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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

When an advisor asks, “What has your advisor done for you lately?” are they trying to understand your needs or create dissatisfaction? Here are my thoughts on three possible approaches in a sales meeting.

 

Thursday, September 24, 2026

If lower-income wages are growing faster, has the economic divide disappeared? Secretary Bessent thinks so but does long-term data support his view?

 

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

If governance, AI, valuation, and environmental exposure can affect investment results, on what basis can a prudent manager afford to ignore them? What might be learned from the 1919 investment management team?

 

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Before we turn a retiree’s savings into a paycheck, shouldn’t we first determine what they actually need to spend?

 

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

When was the last time you experienced your business as a client does? Customers do not experience departments or job descriptions. They experience one organization, often during circumstances its employees cannot see.

 

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Friday, September 11, 2026

Missing my CLO Ka-Boom! Yee. What a hole in my heart.

 

Saturday, September 5, 2026

If an employee’s faith prohibits investing in fossil-fuel companies, must the employer provide another 401(k) option? Does religious accommodation end at the workplace door, or does it extend into the 401(k) investment menu?

 

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Before private markets enter a 401(k), shouldn’t someone prove that they improve retirement outcomes after fees?

 

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

If every investment path in your 401(k) conflicts with your faith, do you really have a choice?

 

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Can people save for retirement if they can barely afford today?

 

Sunday, August 23, 2026

What might the US learn and apply from Denmark's focus on making climate policy an economic strategy?

 

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Contemplating the differences between the Danish and the US tax code systems and what people get for taxes paid in the respective countries

 

Friday, August 21, 2026

Funny how I find myself in the mood for a good salad with radishes. Sounds tasty, but what goes into the salad?

 

Sunday, August 16, 2026

About that study from Vanguard regarding the most effective 401k match formula...

 

Saturday, August 8, 2026

If it works in Finland, can it work here in the United States?

 

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Are you concerned you haven't saved enough according to the last "savings" data? Let's reframe the question and assumptions.

 

Thursday, July 23, 2026

"Follow the money" said Junior Advisor James back in the first grade. Yep, 401k lessons from a healthcare lawsuit.

 

Monday, July 20, 2026

The Burning Man Project published their sustainability report, and it certainly was uplifting. Of course, it made me think about 401K plans.

 

Sunday, July 19, 2026

What exactly is positive GDP measuring?

 

Saturday, July 18, 2026

10x final salary! $5,000,000! More! SAVE! Wait a minute. Let's look at "how much you need in retirement" logically.

 

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Yet another market commentary and outlook. But what does it mean for participants and plan sponsors?

 

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Skepticism is warranted when new innovations come about especially when they are backed by single source data!

 

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Reflections on July 4th. Freedom from want. The freedom to retire with dignity. This is what a 401k should focus on.

 

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Can frivolous retirement plan litigation undermine the retirement plan system?

 

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Is the issue one of income inequality or maybe, concentration of power?!

 

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

In an era of low trust, the time to discuss AI regulation and ethics is now.

 

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Will Social Security run out of money right about the time I am thinking of retiring? What should be done? Read on!

 

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Shiny! New! Call in the next 10 minutes for a set of free steak knives... Wait a minute, I've heard this before.

 

Saturday, May 30, 2026

The SEC has removed climate change disclosure requirements. Guess that is the end of climate change risk?

 

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Much as been written about the perceived benefits of AI but how about who pays the costs and how should that be managed?

 

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Just over five months until the midterm elections. As the shouting intensifies, what should 401K participants do?

 

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Both an AI bubble and a revolution? Prudence.

 

Friday, May 15, 2026

Rep. Neal's GAO request regarding the dangers of private credit in 401K plans, struck a chord. I think he is on to something.

 

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Interesting article from The NY Times about the administration's efforts to keep old coal plants going. Here are my thoughts.

 

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Credit risk, NDAs, and private equity. What could possibly go wrong Including private equity in a 401k?

 

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Thoughts on the "Unretirement" trend and concern for those who can't do that.

 

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Looking beyond the 401k trends and yet another "auto" plan feature...

 

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Expanding the idea of a defendable/ repeatable process into one that is chock full of details (ie, evidence).

 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

May 1, May Day, International Workers Day. Should I take a day off?

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

The OPTIONS Act reminds me of a buffet. You choose what you want but what are the risks?

 

Monday, April 27, 2026

Baton passing aș a metaphor for handing off pension payment risk?

 

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Prudence 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.

 

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Dogs, cats, political signs, vandalism, and the 401k.

 

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

The Motley Fool cautions on two fronts about saving too much. I have a bone or two...or ten to pick with the article.

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Here's why a 401k advisor should not work for free.

 

Monday, April 13, 2026

With 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....

 

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Litigation risk and the Investment Selection rule from the DOL. I am pleasantly surprised!

 

Friday, April 10, 2026

Taxing 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!

 

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Bubble blowing can be fun but there is a different kind of bubble that is potentially concerning. The AI bubble.

 

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Interesting take on today's wealth inequality versus 1790s France. Settle in with a slice of cake and let's dive in.

 

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Economic inequality has a direct impact on a company's balance sheet. Read on!

 

Monday, March 30, 2026

My take on today's DOL proposal on fiduciary duty, alternatives, and how that relates to ESG.

 

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Which would you rather have in retirement, the pot of gold, the never-ending paycheck, or some four-leaf clovers?

 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

While the "Irish Goodbye" strategy can be quite helpful in social situations, here is an example of when not to use it.

 

Monday, March 23, 2026

Ruminating on what a prospective client or actual client see and hears and how the advisor community might respond.

 

Monday, March 23, 2026

The famous Zig Ziglar "cheap bicycle" story. Reminds me of 401k fee benchmarking.

 

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Venting about scammers. There should be a special ring in Dante's Inferno just for these folks.

 

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Curious about the unique 401k risks inherent in private prison investments? Read on!

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Icebergs or debris in the San Francisco Bay. Going for a spin in the boat. ESG investing. All in one lengthy read.

 

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The latest in policy silver bullets from the 401k arena may not be what policymakers hope for!

 

Sunday, March 8, 2026

The Cushman climate-change-risk lawsuit is quite refreshing. Sort of like a tropical drink with a twist!

 

Saturday, March 7, 2026

What do 401k practices and entertaining baseball have in common? Read on!

 

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Nothing quite like face planting into colorful carpet....er...a faceful of learnings!

 

Sunday, March 1, 2026

If retiring with dignity is the avowed purpose of a 401k, then how are small retirement plans doing in that regard?

 

Thursday, February 26, 2026

I still can't wrap my head around 401k Emergency Savings accounts. Seems the market agrees.

 

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

What lessons can be learned from the Liberty Mutual 401k case? For one, get out your tape measures.

 

Thursday, February 12, 2026

If I bury my head in the sand and ignore a problem, will the problem go away? Read on!

 

Monday, February 9, 2026

Ruminations on inequality in America and whether there is any chance for change. Spare change, anyone?

 

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Season 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?

 

Thursday, January 29, 2026

An enjoyable read and think from 401k Specialist magazine on trends and best practices in the 401k advisor arena.

 

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Time to look at benchmarks in the sometimes opaque world of 401k alternative investments.

 

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Nothing quite like vague language to produce unexpected results.

 

Monday, January 19, 2026

As the ESG 401k world turns. Days of our ESG lives. The on-going soap opera.

 

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Interesting 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.

 

Monday, January 5, 2026

An interesting article (and my summary) on decision-making under pressure and how it can impact 401k committee work.

 

Saturday, January 3, 2026

When you wish upon a star at Christmas, I bet you don't wish for legal clarity on 401k forfeitures. But I do. Read on!

 

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Comparing apples and oranges is fun from a dietary point of view but not from a 401k point of view. Read on!

 

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

As 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.

 

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

My perspective on the recent US Treasury bond credit downgrade and how this could impact the 401k space.

 

Thursday, December 25, 2025

From our home to yours with gratitude! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWpD1togsZE&feature=youtu.be

 

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Excellence and authenticity go hand in hand. Both are deliberate choices. Neither is accidental. Read on!

 

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Imagine not calling your clients. Read on!

 

Saturday, December 6, 2025

What 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.

 

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Target date funds are moving beyond simply being based on a participant's age. But caution is warranted in this move.

 

Friday, November 21, 2025

Might we see clarity and a light at the end of the tunnel in the myriad of forfeiture cases?

 

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

So you want to buy my book of business?

 

Thursday, November 13, 2025

The 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...

 

Friday, October 31, 2025

If this bill passes, is it the end of ESG investing in 401k plans? Nah. But the focus will remain on PECUNIARY!

 

Sunday, October 26, 2025

The time to do the right thing is now. Nothing else matters. Revenue sharing in 401k investments.

 

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

The Schroder's survey on "When to take Social Security" is compact but chockfull of interesting tidbits.

 

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Hunter/ gatherer may work for some as a business model but here is a different way.

 

Monday, October 13, 2025

401k plans, renewable energy, and coal. All part of a late Sunday night routine. Read on!

 

Sunday, October 12, 2025

35 years into the 401k industry and I have yet to see a silver bullet. Managed accounts need to be considered carefully as a QDIA.

 

Monday, October 6, 2025

How 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.

 

Friday, October 3, 2025

2025 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.

 

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

With all the twists and turns in this case (and the possible influence of politics), will American Airlines appeal?

 

Sunday, September 28, 2025

We 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.

 

Friday, September 26, 2025

More reasons I urge caution and restraint in the crypto arena.

 

Friday, September 19, 2025

Riffing off the latest from author and speaker Simon Sinek on leadership, status, and coffee.

 

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Nothing quite like Nat King Cole, smiling, and 401k plans.

 

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Conflicts of interest are a tale as old as time but one can hope the financial services industry can turn this around.

 

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

It is rewarding to see when a prudent process is celebrated...or in this case, vindicated.

 

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

If only it was so easy to distinguish between good choices and bad. But a well-documented process helps!

 

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Whatever 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?

 

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Should we be concerned about the latest Executive Order on private credit, private equity, etc. possibly being allowed in 401k plans?

 

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Are employers really taking advantage of the 401k start-up tax credits? If not, why not?

 

Monday, July 14, 2025

What do we make of the rise in ERISA litigation and how might you defend your plan against that?

 

Friday, July 4, 2025

Ruminations on the 4th of July as fireworks explode outside my hotel room. Have we achieved "retire with dignity"?

 

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Price hikes soon? And the impact to 401k contributions?

 

Friday, June 20, 2025

Clarity 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.

 

Sunday, June 15, 2025

A 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.

 

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Just how many lawsuit attempts should plaintiffs get? And what do we make of trying to embellish the original complaint?

 

Sunday, June 8, 2025

The 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.

 

Saturday, June 7, 2025

The 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!

 

Monday, June 2, 2025

Reflections on AI, Spock, logic, and the future of the 401k advisor.

 

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Homes on stilts, climate change, and the impact on your biggest (?) asset.

 

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Thoughts on playing with fire in the 401k space. What might we learn and how might we continue to be proactive?

 

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Caution is warranted, I believe, in offering private market investments through a 401k. DOL and SEC guidance are needed first.

 

Monday, May 12, 2025

Never would have imagined that the word, "OR" could cause so many issues. But such is the case in the 401k forfeiture world. Onwards!

 

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Follow the money to understand some of the genesis of managed accounts in the 401k space. Here are some of the contributing creation factors.

 

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

It is perfectly normal to chase the new shiny object in the 401k space but do so based on a Prudent Process.

 

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

A sudden desire for a customized smoothie at the annual NAPA 401k conference got me to pondering managed accounts in 401k plans. Read on!

 

Thursday, April 24, 2025

The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books. Funny how the Draft reminds me of 401k plans. Really? Read on!

 

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

The 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?

 

Thursday, April 17, 2025

The age-old discussion of price versus value. Wouldn't it be nice to end this once and for all?

 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Tariffs Part III or when will cooler heads prevail?

 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

As I think about Curtis v. Amazon.com, I find myself singing, "I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed". My thoughts follow.

 

Monday, April 7, 2025

Mutual slapping is generally not a good negotiating tactic as I said in February 2 blog and yet, here we are.

 

Sunday, April 6, 2025

The HP case was a doozie. I think I understood some of it but...more coffee!

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

While I speak eloquently about the need to "Retire with Dignity", there is one thing we must avoid.

 

Thursday, March 27, 2025

My journey in public speaking from a train wreck of a speech to an accomplished speaker. Join me?

 

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Yes, 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?

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Score one for a documented, defendable and repeatable process. And score one for not filing meritless lawsuits.

 

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Should the US have a Social Security/ retirement system like the one down under?

 

Thursday, March 13, 2025

The Women's Retirement Protection Act of 2025 strikes me as common sense all the way around. What do you think?

 

Friday, March 7, 2025

Branch audit #25 is in the books. We got a 0. Why are we celebrating? Read on.

 

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

9 pages. 2 large cups of coffee. I think I understand a little more about company stock in a 401k post-Dudenhoeffer?

 

Monday, March 3, 2025

Glad to celebrate the increasing number of 401k millionaires and at the same time, reflect on how that is not the full picture.

 

Monday, February 24, 2025

Is a 401k vesting schedule effective in retaining employees? Read on!

 

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Of barn doors, horses, coffee, and climate change.

 

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Do the right thing by your plan participants always. Pretty simple idea, I think.

 

Monday, February 17, 2025

A grouchy employee and a forgotten conversation of 20 years ago. Why do Americans keep working past 65?

 

Sunday, February 16, 2025

My 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!

 

Thursday, February 13, 2025

The fine art of gobbledygook and the lost art of clear communication.

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Thoughts on ESG, performance lift, measurement, and transparency.

 

Monday, February 10, 2025

Do 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.

 

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Are 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.

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

State 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?

 

Sunday, February 2, 2025

My thoughts on 401ks and tariffs in a global economy.

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Ruminating on the proposed temporary freeze of Federal grants and loans and the possible impact on "Retiring with dignity".

 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Been on a bit of a decluttering rampage here at Green Retirement...

 

Thursday, January 23, 2025

As 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.

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Social 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?

 

Monday, January 20, 2025

It will be interesting to see what the next four years bring. The focus should always be on "retire with dignity for all workers".

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Avoid conflicts of interest at all costs. Do the right thing always. Pretty simple, huh?

 

Friday, January 10, 2025

The latest on the American Airlines 401k/ ESG case. Talk about convoluted!

 

Friday, January 3, 2025

Ruminating from Monaco on what makes a person great and how that applies to the 401k.

 

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Perfection is essential in certain industries and mistakes can be catastrophic. And in the world of the 401k plan...

 

Monday, December 30, 2024

How might you save more for retirement? Well, there is the Harry Potter trick and also...

 

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Less is more certainly makes sense. But I am puzzled by the annuity rollover provision. Read on!

 

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Can we apply an ESG lens to Santa Clause, Inc.? Should we even try to do that?

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Ruminations as we finish our client handwritten holiday cards.

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

What 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...

 

Monday, December 9, 2024

Tremendously uplifting to see the impact our 401k clients have in the lives of others.

 

Sunday, December 8, 2024

What would happen if high monthly health insurance premiums could be directed to retirement?

 

Saturday, December 7, 2024

I'm happy to see more 401k millionaires but how about the have-not's?

 

Friday, December 6, 2024

More thoughts on excessive 401k fee lawsuits as I ponder the Kimberly Clark proposed 401k settlement.

 

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Another proposed 401k excessive fee lawsuit settlement. Is this helpful?

 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Just give me my retirement goal and I will save that! Ah, if only life was that easy.

 

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

What might happen next in the ESG skirmish with a new administration coming in?

 

Monday, December 2, 2024

The cost of climate change can be seen in microcosm from the flash floods in Spain in late October.

 

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Doughnuts and 401k plans. Yes, they do fit together! Read on!

 

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

The dental industry has mastered gamification to promote better dental health. Could that happen in the 401k space?

 

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Thoughts on climate change risk and your 401k plan.

 

Saturday, November 9, 2024

The 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.

 

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Boo!

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Financial wellness thoughts late on a Monday evening. What a party it is at Green Retirement!

 

Monday, October 28, 2024

What a blast I had at IFG's Practice Management forum. I got to share my love of 401k plans with my fellow advisors.

 

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Ah, the halcyon days of the 80s where Wham! with George Michael ruled supreme. But what does that have to do with talent retention?

 

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Of butterflies and sales with a hat tip to my friend, Gwenn Marsh, the Queen of the Close.

 

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Would anyone work for an unreasonable price? Of course not. But wait a minute...

 

Friday, October 4, 2024

PLEASE keep your beneficiary designations up-to-date!

 

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Peter, Paul, and Mary along with a jet plane and the insurance industry. Join me for a chorus of this classic?

 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

A rollicking discussion of business ethics from three different industries and what a fun evening of public speaking it was!

 

Monday, September 30, 2024

The Quest 401k case illustrates the need to have a prudent investment process and the crucial need to document everything. Read on!

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Should you sell or solve? Depends on the situation, client needs, and complexity of the item in question. But in the 401k space...

 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Climate change, risk management, and investments. Just another day in the neighborhood.

 

Sunday, September 8, 2024

The 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.

 

Friday, September 6, 2024

Interesting to see how greed and a desire for shortcuts keeps coming up!

 

Friday, September 6, 2024

Vanguard's climate-change impact white paper, while well-written, seems to be at odds with its investing philosophy. What might that potentially mean?

 

Monday, September 2, 2024

Thoughts on how to honor Labor on Labor Day!

 

Thursday, August 15, 2024

My broker-dealer's annual conference is full of great ideas but many come from talks that are not investment related!

 

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

We 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?

 

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Ponderings from a non-attorney about the recent SCOTUS reversal of the 1984 Chevron case. What are the implications for the retirement plan industry?

 

Saturday, July 27, 2024

People are looking for good quality, unbiased financial education. Can you deliver that?

 

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

How can a married couple have a shot at maxing out the 401k? Here's an idea to kick around.

 

Monday, July 22, 2024

The fine art of saving money by not hiring someone. But can you get what you need for free?

 

Thursday, July 18, 2024

My thoughts on the Presidential election, the impact of American workers, and if it will change how I serve my clients.

 

Monday, July 15, 2024

Taking the stodgy Summer Reading List and turning it on its head!

 

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Senator Hickenlooper's well-intentioned 401k replacement proposal has me scratching my head.

 

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Rainy day funds, unexpected life twists, and adulting.

 

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Kazoos, divorce proceedings, and 401k plans. All in a day's work. Read on!

 

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

More on the interesting RiversEdge TPA case as follow-on from yesterday's article.

 

Monday, July 8, 2024

How does someone steal money from a 401k? Read on. And yes, the question of "Why" needs a few glasses of chilled wine, me thinks.

 

Sunday, July 7, 2024

It 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!

 

Friday, July 5, 2024

How can the 401k industry help all have a shot at achieving the American Dream? Read on!

 

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

What 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!

 

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Looking at the latest thoughts from plan sponsors on how to improve the 401k plan.

 

Friday, June 28, 2024

Can someone have too much money? I wonder.

 

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Thoughts on the SEC's Names Rule and how this relates to ESG investing.

 

Sunday, June 23, 2024

The squidgy side of the Investment Committee meeting should not be shied away from. Embrace it.

 

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Yep, 401k participant eduction sessions can be a lot of fun!

 

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Livin' on a prayer is great as a song but not great as a way to prepare for retirement. Read on!

 

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

It is always fun to see who folks consult regarding investment decisions.

 

Friday, June 14, 2024

Rumination from a part-time road-warrior and 401k advisor

 

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Documenting why a course of action was taken is important but it is not enough. Read on.

 

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

In 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?

 

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Healthcare is expensive in the US and certainly can be cheaper overseas. Is the answer to move overseas then?

 

Monday, May 27, 2024

Ruminating 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!

 

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Rethinking auto-enrollment in 401k plans could lead to a more likely outcome of being able to retire with dignity. Onwards!

 

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Why is it so hard to talk about 401k fees and how much we are worth?

 

Thursday, May 23, 2024

32 years of marriage have taught me a few things. Read on!

 

Monday, May 20, 2024

The latest SEC judgement of $76MM makes one wonder. Read on!

 

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Funeral homes, bouncing checks, and Bourbon Street. All in a day's work.

 

Saturday, May 18, 2024

How is it possible to do nothing? Is it beneficial?

 

Thursday, May 16, 2024

We should strive for timely decisions based on logic and that are thought-through. The road of indecision is paved with flat squirrels. Read on!

 

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Funny how an amazing TV show on Netflix got me thinking about DEI efforts in the 401k practice arena.

 

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Saying "No" to a prospective client is not easy but it can be the right thing to do.

 

Monday, May 13, 2024

A basic primer in how to transfer a phone call. Still needed in this day and age.

 

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Some more quick thoughts on the latest 401k survey from the Plan Sponsor Council of America.

 

Friday, May 10, 2024

Reflecting on the 66th annual Plan Sponsor survey...

 

Thursday, May 9, 2024

A Retirement Bill of Rights makes sense but how to we make it a reality for all workers?

 

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Thinking of terminating a SIMPLE IRA mid-year for a 401k? Grab some coffee!

 

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

And to think this could all have been avoided by an up-to-date beneficiary designation!

 

Monday, May 6, 2024

FAIL, END, and NO can be excellent guidelines for life. Please read on!

 

Sunday, May 5, 2024

And how exactly did I tie winning Super Bowls to winning 401k plans? Welp...

 

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Which financial bucket do I fill first? Savings? 401k? IRA? Something else? Read on!

 

Friday, May 3, 2024

Usage of auto-enrollment and auto-escalation has increased from 2013 to 2023 and I am a fan.

 

Thursday, May 2, 2024

What goes into a healthy and fun retirement? Read on and do it!

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Why work past 65? What an interesting question and certainly one that stirs folks up. Read on!

 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Will you still be working at 65? Maybe you will have retired early? And what is retirement?

 

Monday, April 29, 2024

How might a small retirement plan approach fee reviews? Here is one way to tackle this necessary task.

 

Sunday, April 28, 2024

How confident are you that you can retire on time and with dignity? Read on for my thoughts!

 

Friday, April 26, 2024

When was the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designation? Keeping it current is part of a prudent practice.

 

Thursday, April 25, 2024

A 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.

 

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

In 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.

 

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

We 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?

 

Monday, April 22, 2024

Instead 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.

 

Saturday, April 20, 2024

What happens when a random investment allocation includes a retirement income solution? What disclosure is needed? And could these solutions lead to conflicts of interest?

 

Monday, April 15, 2024

Research 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?

 

Sunday, April 14, 2024

This 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...

 

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Retirement 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.

 

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

If you are going to state your fund follows an ESG mandate, it might be good to verify that before making such a statement!

 

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

How might you convince a Plan Sponsor at a sustainable company to adopt ESG 401k investments?

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Just how much is a relationship worth? Should it be boiled down to dollars and cents?

 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Common sense rules for everyday life with direct applicability to the 401k world.

 

Sunday, March 10, 2024

I am a fan of Simon Sinek but his latest post gave me pause. Read on!

 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

These 8 rules for life apply to the world of the 401k advisor as well!

 

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Can something designed to help actually have the opposite effect? That may be the case with long-term part-time employees under SECURE 2.0.

 

Friday, January 26, 2024

Here are some thoughts on three Roth provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act.