Section 906 Certifications

I, Jonathan S. Horwitz, the Principal Executive Officer of the Funds listed on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2012 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2012 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Funds listed on Attachment A.

Date: September 27, 2012

/s/ Jonathan S. Horwitz

______________________

Jonathan S. Horwitz

Principal Executive Officer

Section 906 Certifications

I, Steven D. Krichmar, the Principal Financial Officer of the Funds listed on Attachment A, certify that, to my knowledge:

1. The form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2012 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR of the Funds listed on Attachment A for the period ended July 31, 2012 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Funds listed on Attachment A.

Date: September 27, 2012

/s/ Steven D. Krichmar

______________________

Steven D. Krichmar

Principal Financial Officer

Attachment A

N-CSR

Period (s) ended July 31, 2012

               Putnam Premier Income Trust

               Putnam Research Fund

               Putnam Investors Fund

               Putnam Voyager Fund

               Putnam Tax Free High Yield Fund

               Putnam AMT-Free Insured Municipal Fund

               Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund

               The George Putnam Fund of Boston (d/b/a/ George Putnam Balanced Fund)

               Putnam Short Duration Income Fund

               Putnam RetirementReady – Funds:

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2055

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2050

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2045

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2040

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2035

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2030

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2025

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2020

               Putnam RetirementReady – 2015

               Putnam Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 1