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    InvestmentsFinancial literacyRetirement readiness

    Help employees understand the pros & cons of Roth options

    The differences between a traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k) are considered common knowledge among financial professionals and plan sponsors. But for the average employee who participates in a defined contribution plan, it’s not always cut and dried.

    November 22, 2023 | 2 min read

    TrendsRetirement readinessMedicare/Social Security

    2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) fast facts

    As we embark on another new year, many have been curious about the cost of living adjustments (COLA) they’ll see for 2024. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made the updates available, and these adjustments have the marks of the current inflation crisis all over it.

    November 08, 2023 | 4 min read

    TrendsRetirement readinessSECURE 2.0

    Auto-escalation best practices for retirement plan and participant success

    Helping employees prepare for retirement is challenging yet critically important. Two key strategies are:

    1. Encouraging them to contribute to their retirement plans in the first place, and 
    2. Increasing those contributions over time.

    November 02, 2023 | 4 min read

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    TrendsFinancial literacyRetirement readiness

    Helping retirees understand Medicare

    Securing one’s continued insurance coverage through retirement is critical. With so much to take care of, it can be overwhelming for retirees to make sure everything is in order as they sunset out of working life. Medicare in particular can be confusing.

    Those on the cusp of retirement may begin to have more questions about how to navigate the complexities of Medicare. Here’s an overview of Medicare’s parts and retirees’ healthcare options that can help inform financial and human resources professionals who often face questions from workers as retirement approaches.

    October 25, 2023 | 6 min read

    InvestmentsRetirement readinessTPA

    Cash balance plans: The right solution for the right plan sponsor

    In recent years, traditional pension plans have become less common and defined contribution plans have grown in popularity.

    To help clients maximize their retirement benefits, cash balance plans provide an alternative to traditional pension plans. Cash balance plans combine the best benefits of traditional pension plans and defined contribution plans.

    October 18, 2023 | 2 min read

    TrendsWellnessRetirement readiness

    Mental health & money: How financial professionals can help

    We can probably agree the phrase “Money can’t buy happiness.” isn’t entirely true, or at least, that it ignores the differences having enough money can make.

    October 11, 2023 | 3 min read

    InvestmentsRetirement readinessMedicare/Social Security

    5 fast facts to avoid taking Social Security too early

    Financial professionals and plan sponsors are often well aware of the pitfalls of taking Social Security too soon. But are your plan participants?

    September 27, 2023 | 3 min read

    InvestmentsMarketsRetirement readinessMedicare/Social Security

    Retirement readiness: Combining sources for a sustainable income

    Diversification is a common investment strategy for many. Not only are workers encouraged to diversify within a portfolio, many will need to rely on a diverse range of income sources in retirement.

    September 13, 2023 | 4 min read

    InvestmentsRetirement readinessPlan design

    How defined benefit plans supercharge the powers of retirement benefit offerings

    High-income owners of small and mid-sized businesses often face challenges maximizing their own retirement plan contributions while also affordably covering contributions to employee retirement benefits.

    August 16, 2023 | 3 min read