more than $100,000 in all of their investment accounts.

The situation is even more dire for pre-retirees. Fifty-eight percent of single women over the age of 45 who have any kind of savings or retirement account have less than $50,000 saved, while only 22 percent have more than $100,000 saved. At the same time, these women are aware of their need to step up their savings efforts, as only 5 percent of 45 to 54-year-old women and 16 percent of 55-64-year-old women believe they are saving enough for their twilight years.

"Women nearing retirement age believe saving for retirement is very important, and women ages 25 to 44 are the most likely to rate saving for retirement as their top financial goal over the next year," said Susan Menke, vice president and behavioral economist at Mintel. "While it may be too late for older women, research suggests that younger women are starting to save early and may not end up in the same predicament."