Ted Godbout

Despite a decline in confidence, most Americans believe their finances remain relatively strong and they can still meet their long-term financial goals, according to findings from New York Life’s Wealth Watch Survey.  Even as inflation remains elevated and the cost of everyday goods continues to... READ MORE

Retirement plan providers are increasing their efforts to encourage saving by redesigning online participant experiences with simplicity and personalization in mind, according to a new report from Cerulli.    In fact, plan providers are making sizable investments in digital technology to enhance... READ MORE

Inflation is now the top obstacle to saving for a comfortable retirement, according to a new survey from Schwab Retirement Plan Services.  The firm’s annual nationwide survey of 401(k) plan participants finds that workers rank inflation (45%) ahead of other obstacles, including keeping up with... READ MORE

While many employers do consider their participants’ needs when selecting target date fund glide paths, a new white paper argues there is too much homogeneity given the heterogeneity of workers’ needs.   As such, more can be done, say Morningstar Senior Analyst Lia Mitchell and Retirement Studies... READ MORE

With fee compression and other market pressures in the defined contribution space, financial planning and wealth management opportunities are becoming more attractive offerings to recordkeepers, plan advisors and other DC providers.   In fact, several DC plan providers are harmonizing their DC and... READ MORE

A new study finds encouraging signs of improvement in the U.S. adult population’s financial capability even with the pandemic and substantial challenges in the labor market.  In fact, on many measures of financial capability, U.S. adults generally fared better in 2021 than in the decade leading up... READ MORE

The prospect of 401(k) plans adding cryptocurrency to their plan menu is like waiting for “fruit to ripen,” according to a plaintiff’s lawyer who spoke as part of a July 26 “Lessons from Litigation” panel at the 2022 NAPA D.C. Fly-In Forum.   Attorney Mark Bokyo (at right in photo), a Partner with... READ MORE

Retirees face many financial risks, such as outliving their money, investment losses and unexpected health expenses, but a new study finds that they may be overestimating some risks while underestimating others.  In "How Well Do Retirees Assess the Risks They Face in Retirement?" by Wenliang Hou,... READ MORE

Amid fears of rising inflation and ongoing market volatility, 401(k) participants remained busy but cautious traders in the second quarter of 2022.  According to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index, net trading activity significantly favored fixed income during the second quarter, with 51 out of 62... READ MORE