Talking Retirement Across Generations In today’s workforce, the demographic ages range from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. This is a gap of approximately 60 years! Plan sponsors should be adjusting their communication strategies to better reach each generation. To understand how to change these communication strategies, look first at the generational preferences for each age group and then how a plan sponsor can adjust messaging. Starting with Gen Z (1997 – 2012), they grew up in the

Frequently, the news about retirement is pretty pessimistic. Pensions no longer exist for most workers, we aren’t saving enough, and Social Security is going to disappear. However, things may not be as bleak as they are often painted. Retirement plan consultants suggest three ways that anyone can use to help them retire: 1. Start saving now. No matter what your age or financial circumstances, you’ll improve your retirement prospects if you start saving now. Ideally, you shoul

Employer Match & Roth Options Expand in 2025 Roth revolution in DC plans is accelerating a new era of tax diversification As of 2025, a growing number of employers are offering Roth employer contributions, and some are exploring the idea of non-elective Roth contributions. This development opens up powerful new planning strategies – especially for participants who anticipate being in a higher tax bracket in retirement. What’s Changing? Traditionally, employer contributions to

Severe Weather, Floods & Protecting Your Assets Be guided by a flexible, grounded plan to achieve your financial goals This summer’s flooding in Texas, Wisconsin, North Carolina and New Mexico has been a sobering reminder of how quickly weather can disrupt lives and finances. Homes and businesses were submerged, vehicles destroyed, and personal belongings lost in a matter of hours. And with hurricane season looming, experts warn that 2025 could be another active year. The Hid

Learn Whether You Can Retire on a Cruise Ship Exploring whether a life at sea aligns with your long-term retirement goals For those envisioning a retirement beyond the traditional setting, living full-time on a cruise ship is a unique possibility that some retirees are beginning to explore. While cruising is typically associated with short vacations, there is a small but growing cohort of individuals considering a permanent life at sea. This approach requires careful financia

Protecting Your Retirement from “Popcorn Brain” A financial professional’s guide to focused investing and why it matters As we navigate an increasingly digital world, a growing threat looms over investors – one that may quietly sabotage long-term success. It’s a condition researchers have dubbed "Popcorn Brain." If you find yourself making impulsive trades, obsessively checking your portfolio, or struggling to stick to your investment strategy, you may be experiencing it too.

Road to Retirement: Should You Borrow or Keep Driving? Before You Take a Retirement Plan Loan Know the Facts Your retirement plan may allow you to borrow from your account—but before you do, it’s important to understand how it can impact your future savings. Think of it like a U-turn on your savings highway. It could cost you more time and money than you expect. What You Should Know • Loan Limits (2025) – The IRS allows you to borrow the lesser of 50% of your vested account b

Moving Target Dates: Delayed Retirement Reality For many American workers over 50, retirement timelines have become a moving target, with increasing numbers now planning to stay employed longer due to economic volatility, market uncertainty, and the rising cost of living. Gen Xers, now in their mid-to-late 40s, 50s, and early 60s, are increasingly anxious about their retirement readiness. With median retirement balances of a 55-year-old at $50,000 and confidence in Social Sec

Opening the Door Wider to PE According to the 2024 DC PLANSPONSOR Benchmarking Report, only 2.2% of plan sponsors include any alternative investments whatsoever within their 401(k)s. That number may soon begin to shift. On August 7, President Trump signed an executive order intended to expand access to private equity (PE) and other alternative assets in retirement plans. Even so, this remains a complex topic for plan sponsors, who must weigh multiple factors before adding PE