In-Plan annuities. An alternative to company pensions. An alternative to externally purchased annuities. Perhaps the best of both worlds? So what is preventing wider adoption? This article on PlanSponsor refers to a webcast on this topic sponsored by NAGDCA. The pros and cons listed in the last few slides of the presentation are informative, educational, … Continue reading In-Plan Annuities: Are they a viable option in DC plans?
Category: Income
Fiscal pressures threaten the tax incentives of the 401(k) system.
Tax incentives. Retirement planning. Retirement income. Three terms that are intricately connected. As consumers we understand the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between these three. During times of economic uncertainty, it is all the more important to preserve this balance for the well-being of the nation as a whole. Yielding to the doomsday scenario … Continue reading Fiscal pressures threaten the tax incentives of the 401(k) system.
A holistic approach to financial independence during retirement
Financial independence during retirement. Try to visualize what this means to you. Now, as an employer, think about how your employees visualize financial independence during retirement. Do you see any differences? How we address these differences, either as an employee, or as an employer, is where we have the largest potential for a better outcome … Continue reading A holistic approach to financial independence during retirement
Why it is important to evaluate alternative products when researching annuity income options in retirement planning
Guarantee. Is there anything truly like that any more? And if there is one, what is the cost of obtaining that guarantee? And are we willing to pay the price for that guarantee? When is the last time we have stepped back and thought about that? In the context of retirement planning, this topic is … Continue reading Why it is important to evaluate alternative products when researching annuity income options in retirement planning
How would you decide the right option for you?
Retirement. Time to decide the funding requirements, and determine the sources. Also important is the question of the options of payment available for each source. Can it be paid in lump sum or over a period of time? Should some of these sources be consolidated or left alone? Where is it currently invested, and how … Continue reading How would you decide the right option for you?
Would you do anything differently?
Retirement planning. Are we going about it the right way? What do we need to do differently? In this article published by On Wall Street, the author discusses the current parameters of retirement planning, and suggests alternative ideas. As a future or current retiree, do these issues hit the mark? Do you grapple with these … Continue reading Would you do anything differently?
Target Date Funds – adoption, impact, and oversight
With the increasing popularity of Target Date Funds in retirement plans - both from an offering perspective, as well as adoption by participants, it is no surprise that this asset class has a meaningful impact on the retirement landscape. The article and research paper by Vanguard provides a detailed look at the adoption statistics of … Continue reading Target Date Funds – adoption, impact, and oversight
Selecting Fixed Income Fund options for retirement savings plans
Investment fund line up in the DC plan. To meet the fiduciary standards the due diligence required in selecting the right asset classes and individual funds is nothing less than rigorous. And even more so in this highly volatile economic environment. And how does a plan sponsor determine an appropriate fund line up to provide … Continue reading Selecting Fixed Income Fund options for retirement savings plans
The journey continues …
Retirement. The theme of this blog, prompting thought provoking questions to our readers with the intention of planning for retirement. More often than not, most everyone thinks about the accumulation component. The other side of the equation is the drawdown aspect. Two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other. If you … Continue reading The journey continues …
Do you know what happens to Target Date Funds when the target date is reached?
As a retail investor, do you ever wonder what happens to a Target Date Fund when the "target date" is reached? Here is an article published by Morningstar that answers the question. With the immense popularity of Target Date Funds, it is possible that you may be aware of, or perhaps even invested in, one … Continue reading Do you know what happens to Target Date Funds when the target date is reached?
Benefits Trends 