You can almost hear the retirement plan consultants ticking the boxes on their to-do lists: auto-enrollments? Check. Auto-increases? Check. With widespread implementation of these features firmly entrenched, the next focus may be retirement income options in 401(k) plans. That’s one of the findings from recent queries of 238 consulting and…
The assumption when plan sponsors began to include auto features in their 401(k) plans was that participation rates and deferral amounts would increase — but no one knew for sure. As time has passed, it appears the assumption was good: auto-enrollment and auto-increases have had very positive results overall. Plans…
How realistic are employees about the true state of their retirement savings? While many among the three primary generations that make up today’s workforce are feeling pretty good about the future, all three may be seeing things a little optimistically. Even if their vision is a little rosy, there are…
Here are some options on how to tap income in retirement To enjoy a comfortable retirement, you may need to balance multiple types of income streams in your portfolio. This could help you achieve the most advantageous mix of investment growth, income and tax control that’s appropriate to your risk…
Q: In reviewing employment data at our company, we were surprised to find the average time our employees stay with us to be about 6 years. Considering that many employees who leave us take a lump sum distribution from their 401(k) accounts, it made us wonder what we can do…
Putting together your plan doesn’t have to mean going it alone You’ve decided to save for retirement by signing up for your company retirement plan. After you’ve settled on the investment profile that best suits your style of investing (say, conservative, aggressive, or somewhere in between), the next most important…
Financial wellness is important for individuals and their employers, in part because of the role it may play in retirement. Individuals benefit when they are financially healthy, because it makes them more prepared to retire on time and with enough money. Companies benefit, too, because along with the potential for…
You may need to reconsider how you file your return In 2018, the most significant changes to US individual taxes since 1986 took effect. Many taxpayers were happy with their increased paychecks during the year, but surprised that they had taxes to pay or a smaller refund at year-end. Now…
Taxpayers are required to pay most of their tax obligation during the year by having tax withheld from their paychecks or pension payments, or by making estimated tax payments. Estimated tax is the primary method used to pay tax on income that isn’t subject to withholding. This typically includes income…
If you were unpleasantly surprised by the amount of tax you owed or the amount of your tax refund when you filed your 2018 tax return, it may be time to check your withholding. It may also be time if there are changes in your life or financial situation that…
