Retirement

More than half of large employers offer the investment vehicle, yet only a small fraction of employees are using them, finds research from Willis Towers Watson.

Shorter term Treasury Inflation Protected Securities — those with a bond maturity of zero to five years — do a better job of controlling inflation in a target-date fund than mid-term or long-term TIPS, according to SEI.

The company platform will now support the payback of loan contributions for working parents to support their child’s college education.

Even with disclosure rules in place, it is sometimes hard for plan sponsors to discern the fairness of the fee structures in their retirement plans.

To improve employees’ long-term finances, encourage plan sponsors to look past typical 401(k) metrics and concentrate on a comprehensive approach to financial services.

The company announces its platform will now support the payback of Federal Parent PLUS loan contributions for working parents who take out loans to support their child’s college education.

Challenges include vetting vendors with programs that can help while navigating regulatory, tax questions, says Willis Towers Watson’s Randall Abbott.

To help improve employees’ financial prospects post-work, plan sponsors should look beyond the typical metrics of 401(k) contribution and participation rates and concentrate instead on a comprehensive financial wellness approach.

The product fills a gap for organizations without dedicated benefits staff, says Mercer partner Jo-Anne Bloch.

Employers and industry experts discuss the pitfalls and challenges in starting and maintaining retirement programs for small employers and their workers.