Hidden private credit danger in 401(k)s?
Rep. Neal's GAO request regarding the dangers of private credit in 401K plans, struck a chord. I think he is on to something.
Read MoreRep. Neal's GAO request regarding the dangers of private credit in 401K plans, struck a chord. I think he is on to something.
Read MoreInteresting article from The NY Times about the administration's efforts to keep old coal plants going. Here are my thoughts.
Read MoreThoughts on the "Unretirement" trend and concern for those who can't do that.
Read MoreCredit risk, NDAs, and private equity. What could possibly go wrong Including private equity in a 401k?
Read MoreLooking beyond the 401k trends and yet another "auto" plan feature...
Read MoreExpanding the idea of a defendable/ repeatable process into one that is chock full of details (ie, evidence).
Read MoreMay 1, May Day, International Workers Day. Should I take a day off?
Read MoreThe OPTIONS Act reminds me of a buffet. You choose what you want but what are the risks?
Read MoreBaton passing aČ™ a metaphor for handing off pension payment risk?
Read MorePrudence makes me think about the actress in "Across The Universe", a Beatles tribute. Should I sing, "I want to hold your hand"? Nah, let's dive in.
Read MoreDogs, cats, political signs, vandalism, and the 401k.
Read MoreThe Motley Fool cautions on two fronts about saving too much. I have a bone or two...or ten to pick with the article.
Read MoreHere's why a 401k advisor should not work for free.
Read MoreWith 2025 tax returns being filed now, I was curious how the "no tax on tips" statement is working out for the poor, working class, and middle class. Welp....
Read MoreLitigation risk and the Investment Selection rule from the DOL. I am pleasantly surprised!
Read MoreTaxing the rich is a tale as old as time but I just realized that if the government does spend the increased revenue in a proper manner, this will not help the country. Read on!
Read MoreBubble blowing can be fun but there is a different kind of bubble that is potentially concerning. The AI bubble.
Read MoreInteresting take on today's wealth inequality versus 1790s France. Settle in with a slice of cake and let's dive in.
Read MoreEconomic inequality has a direct impact on a company's balance sheet. Read on!
Read MoreMy take on today's DOL proposal on fiduciary duty, alternatives, and how that relates to ESG.
Read MoreWhich would you rather have in retirement, the pot of gold, the never-ending paycheck, or some four-leaf clovers?
Read MoreWhile the "Irish Goodbye" strategy can be quite helpful in social situations, here is an example of when not to use it.
Read MoreThe famous Zig Ziglar "cheap bicycle" story. Reminds me of 401k fee benchmarking.
Read MoreRuminating on what a prospective client or actual client see and hears and how the advisor community might respond.
Read MoreVenting about scammers. There should be a special ring in Dante's Inferno just for these folks.
Read MoreCurious about the unique 401k risks inherent in private prison investments? Read on!
Read MoreIcebergs or debris in the San Francisco Bay. Going for a spin in the boat. ESG investing. All in one lengthy read.
Read MoreThe latest in policy silver bullets from the 401k arena may not be what policymakers hope for!
Read MoreThe Cushman climate-change-risk lawsuit is quite refreshing. Sort of like a tropical drink with a twist!
Read MoreWhat do 401k practices and entertaining baseball have in common? Read on!
Read MoreNothing quite like face planting into colorful carpet....er...a faceful of learnings!
Read MoreIf retiring with dignity is the avowed purpose of a 401k, then how are small retirement plans doing in that regard?
Read MoreI still can't wrap my head around 401k Emergency Savings accounts. Seems the market agrees.
Read MoreWhat lessons can be learned from the Liberty Mutual 401k case? For one, get out your tape measures.
Read MoreIf I bury my head in the sand and ignore a problem, will the problem go away? Read on!
Read MoreRuminations on inequality in America and whether there is any chance for change. Spare change, anyone?
Read MoreSeason 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer was amazing. Can't wait for Season 5. And while I am waiting, what is next in the world of 401k forfeiture lawsuits?
Read MoreAn enjoyable read and think from 401k Specialist magazine on trends and best practices in the 401k advisor arena.
Read MoreTime to look at benchmarks in the sometimes opaque world of 401k alternative investments.
Read MoreNothing quite like vague language to produce unexpected results.
Read MoreAs the ESG 401k world turns. Days of our ESG lives. The on-going soap opera.
Read MoreInteresting article advocating that target date funds should consist of active and passive funds depending on where there is value. I think I will opt for a blended smoothie.
Read MoreAn interesting article (and my summary) on decision-making under pressure and how it can impact 401k committee work.
Read MoreWhen you wish upon a star at Christmas, I bet you don't wish for legal clarity on 401k forfeitures. But I do. Read on!
Read MoreComparing apples and oranges is fun from a dietary point of view but not from a 401k point of view. Read on!
Read MoreAs we leave 2025 for 2026, I raise a glass and my voice (warble?) to you with "The Parting Glass", the final song sung in an Irish pub at closing. Here's to more conversations in 2026.
Read MoreMy perspective on the recent US Treasury bond credit downgrade and how this could impact the 401k space.
Read MoreFrom our home to yours with gratitude! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWpD1togsZE&feature=youtu.be
Read MoreExcellence and authenticity go hand in hand. Both are deliberate choices. Neither is accidental. Read on!
Read MoreWhat to do about those pesky conflicts of interest in the 401k space? Hmm, maybe a dash of R6? A record keeping platform change? Read on.
Read MoreTarget date funds are moving beyond simply being based on a participant's age. But caution is warranted in this move.
Read MoreMight we see clarity and a light at the end of the tunnel in the myriad of forfeiture cases?
Read MoreSo you want to buy my book of business?
Read MoreThe Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies took a look at America’s middle class through the lens of each decades demographics/ expectations/ fears. Not surprisingly, the expectations/ fears/ needs of those in their 20s is quite...
Read MoreIf this bill passes, is it the end of ESG investing in 401k plans? Nah. But the focus will remain on PECUNIARY!
Read MoreThe time to do the right thing is now. Nothing else matters. Revenue sharing in 401k investments.
Read MoreThe Schroder's survey on "When to take Social Security" is compact but chockfull of interesting tidbits.
Read MoreHunter/ gatherer may work for some as a business model but here is a different way.
Read More401k plans, renewable energy, and coal. All part of a late Sunday night routine. Read on!
Read More35 years into the 401k industry and I have yet to see a silver bullet. Managed accounts need to be considered carefully as a QDIA.
Read MoreHow I wish the Harry Potter Accio summoning charm was real. No more misplaced house keys. Coffee pots that are summoned on demand, refilling my cup without me getting out of my chair. And an easy way to track down old retirement plans.
Read More2025 is winding down (as shown by the winter holiday decorations in Costco!) and thoughts turn to 2026. Here are my thoughts on how to prepare your retirement plan for the year ahead.
Read MoreWith all the twists and turns in this case (and the possible influence of politics), will American Airlines appeal?
Read MoreWe took a beating in San Francisco from rain and lightning. Climate change is exacerbating these storms. What does that mean in the 401k world? Grab a cup of coffee (or two) and read on.
Read MoreMore reasons I urge caution and restraint in the crypto arena.
Read MoreRiffing off the latest from author and speaker Simon Sinek on leadership, status, and coffee.
Read MoreNothing quite like Nat King Cole, smiling, and 401k plans.
Read MoreConflicts of interest are a tale as old as time but one can hope the financial services industry can turn this around.
Read MoreIt is rewarding to see when a prudent process is celebrated...or in this case, vindicated.
Read MoreIf only it was so easy to distinguish between good choices and bad. But a well-documented process helps!
Read MoreWhatever happened to the shiny object of yesteryear, the Financial Wellness program? Why do small businesses not offer it as much as larger employers? ROI, perhaps?
Read MoreShould we be concerned about the latest Executive Order on private credit, private equity, etc. possibly being allowed in 401k plans?
Read MoreAre employers really taking advantage of the 401k start-up tax credits? If not, why not?
Read MoreWhat do we make of the rise in ERISA litigation and how might you defend your plan against that?
Read MoreRuminations on the 4th of July as fireworks explode outside my hotel room. Have we achieved "retire with dignity"?
Read MorePrice hikes soon? And the impact to 401k contributions?
Read MoreClarity has been achieved in this latest 401k forfeiture case. It may take a clearly written (no discretion) template plan document to stop this type of litigation.
Read MoreA Happy Father's Day to one and all! As I think about my dad and his pension, I can't help but ponder the current "401k retirement income" state of affairs.
Read MoreJust how many lawsuit attempts should plaintiffs get? And what do we make of trying to embellish the original complaint?
Read MoreThe First Friday 401k series took a deep dive into how to prepare for retirement. This was a fun conversation with Jeanne Thompson, former retirement plan SVP with Fidelity.
Read MoreThe adage, "One size does not fit all" is applicable to 401k Lifetime Retirement Income. Where might this idea fit and where not? Read on, please!
Read MoreReflections on AI, Spock, logic, and the future of the 401k advisor.
Read MoreHomes on stilts, climate change, and the impact on your biggest (?) asset.
Read MoreThoughts on playing with fire in the 401k space. What might we learn and how might we continue to be proactive?
Read MoreCaution is warranted, I believe, in offering private market investments through a 401k. DOL and SEC guidance are needed first.
Read MoreNever would have imagined that the word, "OR" could cause so many issues. But such is the case in the 401k forfeiture world. Onwards!
Read MoreFollow the money to understand some of the genesis of managed accounts in the 401k space. Here are some of the contributing creation factors.
Read MoreIt is perfectly normal to chase the new shiny object in the 401k space but do so based on a Prudent Process.
Read MoreA sudden desire for a customized smoothie at the annual NAPA 401k conference got me to pondering managed accounts in 401k plans. Read on!
Read MoreThe first round of the NFL Draft is in the books. Funny how the Draft reminds me of 401k plans. Really? Read on!
Read MoreThe Supreme Court might take on an excessive fee/ poor performance case in the latest rendition of "Here we go again". But who bears the burden of proof? Plaintiffs or defendants?
Read MoreThe age-old discussion of price versus value. Wouldn't it be nice to end this once and for all?
Read MoreTariffs Part III or when will cooler heads prevail?
Read MoreAs I think about Curtis v. Amazon.com, I find myself singing, "I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed". My thoughts follow.
Read MoreMutual slapping is generally not a good negotiating tactic as I said in February 2 blog and yet, here we are.
Read MoreThe HP case was a doozie. I think I understood some of it but...more coffee!
Read MoreWhile I speak eloquently about the need to "Retire with Dignity", there is one thing we must avoid.
Read MoreMy journey in public speaking from a train wreck of a speech to an accomplished speaker. Join me?
Read MoreYes, 401k fraud victims should not be responsible for the 10% early withdrawal penalty that can occur when money is taken out of their 401k account. But what proactive steps should be taken to prevent fraud?
Read MoreScore one for a documented, defendable and repeatable process. And score one for not filing meritless lawsuits.
Read MoreShould the US have a Social Security/ retirement system like the one down under?
Read MoreThe Women's Retirement Protection Act of 2025 strikes me as common sense all the way around. What do you think?
Read MoreBranch audit #25 is in the books. We got a 0. Why are we celebrating? Read on.
Read More9 pages. 2 large cups of coffee. I think I understand a little more about company stock in a 401k post-Dudenhoeffer?
Read MoreGlad to celebrate the increasing number of 401k millionaires and at the same time, reflect on how that is not the full picture.
Read MoreIs a 401k vesting schedule effective in retaining employees? Read on!
Read MoreOf barn doors, horses, coffee, and climate change.
Read MoreDo the right thing by your plan participants always. Pretty simple idea, I think.
Read MoreA grouchy employee and a forgotten conversation of 20 years ago. Why do Americans keep working past 65?
Read MoreMy conference ribbons mix serious (ie,. CKP) with the irreverent. Why do I do this and what does it have to do with paying attention? Read on!
Read MoreThe fine art of gobbledygook and the lost art of clear communication.
Read MoreThoughts on ESG, performance lift, measurement, and transparency.
Read MoreDo we really base our spending on what our neighbors/ social circles are doing? Given the gaps between spending/ savings - retirement, this is topic to look at.
Read MoreAre lower investment fees the sole criteria to focus on in choosing a 401k investment menu? Let's take a look at a Zig Ziglar story and think about that.
Read MoreState Farm wants to raise property insurance rates in light of the claims it is facing from the Los Angeles fires. How might this impact California consumers?
Read MoreMy thoughts on 401ks and tariffs in a global economy.
Read MoreRuminating on the proposed temporary freeze of Federal grants and loans and the possible impact on "Retiring with dignity".
Read MoreBeen on a bit of a decluttering rampage here at Green Retirement...
Read MoreAs a fan of auto-enrollment and auto-escalation, it was eye-opening to read this report on the limitations thereof. We must keep striving to get all to retire with dignity.
Read MoreSocial Security does not have to run out of money. Yes, the situation can be righted. Given that this is a critical part of a person's retirement plan, we can be proactive. But will we as a nation do that?
Read MoreIt will be interesting to see what the next four years bring. The focus should always be on "retire with dignity for all workers".
Read MoreAvoid conflicts of interest at all costs. Do the right thing always. Pretty simple, huh?
Read MoreThe latest on the American Airlines 401k/ ESG case. Talk about convoluted!
Read MoreRuminating from Monaco on what makes a person great and how that applies to the 401k.
Read MorePerfection is essential in certain industries and mistakes can be catastrophic. And in the world of the 401k plan...
Read MoreHow might you save more for retirement? Well, there is the Harry Potter trick and also...
Read MoreLess is more certainly makes sense. But I am puzzled by the annuity rollover provision. Read on!
Read MoreCan we apply an ESG lens to Santa Clause, Inc.? Should we even try to do that?
Read MoreRuminations as we finish our client handwritten holiday cards.
Read MoreWhat the Next Trump Administration Could Mean for Retirement Plans Donald Trump’s first term featured several policy shifts and proposals that influenced retirement savings and investment strategies. Here’s a look at what a new Trump...
Read MoreTremendously uplifting to see the impact our 401k clients have in the lives of others.
Read MoreWhat would happen if high monthly health insurance premiums could be directed to retirement?
Read MoreI'm happy to see more 401k millionaires but how about the have-not's?
Read MoreMore thoughts on excessive 401k fee lawsuits as I ponder the Kimberly Clark proposed 401k settlement.
Read MoreAnother proposed 401k excessive fee lawsuit settlement. Is this helpful?
Read MoreJust give me my retirement goal and I will save that! Ah, if only life was that easy.
Read MoreWhat might happen next in the ESG skirmish with a new administration coming in?
Read MoreThe cost of climate change can be seen in microcosm from the flash floods in Spain in late October.
Read MoreDoughnuts and 401k plans. Yes, they do fit together! Read on!
Read MoreThe dental industry has mastered gamification to promote better dental health. Could that happen in the 401k space?
Read MoreThoughts on climate change risk and your 401k plan.
Read MoreThe day we stop caring for our fellow man is a dark day indeed. Compassion and empathy must always be present in our decisions and actions.
Read MoreFinancial wellness thoughts late on a Monday evening. What a party it is at Green Retirement!
Read MoreWhat a blast I had at IFG's Practice Management forum. I got to share my love of 401k plans with my fellow advisors.
Read MoreAh, the halcyon days of the 80s where Wham! with George Michael ruled supreme. But what does that have to do with talent retention?
Read MoreOf butterflies and sales with a hat tip to my friend, Gwenn Marsh, the Queen of the Close.
Read MoreWould anyone work for an unreasonable price? Of course not. But wait a minute...
Read MorePLEASE keep your beneficiary designations up-to-date!
Read MorePeter, Paul, and Mary along with a jet plane and the insurance industry. Join me for a chorus of this classic?
Read MoreA rollicking discussion of business ethics from three different industries and what a fun evening of public speaking it was!
Read MoreThe Quest 401k case illustrates the need to have a prudent investment process and the crucial need to document everything. Read on!
Read MoreShould you sell or solve? Depends on the situation, client needs, and complexity of the item in question. But in the 401k space...
Read MoreClimate change, risk management, and investments. Just another day in the neighborhood.
Read MoreThe Capital Group's eight-page analysis on whether markets fare better under Dems or Republicans was quite timely and scratched an itch I've had for sometime.
Read MoreVanguard's climate-change impact white paper, while well-written, seems to be at odds with its investing philosophy. What might that potentially mean?
Read MoreInteresting to see how greed and a desire for shortcuts keeps coming up!
Read MoreThoughts on how to honor Labor on Labor Day!
Read MoreMy broker-dealer's annual conference is full of great ideas but many come from talks that are not investment related!
Read MoreWe are more than a date of birth and a date of death. We are defined by the "dash" between those two dates. What will your dash say?
Read MorePonderings from a non-attorney about the recent SCOTUS reversal of the 1984 Chevron case. What are the implications for the retirement plan industry?
Read MorePeople are looking for good quality, unbiased financial education. Can you deliver that?
Read MoreHow can a married couple have a shot at maxing out the 401k? Here's an idea to kick around.
Read MoreThe fine art of saving money by not hiring someone. But can you get what you need for free?
Read MoreMy thoughts on the Presidential election, the impact of American workers, and if it will change how I serve my clients.
Read MoreTaking the stodgy Summer Reading List and turning it on its head!
Read MoreSenator Hickenlooper's well-intentioned 401k replacement proposal has me scratching my head.
Read MoreRainy day funds, unexpected life twists, and adulting.
Read MoreKazoos, divorce proceedings, and 401k plans. All in a day's work. Read on!
Read MoreMore on the interesting RiversEdge TPA case as follow-on from yesterday's article.
Read MoreHow does someone steal money from a 401k? Read on. And yes, the question of "Why" needs a few glasses of chilled wine, me thinks.
Read MoreIt is a good idea to take a peek at your retirement plan from time to time. Are all contributions accounted for in a timely manner? Read on!
Read MoreHow can the 401k industry help all have a shot at achieving the American Dream? Read on!
Read MoreWhat should have been an easy exercise in creating a national lost and found database for retirement plan assets has become a possible case of overreach. Read on!
Read MoreLooking at the latest thoughts from plan sponsors on how to improve the 401k plan.
Read MoreThoughts on the SEC's Names Rule and how this relates to ESG investing.
Read MoreThe squidgy side of the Investment Committee meeting should not be shied away from. Embrace it.
Read MoreYep, 401k participant eduction sessions can be a lot of fun!
Read MoreLivin' on a prayer is great as a song but not great as a way to prepare for retirement. Read on!
Read MoreIt is always fun to see who folks consult regarding investment decisions.
Read MoreRumination from a part-time road-warrior and 401k advisor
Read MoreDocumenting why a course of action was taken is important but it is not enough. Read on.
Read MoreIn a survey, many Americans say they want to work post-retirement is high but the number that actually work post-retirement is low. Why is that?
Read MoreHealthcare is expensive in the US and certainly can be cheaper overseas. Is the answer to move overseas then?
Read MoreRuminating some more on 401k auto-enrollment and the 401k Geek dinner that Prof. Benartzi hosted. Ah, to have been a fly on the wall at that dinner! Brain food galore!
Read MoreRethinking auto-enrollment in 401k plans could lead to a more likely outcome of being able to retire with dignity. Onwards!
Read MoreWhy is it so hard to talk about 401k fees and how much we are worth?
Read More32 years of marriage have taught me a few things. Read on!
Read MoreThe latest SEC judgement of $76MM makes one wonder. Read on!
Read MoreFuneral homes, bouncing checks, and Bourbon Street. All in a day's work.
Read MoreWe should strive for timely decisions based on logic and that are thought-through. The road of indecision is paved with flat squirrels. Read on!
Read MoreSaying "No" to a prospective client is not easy but it can be the right thing to do.
Read MoreFunny how an amazing TV show on Netflix got me thinking about DEI efforts in the 401k practice arena.
Read MoreA basic primer in how to transfer a phone call. Still needed in this day and age.
Read MoreSome more quick thoughts on the latest 401k survey from the Plan Sponsor Council of America.
Read MoreReflecting on the 66th annual Plan Sponsor survey...
Read MoreA Retirement Bill of Rights makes sense but how to we make it a reality for all workers?
Read MoreThinking of terminating a SIMPLE IRA mid-year for a 401k? Grab some coffee!
Read MoreAnd to think this could all have been avoided by an up-to-date beneficiary designation!
Read MoreFAIL, END, and NO can be excellent guidelines for life. Please read on!
Read MoreAnd how exactly did I tie winning Super Bowls to winning 401k plans? Welp...
Read MoreWhich financial bucket do I fill first? Savings? 401k? IRA? Something else? Read on!
Read MoreUsage of auto-enrollment and auto-escalation has increased from 2013 to 2023 and I am a fan.
Read MoreWhat goes into a healthy and fun retirement? Read on and do it!
Read MoreWhy work past 65? What an interesting question and certainly one that stirs folks up. Read on!
Read MoreWill you still be working at 65? Maybe you will have retired early? And what is retirement?
Read MoreHow might a small retirement plan approach fee reviews? Here is one way to tackle this necessary task.
Read MoreHow confident are you that you can retire on time and with dignity? Read on for my thoughts!
Read MoreWhen was the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designation? Keeping it current is part of a prudent practice.
Read MoreA new (and potentially complicated) idea like "Retirement Income in 401(k) plans" will take a fair amount of explaining and repeating. Invest the time to make sure the client makes the right decision for their plan.
Read MoreIn the coming weeks, there will be scads of articles on the new Fiduciary Rule. Here is higher level view of the Rule based on my decades in the industry.
Read MoreWe are familiar with the adoption journey of iPhones and other smart phones. What might the adoption journey look like for Retirement Income in 401(k) solutions?
Read MoreInstead of leading with a product, I prefer to see a) there is a problem and b) think about possible solutions. Doing this allows for a more holistic view. Leading with a product might be akin to square peg/ round hole.
Read MoreWhat happens when a random investment allocation includes a retirement income solution? What disclosure is needed? And could these solutions lead to conflicts of interest?
Read MoreResearch seems to show there is demand for sustainable investing options in 401(k) plans. Yet the number of surveyed plans offering those types of options appears to lag demand. Why is that and what can be done?
Read MoreThis question came up during a recent Retirement Income for 401(k) Plans training. Does the Retirement Income Projection number on an employee's 401k statement motivate them to retire? What followed was an intense debate and I thought...
Read MoreRetirement Income solutions in a 401k plan may seem like a good idea but as Plan Sponsor, you must do your research to see if that is the case.
Read MoreIf you are going to state your fund follows an ESG mandate, it might be good to verify that before making such a statement!
Read MoreJust how much is a relationship worth? Should it be boiled down to dollars and cents?
Read MoreCommon sense rules for everyday life with direct applicability to the 401k world.
Read MoreI am a fan of Simon Sinek but his latest post gave me pause. Read on!
Read MoreThese 8 rules for life apply to the world of the 401k advisor as well!
Read MoreCan something designed to help actually have the opposite effect? That may be the case with long-term part-time employees under SECURE 2.0.
Read MoreHere are some thoughts on three Roth provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act.
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