With the stock market constantly rising and falling, it’s hard to predict what kind of luck you’ll have when you retire and how much you should be saving so you don’t run out of money. One financial expert, however, has found the magic retirement savings rates for most people. How much you should save?
Wall Street in 2013 Stokes Misty Memories of 1982
“It’s just about the most audaciously optimistic investment opinion one could utter, yet a relative handful of Wall Street voices is beginning to say it, out loud and assertively: This market has passed through a “1982 moment.” Wall Street in 2013
August Retirement Report
Chances are that sometime recently you saw an ad for a product or service you had some interest in and it grabbed your attention. Whatever it was, it intrigued you enough to do some research and find out if it really was a good deal. After further investigation, maybe you realized the product or service wasn’t as good as you first thought. Others were offering the same product for less, or including more bells and whistles for the same price. Trying to figure out which deal is best can be confusing because no two offers are exactly the same. Furthermore, if it’s something you don’t need at the moment you may find it easier to set aside and deal with later. As a plan sponsor, you’ve likely gone through a very similar experience. August 2013
July Retirement Report
Though extremely useful, target date funds (TDFs) have always presented challenges in the retirement plan space. They are a series of funds that gradually grow more conservative, exhibiting lower volatility, over time. The year in the fund name is typically the date in which the participant is expected to retire (at age 65). Despite their relatively short existence, target date funds are the most widely used investment in defined contribution plans today. July 2013
2nd Quarter Newsletter 6/30/2013
Who knew that the Federal Reserve and the Central Banks of the world were so essential to healthy markets or unhealthy markets; or is it both? Years ago Central Banks labored in obscurity leaving the maintenance of a sound economic environment to their government’s fiscal policies, the ebbs and flows of the economy and global trade and industry innovation. Then, in the midst of the stagflation of the 1970’s, Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker emerged to co-star with the fiscal authorities in the slaying of the “Inflation Dragon”. They have been Rock Stars ever since. Newsletter 6-30-2013
June Retirement Report
What is the purpose of your retirement plan? Ponder it. If you responded, “To reward long term employees” or, “To help employees save for retirement,” we suggest you rethink this important topic. If the purpose is to reward long term employees, you can simply provide a cash bonus. Thought about differently, isn’t your healthcare program designed to maintain or improve the health of your employees? Your retirement plan is only successful if it provides for a meaningful retirement. June 2013
Dangers of Investing with the Herd
Since March 2009, we’ve watched the market rebound, even breaking new records in recent weeks. Now, whether you’ve sat it out on the sidelines or think you can predict what comes next, I recommend you take a step back and remember a few things. See Dangers of Investing with Herd
Four Steps for Boosting your 401k Balance
Members of 401(k) plans nationwide are feeling richer. The average account balance in plans run by Fidelity Investments hit $77,300 in the fourth quarter. That was an all-time high since Fidelity — the largest operator of 401(k)s — began to track this data in 2007. Workers ages 60 to 64 averaged $134,600. Studies of other plans industrywide show similar trends. See Four Steps for Boosting your 401k Balance
Man vs. Machine: The Great Stock Showdown
It has always been difficult for investors to consistently beat index funds. It has been nearly impossible lately. And there’s a double whammy: The small number of advisers who outperform the market rarely can keep doing so. One big culprit, experts say: the rise of sophisticated computer-trading programs. Man vs. Machine
May Retirement Report
What is the true objective of your company match? Is it intended to help your employees save more for retirement? Is it used as a tool to recruit new employees? Do you offer a match to incentivize lower paid employees to save more in order to improve your non discrimination test? In the end, is your company match achieving its objective? May 2013