Retirement Trends

The majority of retirement plan changes go into effect over a span of the next one to three years, but putting certain protocols in place now will help ease the burden while navigating through the vast array of new regulations.

Employers need to get ahead of the curve in engaging their plan administrators, amending their plans and communicating significant changes to employees, such as emergency withdrawals and student loan match.

The Vestwell-Carson Group partnership will boost small and midsize retirement plans, while Fidelity's acquisition of fintech firm Shoobx will add value to its Workplace Investing Division.

The proposal would create a two-tier system – one for those who directly invest with a mutual fund, and another for those that invest through intermediaries, such as the typical retirement plan participant, say opponents.

Having access to a retirement plan is not enough. Employers can get them in the game by maximizing their match, aligning their investment options with their beliefs and connecting them to help with their debt.

Around 70% of financial advisors and plan sponsors agree, saying participants will make little to no change to their 401(k) contributions, in a new 'State of the industry" report.