October 28, 2020 2020 US Election: Inside the Candidates’ Retirement-Savings Policies by Jennifer DeLong There have been plenty of headlines exploring what the November US elections might mean for the economy and markets. But it’s just as important to look at what they might have in store for defined contribution (DC) and other retirement vehicles, which more Americans than ever rely on. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation Likes 1 SHARE Bookmarks
September 30, 2020 For DC Plans, Pandemic Reinforces Value of Consultants and Advisors by Jennifer DeLong Economic and market turmoil from the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for sponsors to shore up their plans. Can consultants and advisors help? We believe they can—not just during the crisis but with what’s coming beyond it. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation Likes 1 SHARE Bookmarks
August 06, 2020 DOL’s New Rules Don’t Have to Slow DC Plan ESG Adoption by Jennifer DeLong, Michelle Dunstan Demand for ESG investing is growing among DC plan participants, but with plan sponsors facing many choices and proposed new DOL rules, what’s the best approach? As we see it, fully integrating ESG considerations is fundamental to better financial outcomes—which is always in participants’ best interests. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation, Responsible Investing/ESG, Target-Date Solutions Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 23, 2020 Coronavirus May Shake Up DC Plan Participant Benefits by Jennifer DeLong The COVID-19 crisis poses a big challenge for employers to rationalize the benefits they offer to employees. With budgets stretched and every dollar scrutinized, tough choices loom on DC plan offerings, in addition to programs like financial wellness. Plan Design Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
May 07, 2020 Systematic Target-Date Rebalancing: Taking Emotion out of the Equation by Christopher Nikolich, Elena Wang The turmoil in the first quarter of 2020 reinforced the importance of rebalancing in target-date design. As we see it, a finely tuned, systematic approach can help keep emotions in check and risk under control—benefits that translate to many types of multi-asset solutions. Asset Allocation, Multi-Asset, Plan Design, Target-Date Solutions, Volatility Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
April 24, 2020 DC Plan Sponsor Fiduciary Torch Is Brighter—and Can Help Light Dark Days by Jennifer DeLong DC plan sponsors are taking their fiduciary roles more seriously today, and upping training among their ranks while relying more on third-party expertise, based on our latest survey. Plan Design, Target-Date Solutions Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
April 06, 2020 Don’t Panic! Bear Market Communication Tips for DC Plan Sponsors by Jennifer DeLong The bear market is challenging defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors to reinforce timeless investing principles while also conveying new rules that bring relief to participants. Good communication practices are a key ingredient to achieving success in both these areas. Coronavirus, Multi-Asset, Plan Design, Target-Date Solutions, Volatility Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
October 02, 2018 Retirement and Beyond: Congress Considers Changes to the Way Americans Save by Jennifer DeLong With the midterm elections looming and an executive order that underscores President Trump’s interest in how Americans save for retirement, it’s increasingly possible that Congress could approve substantive retirement reform in the coming weeks. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
November 14, 2017 Six Tips to Take DC Plans to the Next Level by Jennifer DeLong Tax reform. Interest-rate hikes. Regulatory questions. Inflation. There’s always a reason to put off making changes to your company’s defined contribution (DC) plan. But some improvements will be good for your plan and participants no matter what happens. Multi-Asset, Plan Design, Target-Date Solutions Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
October 10, 2017 How to Raise the Grade on DC Plan Success by Jennifer DeLong With all the hazards in the hunt for better retirement outcomes, how can defined contribution (DC) plans improve? As with many other pursuits, what gets measured gets managed…and gets better. Multi-Asset, Plan Design Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
September 12, 2017 “When I’m 64”—DC Plans and the Aging Workforce by Jennifer DeLong Should companies encourage retiring employees to keep their assets in the DC plan? With regulators increasingly scrutinizing IRA sales, it’s a good time for firms to develop an organizational policy on this issue. Plan Design Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 15, 2017 The Win-Win of Financial Wellness Programs by Jennifer DeLong By 2050, one in five Americans will be older than 65. The US is far from ready to address the challenges of an aging workforce, but defined contribution (DC) plans have started incorporating innovative tools to help the workforce—and the workplace. Plan Design Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
March 09, 2016 DOL’s Big Changes for Protecting Retirees? Progressive DC Plans Are Way Ahead by Jennifer DeLong The US Department of Labor (DOL) is only a few weeks away from issuing its final enhanced fiduciary rules. And they’re going to change the way Americans manage their retirement savings. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks