May 5, 2021
Retirement Planning? Sorry, We’re Too Busy Watching Netflix
During the Covid-19 pandemic, US investors devoted more of their time to planning their TV viewing than on their retirement investments, a new survey has revealed.
April 9, 2021
What’s New in Fiduciary Breach Cases?
Retirement Director Ben Rizzuto expects two issues – Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) and the types of investments offered on plan menus – to be part of the next generation of potential fiduciary failures and lawsuits.
March 30, 2021
Why You Should Max Out on Your 401(K) Plan
In 2021, you can contribute $19,500 to a 401(k) plan — or $26,000 if you’re 50 or older. But for most savers, that isn’t easy to do unless you really plan it out.
March 25, 2021
Can I Invest My IRA In This?
Tom Kurinsky of Millenium Trust discusses the ins and outs of holding these alternative assets in IRAs and how you can advise your clients on integrating these investments into their portfolios.
March 23, 2021
Time for Social Security’s Shot in the Arm
Gail Buckner, Franklin Templeton personal retirement and financial planning strategist, shares her thoughts on how the pandemic has affected a key source of income for many elderly Americans—Social Security—and why it’s time to take action to shore up the program.
February 26, 2021
Options Strategies for Your RRSP and TFSA
February 8, 2021
Winning Against the Race to Zero
January 28, 2021
Adapting to The Changing Landscape of Income
What happens if what you’ve been planning for changes right before the goal line? We’re seeing that today in the world of retirement income.
January 22, 2021
When Diversification Backfires
Your investment plan lineup is not a buffet table–the dangers of naïve diversification. There are times when the general principle of diversification can work against investors
December 16, 2020
Implementing a Fresh Portfolio? Don’t Forget About Taxes
It may be tempting to undertake a dramatic makeover, but an incremental, forward-looking approach is best for taxable accounts.
November 27, 2020
Plan Talk: Assessing Fixed Income Options in Retirement Plan Lineups
This Janus Henderson podcast discusses current plan menu designs and investment trends in defined contribution (DC) plans.
November 25, 2020
Savings Shortfall: 41% Worry They Won’t Have Enough to Retire
If you are worried you will not have enough saved for your retirement, you are not alone, a major new study has found.
October 23, 2020
How Trump’s Second-Term Tax Ideas Could Impact Investors
Retirement Director Ben Rizzuto discusses these ideas and what investors should consider from a tax planning perspective if Trump gains a second term.
October 20, 2020
When to Take Social Security Benefits
The precise Social Security benefit you will be entitled to will vary based on a number of factors such as years worked, income level, etc.
October 16, 2020
The Retirement Income Puzzle
October 15, 2020
Blind Spots in the Retirement Space
Nate Miles, Head of Retirement at Wells Fargo Asset Management, reveals three retirement blind spots that he and his team have noticed in conversations with defined contribution plan sponsors, their consultants, and advisors.
October 9, 2020
The Math for Retirement Income Keeps Getting Worse
October 2, 2020
Aligning Pension Fund Equity Investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
In this Q&A, Pensioenfunds Detailhandel’s, one of Netherlands largest pension funds with €28 billion in AUM, head of investments Henk Groot explains how the Dutch pension fund married the SDGs to its return objectives.
September 23, 2020
What “Equalizing” Retirement Contributions Could Mean for Investors
Retirement and wealth strategies expert Matt Sommer digs deeper into the Joe Biden tax plan with a synopsis of the plan’s proposal to equalize tax treatment for retirement plan contributions.
September 11, 2020
What to Do If You Don’t Have a 401(k)
Evaluating the best options for tax-efficient–and automatic–savings outside of a company retirement plan.
September 2, 2020
The Four Levels of Income
By John Rekenthaler’s count, there are four primary varieties of “income”. They are growth, presevation, erosion, and exit.
August 21, 2020
Dollar-Cost Averaging: A Formula for Consistent Investing
Many younger investors may be financially unable – or emotionally unready – to invest large sums of money in the market all at once. Retirement Director Ben Rizzuto explains how dollar-cost averaging can provide a useful approach.
August 5, 2020
Do 401(k) Plans Still Make Sense?
Do 401(k) Plans Still Make Sense? Yes, but perhaps the system requires additional support.
July 23, 2020
Advice for Unexpected COVID Retirees
July 7, 2020
IRS Provides Relief to All Who Have Taken RMDs in 2020
Retirement Director Ben Rizzuto explains how the recently introduced IRS Notice 2020-15 provides relief for these individuals by allowing them to roll the funds back into a retirement account.
June 26, 2020
Don’t Blame Retail Investors for Stocks’ Volatility
A longtime adage among fund providers is that retail investors are more desirable than institutions, as not only will retail investors pay higher fees, but they also provide relatively “sticky” assets that will stay with funds through long periods of mediocre performance. Once again, everyday shareholders are heterogeneous.
June 19, 2020
Private Equity in 401(k) Plans: More Smoke Than Fire
To my surprise, private equity fund executives convinced the Department of Labor to issue a letter, dated June 3, 2020, approving the use of private equity investments within 401(k) plans. If the private equity funds are selected judiciously and used appropriately, wrote the Department, plan sponsors will not “violate the fiduciary’s duties under section 403 and 404 of ERISA.”
June 11, 2020
How State and Local Taxes Affect Your Retirement Plan
With state and local budgets under pressure because of the coronavirus, taxes from these entities may become a front-burner issue if they’re not already.
June 4, 2020
What to Do When Your Employer Cuts 401(K) Matching Funds
401(k) matching is often one of the first things on the chopping block, and the 401(k) matching rules are clear. Unless the matching is part of a union contract, companies have the right to slash or eliminate matching, even mid year. This applies to both traditional 01k plans and the safe harbor 401(k) plans more popular with small businesses.
