The biggest issue when it comes to access is cost. It’s not just the plan sponsor’s sensitivity to higher costs. It’s the service provider’s ability to keep those costs low.
Tag "401k"
In the end, this all comes down to one final concern, and it’s one that is typically not even considered.
Here’s something you don’t always see, but maybe you should.
This has long been demanded of fiduciaries. Nearly two centuries ago in Harvard College v. Amory, the Massachusetts court promulgated what has become known as the “prudent man rule.”
Before you start to panic, take a deep breath and relax. The retirement savings industry is an aircraft carrier. It can’t turn on a dime.
Sometimes when you try your best, you still miss something important. And that could be the most dangerous miss you make.
Today, the understanding of conflict-of-interest fees goes well beyond plan sponsors. Individual investors also understand how they can act as a better fiduciary for their own personal investments.
If you are responsible for 401k participant education or in any form of employee-based financial literacy program, you may want to adopt methods used by others who teach adults.
All these strategies can be employed today and have proven themselves effective. It’s unclear that disclosing projected retirement income will provide the kind of incentive that will work.
It’s fun to talk about “risk” and “return” because these are measurables and people are comfortable with the tangible world. But none of that touches upon what really matters. Worse, it can distract you from achieving what you want most.
