Financial planning

When individuals are faced with too many options they become paralyzed and don’t make the best decisions -- even when it comes to 401(k) options, according to a new study.

The United States is entering the next round of a nationwide boxing match over public pensions, with states approving changes to the funds, a leading municipal union challenging claims of yawning shortfalls and a research group advocating moderation.

While many people continue to experience the after-effects of the recession, a majority of older Americans say they are confident in their retirement preparedness, according to a survey.

In a new white paper, two researchers say DOL should allow defined contribution plans to make electronic delivery the default mechanism for conveying disclosure notices and information to plan participants. But wouldn't such a move further alienate low-income workers from plan participation?

Although it can’t compare to one of my favorite YouTube sensations, I have to commend AARP for producing a YouTube video that aims to teach employees about 401(k) fees and their impact on retirement plan balances.

Transamerica finds HR concerned that employees don’t have the tools they need to properly prepare for retirement

Retirement planning is an important issue, but according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers study, many workers remain more concerned about making ends meet.

In my last article, I discussed the benefits of reviewing your plan document with the goal of simplifying it ("ERISA and KISS: Strange bedfellows or a marriage made in heaven?" from EBN May). But even if you haven't simplified your plan document, you can begin using the tenet of simplicity for communications to your participants.

"Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results." Just nine words that have been repeated enough in mutual fund marketing materials for investors to tune out their message or, perhaps, they have chosen to ignore the most important of those nine words, the word "NOT."

More workers are delaying retirement, according to The Conference Board.

Continuing a comeback after a difficult 2010, annuity sales through banks topped $4 billion in March to reach their highest level since exactly two years earlier, according to research firm Kehrer-LIMRA.

Despite the widely held belief that younger investors have become tremendously risk-averse due to the economic crisis, Vanguard is finding that younger investors have increased their equity exposure considerably.

Although annuities are getting more attention as a way to guarantee income in the wake of the 2008 market crash, clients aren't keen on the price that they have to pay, and advisers don't like the costly fees and commissions.

American workers polled by Financial Finesse had improved how they manage financial stress since last year, but even the most secure groups of Americans felt strained about their money and did not have their financial houses in order.

What are most Americans planning to do when they retire? The reality is that many don’t have a plan, or their plan is to never retire, which may not be an option if they fall ill or can’t work for some reason.

A perfect storm combination of eroding Social Security trust funds, high unemployment and a flood of baby boomers all hitting retirement age at the same time will put enormous strain on the system for the next two decades and result force retirees and their advisors to come up with alternative retirement income plans and strategies to make ends meet.

The majority of employers want to prepare their employees for a financially secure retirement, but have found educational campaigns unlikely to result in substantial changes in behavior. Instead, Steve Utkus, director of Vanguard’s Center for Retirement Research, recommended that employers use “participant inertia to their benefit and do it exclusively with plan design.”

Employee education programs can lead to positive retirement investment decisions, according to a roundup of first-quarter 401(k) savings rates from Fidelity Investments.

A group of Democratic members of the House, led by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.), has written to the U.S. Department of Labor, criticizing a new regulation that would redefine the term “fiduciary” in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

At a time when more Americans than ever are petrified they won't have enough set aside for retirement, a new LIMRA survey suggests that peace of mind could be just a phone call away.