Fred Barstein

Canadian philosopher and media theorist Marshall McLuhan is famous for coining the phrase, “The medium is the message.” His iconic observation suggested that the form in which is a message is conveyed will determine how it’s perceived. That has applications in the world of retirement plan benefits, where language matters. Literally, the words you use when crafting your retirement plan communications can make all the difference in boosting participation and improving plan outcomes.

A sea change is denoted by a radical transformation that requires a comprehensive revamp of a business’s strategies, systems, processes or structures. This significant change is often driven by major market shifts or threats to the organization’s survival.

Open, honest and candid discussion about using data to cross sell, whether the DC system can handle a mobile workforce, a sea change happening now and more.

A seismic shift is occurring in the constantly shifting retirement planning space. Plan sponsors and advisers now find themselves navigating dramatically varying expectations about retirement income sources across generations. Cerulli Associates’ latest U.S. Retirement Edition study has shed light on this trend, revealing a stark contrast in how different age groups view their financial future, particularly regarding Social Security and personal retirement accounts.

Twenty-five years ago, when a number of savvy wealth advisors, insurance agents and benefits brokers saw the potential in 401(k) plans with many acting as fiduciaries, they touted their ability to help plan sponsors lower record keeper fees. Provider fees dropped precipitously, helped in part by the 2012 408(b)(2) and 404(a)(5) regulations, a movement started years before by California congressman George Miller even making 60 Minutes in 2009 when the market collapsed, and investors saw huge declines in their 401(k) accounts.

Open, honest and candid discussion about Hightower's NEPC deal, RPA acquisitions, Agilis Partners launching an annuities platform and more.

Remember when managing a retirement plan was simpler? Ah, the good old days. Today’s retirement plan sponsors face an increasingly complex web of ERISA requirements, cybersecurity protocols, and administrative responsibilities. But as author, speaker, and journalist Chris Carosa, CTFA pointed out in a recent Fiduciary News article, there’s good news: you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

Exclusive interview with Hightower CEO Bob Oros and NEPC’s Managing Partner Mike Manning.

Open, honest and candid discussion about the job market, the IRA rollover process, Empower's results, Hightower's NEPC deal and more.

Financial stress has emerged as a critical issue in the workplace that demands employers’ immediate attention. Recent data from earned wage access company ZayZoon reveals that an overwhelming 73% of employees are struggling with affording basic necessities, leading to significant impacts on productivity and morale.