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The Sky is Not Falling on Older Americans
Widespread Poverty Among America’s Seniors? No.Just a couple of weeks ago, a few publications ran stories predicting that older Americans reaching retirement age were in “worse financial shape than the prior generation for the first time since Harry Truman was president.” Academics were suggesting today’s and tomorrow’s seniors would soon be... Read More >>
Nothing is Better for Thee Than Me
This old Quaker Oats advertising slogan1 has relevance for your retirement plan. I say nothing is better for your individual account retirement savings plan and its participants than automatic features done right. Depending on your circumstance, that may include defaults for automatic enrollment, automatic escalation, automatic re-enrollment and... Read More >>
Health Savings Accounts: What's the Problem? What's the Solution? Part 2
In our prior post, the House of Representatives recently approved a number of changes that would improve the function and use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Those proposals have a lot of good ideas but do not address the real problem -- access to HSA-qualifying coverage and HSA savings rates. In part 2, we offer a few suggestions that might... Read More >>
Health Savings Accounts: What's the Problem? What's the Solution? Part 1
The House of Representatives recently approved a number of changes that would improve the function and use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Lots of good ideas there. This is Part 1 – What’s the Problem? In a second blog, What’s the Solution, I will offer some suggested changes. Before we explore potential problems with this proposed... Read More >>
Sidecar = Suboptimal
Perhaps you noticed the recent proposal which would authorize a plan sponsor to use automatic features in creating so called “sidecar” savings account for financial emergencies.1 Contributions would be taken on an after-tax basis and invested in capital preservation investments. The account could be a part of or separate from the tax-qualified... Read More >>
Few Read Mandatory Benefit Disclosures; Even Fewer Take Action
A recent PlanSponsor opinion piece confirms that some believe America’s “retirement savings crisis” results from worker misunderstanding regarding longevity risk and market performance.1 The proposed response by the experts? More mandated disclosures. The goal? “Influence contribution behavior” (save more).2 First Confirm Results Before... Read More >>
Can≠Will: Yesterday's 401(k)≠Tomorrow's 401(k) Part Three of a Three-Part Series
In part 1 of this three-part series, I reviewed a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article that suggested Baby Boomers were less prepared than prior generations, that tens of millions of retirees will soon live in poverty, and that the 401(k) was a culprit in this decline. In part 2 (link), I confirmed that defined benefit pension plans were in... Read More >>
Retirement in America - Individual Account Retirement Savings Plans ARE Good Enough!
(Part Two of a Three-Part Series). In Part 1 of this three-part series, I reviewed a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article that suggested today’s retirees are less prepared than prior generations as well as other articles that suggested tens of millions of older Americans will soon live in poverty. The 401k was named as a culprit.: “The... Read More >>
Retirement in America-A Life Of Poverty?
A recent Wall Street Journal article raises the spectre of a retirement “crisis” in America. The WSJ article specifically claims Baby Boomers are less prepared for retirement than prior generations. In fact, society in general is much better off today than in the past. The article misrepresents the facts related to the decline of employer-... Read More >>
Qualified Plan Loans - Evil or Essential? - Part 2
*Note: This is Part 2 of a series on Qualified Plan Loans based on the May 22nd presentation on this topic at the World at Work, Total Rewards Conference. Plan sponsors who seek to do plan loans “right” often feel like they have: A hard row to hoe, With one hand tied behind the back, while Climbing uphill and at the same time, Swimming... Read More >>