Automatic enrollment made 401k saving effortless, yet many workers now treat it like background noise. What are the long-term risks of 401k participant disengagement?
When participants assume alignment without verification, problems remain hidden until they are too large to ignore. Misalignment doesn’t announce itself—it compounds quietly, year after year.
The 401k surprise in 2026 could come from 403(b) reforms, SECURE 2.0 maturity, or market volatility—here’s what to watch.
The calendar flipped to 2026, and with it came a fresh crop of 401k new year opportunities. Will this be the year 403(b) plans finally shed legacy costs, SECURE 2.0 provisions hit their stride, and markets remind participants that risk never really sleeps?
What Happens When Everyone Starts Caring About Their 401k?
The long bull market has masked serious risk in target-date funds near retirement. When the next correction hits, participants who thought they were “protected” will wake up—angry—and demand change.