Retirement benefits

Choice and flexibility in benefit options are top of mind for employees, a new Willis Towers Watson survey finds.

Clients are advised to keep some of their savings in cash and focus on their long-term prospects.

“It's really important for employees to know where they’re at with investments, and that employers educate them so that they don't make rash decisions,” says Tara Mashack-Behney, president of retirement plan consulting firm Conrad Siegel.

“Find ways to generate income,” says one financial planner.

While some retirees have seen a substantial increase in spending, many others are enjoying financial freedom.

CommonBond is ensuring employees can qualify for employer retirement contributions while they pay off their student loans.

Aside from refinancing, retirees are advised to consider downsizing their homes to reduce overall spending.

To start, these clients are advised to start saving as early and contribute enough to their 401(k)s to qualify for their employer's matching contribution.

With hardworking African-American and Hispanic workers far more likely to cash out than other participants, our nation has a serious retirement-saving crisis on its hands.

“The financial burden of student loans is a major reason fewer employees are taking advantage of 401(k) programs,” Scott Thompson, CEO of Tuition.io, says.