Studies have shown that 401(k) plan participants who take advantage of financial advice or Help features of their plan experience higher returns on their investments, with lower risk, but a high percentage of people who have access to advice dont take it. So why are so many people afraid of...

Fifty-eight percent of employers surveyed state that financial illness plays a role in employee absenteeism and 78 percent said that concerns over financial problems while at work can have a negative impact on employee productivity.

A new study by Cogent Research found that although 52 percent of the estimated 315,000 U.S. retail investment advisors support at least one 401(k) plan, only 7 percent of those advisors are heavy plan producers, with $25 million or more in 401(k) assets under management.

Most Social Security reform proposals would result in fewer benefits for future retirees, but if the program pays out less in benefits, the payroll taxes needed from younger workers to support the program would be lower than they would be to fully fund benefits under the current program.

Companies are restoring plan contributions that were reduced or suspended since the beginning of 2008, according to the Plan Sponsor Council of America. Many companies are increasing or adding new contributions to their plan.

Workers in the south and west have the lowest participation levels in employment-based retirement plans, while workers in the upper Midwest, mid-Atlantic and northeast had the highest levels, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

With only 20 percent of small businesses offering retirement plans, financial advisors are missing out on a lucrative opportunity.

Retirement continues to be a priority for Baby Boomers, but new research by Scottrade, Inc., found that 73 percent of the Sandwich Generation are either very stressed or somewhat stressed about their current financial situation.