Sound investment decisions are rarely made under the weight of worry. The field of behavioral finance points to a number of cognitive distortions that feed on investor fear – including 401(k) fears – and can plague participants’ decision-making while compromising their retirement readiness. Here are some that can send shivers down participants’ spines — and […]
401(k) Fears: What’s a Plan Sponsor to Do? Read More »
If you think about it, “reflection” is an interesting word. Depending on the context, it can mean gazing backward in time, inward to your personal core, or outward at how others perceive you. Regardless of the view, we believe there’s great value in taking time to reflect on both the global and personal experiences looming
Gratitude in Brief for the Holiday Season Read More »
In a bit of a paradox, you’ll find the following two titles on our recommended reading list: The Wisdom of Crowds, James Surowiecki (2005) Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Charles Mackay (1852) So, which is it? Are crowds wise or delusional? It helps to understand why the answer is yes,
Navigating Market Crowd Wisdom Read More »
In September, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it would hold interest rates steady for now but signaled at least one more hike may lie ahead before the end of the year. Moreover, rates are likely to stay elevated, as the Fed also indicated it expects fewer cuts than previously forecast for 2024. Plan sponsors can
Fed Rate Decision: Implications for Sponsors Read More »
As financial advisors, we help people attain financial independence. Usually, our personalized planning conversations are enough to help them establish a healthy, happy relationship with their money. But sometimes, we uncover bigger pain points we need to move past before we can move on. There’s no shame in that. Almost all of us have
Financial Freedom: When Financial Therapy Meets Wealth Management Read More »
1. How does the SECURE 2.0 Act affect my current participants? Employer Matching Contributions as designated Roth contributions: An optional provision, which has now been delayed until January 1, 2026. Participants may choose, plan permitting, to treat employer matching and nonelective contributions to qualified 401(a) defined contribution plans, 403(b) plans, and governmental 457(b) plans
Nobody wants to make investment mistakes. And yet, we’re human; mistakes happen. Here’s how to minimize the ones that matter the most, and make the most of the ones that remain. Bad Decisions vs. Bad Outcomes First, let’s define what we’re talking about: Investment mistakes happen when you make bad decisions, regardless of whether the
Navigating Investment Choices: Learning from Mistakes and Maximizing Opportunities Read More »
As a plan administrator or sponsor, you want to provide your employees with a retirement plan that benefits them while also being beneficial to your company. Safe harbor plans have become a popular option, but some sponsors may be hesitant to implement them out of concern for the associated costs. Let’s talk about the true
Understanding the True Cost of Safe Harbor Plans Read More »
You already know a fiduciary must act solely in the interest of the plan participants, their beneficiaries and alternate payees to ensure that only reasonable expenses are being paid. The big question is: how do you know if plan fees contained within 408(b)(2) disclosures are reasonable? Benchmarking your retirement plan fees is a vital tool
Unravelling 408(b)(2) Plan Fees Read More »
Whether due to disability, dementia, or simply enjoying an exotic vacation, there are many ways you can end up unavailable to make critical financial or healthcare choices for yourself or your loved ones. If you’ve not documented your desires in advance, it can add extra stress for everyone, plus the outcomes may not be what
Securing Your Interests: Essential Legal Tools for Life’s Uncertainties Read More »