Managed account adoption rates low
The adoption rate of managed accounts remains low, yet retirement plan participants who use them report higher projected retirement wealth and better portfolio diversification.
Retirement education
Benefits Think Annuity strategies in retirement
Commentary: We find our clients like having a guaranteed income, and they also like having buckets of income that start at different times and are taxed in different ways.
Retirement confidence drops
Americans express lower overall retirement confidence than in years past, but rank saving for retirement a top priority.
Benefits Think Who gets a cut of your retirement plan fees?
Commentary: Where do these fees go? There are a number of hands in the pot. Here are the three entities that collect on 401(k) fees.
Chad Parks
Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
Why plan sponsor interest in managed accounts is growing
Schwabs Steve Anderson talks managed accounts, QDIAs and the increased attention to financial wellness.
Tis the season for pension buy-outs
Group pension buy-outs are usually seasonal, with the most activity happening in the fourth quarter, but industry analysts are seeing a trend toward more sales throughout the year.
401(k) viewed as essential benefit
While employees see the value in their 401(k) plan, many admit they dont use it to its full advantage because of competing financial priorities.
Benefits Think Most non-profits dont consult a financial professional for 403(b) advice
Commentary: But are financial professionals being adequately engaged to help with 403(b) plans? Surprising results from the latest Plan Sponsor Council of America 403(b) Survey.
Aaron Friedman
Principal Financial Group
Benefits Think 6 messages to reinforce for 401(k) plan participants during times of market volatility
Volatility has returned to U.S. stock markets with a vengeance. How will 401(k) plan participants react?
Robert C. Lawton
Lawton Retirement Plan Consultants
Benefits Think DOL hearings a regulatory tug of war
Watching the hearings on the DOLs proposed conflict of interest rule was similar to watching an extremely competitive tug of war match with the DOL on one side and industry insiders on the other.
Benefits Think How to blend active and passive options in your 401(k) plan
Many 401(k) plan participants are convinced that active management no longer works. But is a passive-only strategy appropriate?
Robert C. Lawton
Lawton Retirement Plan Consultants
DOL fiduciary standard: Here’s what’s next
After four days of public hearings, in which dozens of participants weighed in, the Labor Department is one step closer to implementing a new fiduciary standard, the scope of which heartens supporters and troubles critics.
DC plan participation rates, account balances increase
Retirement plan sponsors have tried to make it easy for employees to participate in their plans and save enough for retirement and their efforts appear to be paying off.
Does the DOLs fiduciary rule favor fee-based brokers?
The DOLs proposed fiduciary rule would likely push some commission-based brokers out of the retirement market altogether, NAIFAs JuIi McNeely testified during the second day of DOL hearings on the proposed rule.
Benefits Think Practical ways to reach the retirement goal
Commentary: How do we help employees get to the point they can feel they can retire, asks columnist John Ludwig.
John Ludwig
LHD Retirement
Plan sponsors consider 401(k) reviews
As the Department of Labor hears from the retirement plan services industry this week during hearings into its proposed fiduciary rule, new research reveals many 401(k) plan sponsors are eyeing formal reviews of their plans.
Industry reps warn DOL fiduciary rule will gut retirement advice
Of the many industry critiques of the Department of Labor's fiduciary proposal, one of the most oft-repeated is the assertion that new regulations would cut off access to advice for low- and middle income investors precisely the segment of consumers the initiative aims to protect.
Benefits Think Theres a perfect storm brewing in the 401(k) space
Commentary: With employees fighting back and winning against high fees and a new fiduciary standard on the way, were on the cusp of some radical changes to the corporate retirement landscape.
Brian Menickella
The Beacon Group of Companies
Industry making a last gasp effort for revisions to DOL fiduciary rule
In its first day of hearings about the proposed fiduciary rule, the DOL has heard testimony from advisers, legal experts and other industry representatives many seeking revisions to minimize the burden of the rules future implementation.
Fiduciary advocates, critics clash as DOL hearings kick off
Concerns about over-regulation and accusations of industry cynicism led the opening of the Labor Department's hearings on its proposal to impose fiduciary requirements on retirement advisers the latest phase of its contentious process to craft new rules on consumer protections.