Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Investments 9 years, 1 month ago
Are Target Date Funds a violation of one’s fiduciary duty? If you think about the origins of fiduciary duty (namely, how it evolved via trust law), we see a mandate requiring fiduciaries to only takes actions that are in the best interests of the individual beneficiaries. This year’s Tamar Frankel Prize Winner David Swensen has penned two books…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Investments 9 years, 1 month ago
How do we stop the BHB myth that claims asset allocation accounts for 93% of investment performance? – It’s been a while since major financial service providers have misquoted the infamous Brinson-Hood-Beebower research papers from the late 1980s/early 1990s. We still, however, see individual practitioners and even the some journalists repeating t…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Investments 9 years, 1 month ago
After decades of relying on “risk tolerance” questionnaires, how do you convince 401k plan sponsors and investors that they’re more dangerous than useful? What horror stories can you share? – As the attached link explains, since as early as 1999, it’s been widely known “risk tolerance” questionnaires are, at best, irrelevant and, at worst, misl…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Investments 9 years, 1 month ago
Are investors who fail to learn from history doomed to repeat it? – We hear millennials prefer to buy annuities than to save in a 401k or IRA and invest directly (and at a lesser cost) in the stock market. Well, this is bad news and good news. The bad news is that those that don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it. How many baby b…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Fees 9 years, 1 month ago
Why a Fee Disclosure? – It’s just not working. In fact, does it have any meaning at all, other than to confuse plan participants? It’s one thing to place the burden of discerning the value of fees on the plan sponsor for, after all, that is their fiduciary duty. But why bring the plan participant in it? It’s not like they can do anything about…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Fees 9 years, 1 month ago
When it comes to retirement plans, what is more important than fees? – As David Huntley, co-editor of the 401k Averages Book explains in the attached article, fees are the be-all and end-all when it comes to value. The DOL apparently shares this opinion. In your mind, what’s more important than fees?
[bpfb_link u…[Read more]Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Fees 9 years, 1 month ago
What’s the best way to improve 401k participant fee disclosure? – While it may be correct that it does more harm than good, it’s not going away. Our only hope is to make it better.How do you see that happening? Is there something more important than fees to disclose to 401k plan participants?
[bpfb_link url…[Read more]Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Compliance 9 years, 1 month ago
What’s the biggest impediment to saving for retirement? – You may be surprised to see what AARP’s David Certner has to say in the attached article. Before you read it, though, tell us what you think it is.
[bpfb_link url…[Read more]Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Compliance 9 years, 1 month ago
Has the DOL sufficiently defined “best interests” under its new proposal? – Or are we going to have to wait for the courts to decide? The DOL is saying let the courts decide. Is that really in the best interests of, well, anyone?
[bpfb_link url…[Read more]Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Compliance 9 years, 1 month ago
Universal “Fiduciary” Standard – For almost two years now, I have been expressing my frustration about the “Fiduciary” standard because I knew that the lobbying effort during the rules making process leading up to the proposed regulation would be intense and would be ruled by those with the most to lose. I could not believe that people on our sid…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Communication 9 years, 1 month ago
From a tax standpoint, Are people better or worse off investing in a 401k plan? – Lately, there’s been much discussion surrounding the tax benefits of 401k plans. Many say, with tax rates so low, there’s no reason to invest in a 401k or any other tax deferred savings plan. Tell us what you think below. In either case, you might be surprised by the…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Communication 9 years, 1 month ago
Winners help plan sponsors solve problems, but which ones? If you want someone to do you a favor, you must first do them a favor. That’s one of the big lessons taught by Professor Don Corleone. (And when that doesn’t work, there’s always “that” offer.) Trouble is, sometimes people ask for one thing and want another. Other times they ask for somet…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Communication 9 years, 1 month ago
How Often Should Plan Sponsors Meet with Service Providers? – Monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually? A plan and its investment option menu is like an aircraft carrier – it takes a long time to turn it. Unless something dramatic happens, meeting more than once a year may lead to short-term reactive decision making, which may not be in t…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA posted an update in the group Member News 9 years, 1 month ago
Welcome to Member News! This is the only group available to basic members. You’ll want to visit this group often to discover new benefits or critical “How-To” Answers. In fact, if you’ve got a question about the site, please ask it here. I’m sure you’re not the only one with the question and sharing it here will allow others to benefit from…[Read more]
Christopher Carosa, CTFA joined the group For Plan Sponsors 9 years, 1 month ago
Christopher Carosa, CTFA joined the group Compliance 9 years, 1 month ago
Christopher Carosa, CTFA joined the group Fees 9 years, 1 month ago
Christopher Carosa, CTFA joined the group Investments 9 years, 1 month ago
Christopher Carosa, CTFA joined the group Communication 9 years, 1 month ago
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