Category: Retirement Security

COVID-19 Magnifies Retirement Savings Gap, Emphasizes Need to Act

The economic slowdown prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of Americans. It has also intensified the importance of finding solutions to the retirement savings gap faced by so many Americans. One-third reaching retirement age have $25,000 or less saved. Last year, the U.S. Congress took an important step forward by passing the SECURE … Continue reading "COVID-19 Magnifies Retirement Savings Gap, Emphasizes Need to Act"

Department of Labor Should Protect Retirement Savers’ Access, Choices

The economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more older workers out of work. Many of those affected are increasingly anxious about their retirement security. The last thing policymakers should do now is to create more anxiety for those needing some retirement certainty. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the Department of Labor has done with its … Continue reading "Department of Labor Should Protect Retirement Savers’ Access, Choices"

It’s the Rule of Law: Protecting Consumers’ Best Interest

Earlier this year, Iowa’s Insurance Department approved a best interest annuity rule that closely follows the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. A few weeks later, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill into law that also mirrors the NAIC model. Iowa and Arizona demonstrated how states can provide people purchasing annuities … Continue reading "It’s the Rule of Law: Protecting Consumers’ Best Interest"

Illustrations to Offer a Meaningful Picture of Retirement Savings

Wouldn’t it be great if, in the future, 401(k) plan statements included an estimate of how much monthly income the account balance could produce in retirement? Good news – soon, all 401(k) statements will include this type of illustration. That’s due to a provision in the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, … Continue reading "Illustrations to Offer a Meaningful Picture of Retirement Savings"

Department of Labor Should Retain Access, Choices for Retirement Savers

Retirement savers have different needs when it comes to advice and guidance. So, it’s important that consumers have access and choice. Some people practice a buy-and-hold strategy, engaging financial professionals who earn  transaction-based commissions. Others seek and pay for ongoing advice and management services from fiduciary advisers. Retirement savers also seek to be treated fairly. … Continue reading "Department of Labor Should Retain Access, Choices for Retirement Savers"

Life Insurers: There For America

As the COVID-19 crisis in the United States stretches into its fifth month, many Americans are understandably concerned about their families’ health and financial well-being. From the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, life insurers have been there #MeetingTheMoment for consumers, their employees and their communities. Life insurers pay out $2.1 billion every day, reinforcing … Continue reading "Life Insurers: There For America"