Alice in Wonderland and the Red Queen In the benefits world, we see multiple examples of Red Queen's races, and they affect our customers in both macro and micro ways. (Image: Shutterstock)

The Red Queen in "Alice in Wonderland" famously said she had to run twice as fast to go half as far. In the benefits world, we see multiple examples of Red Queen's races, and they affect our customers in both macro and micro ways. Consider a few "fake news" quotes I just made up:

  • "We have problems related to health care and retirement in America. How do I push them into the future so I don't get blamed? I need to be reelected soon. – U.S. politician's strategy, 2019
  • "This summer, I became one year older and years further from a secure retirement." – Baby boomers, 2019
  • "Neither Medicare nor Social Security funding is going well. Who is worried, besides me?" – Alfred E. Neumann (OK, me), 2019
  • "How can I afford everything I want while still paying for things I need?" – Far too many Americans

Marty Traynor Marty Traynor is an Omaha-based consultant in the benefits field.

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