In Practice

Despite widespread economic volatility in 2011, 80% of Americans in an Allianz Life survey said they will not focus on financial planning in their resolutions for 2012.

Most U.S. adults have at least one financial New Year's resolution. 

Advisers are seeing limited or diminished returns from their use of social media, but most have unrealistic expectations or fail to use it correctly. 

New research shows that economic recovery is being impeded by market-based retirement plans, such as 401(k)s. 

Generations X and Y have embraced the concept of self-directed retirement savings more so than their parents and grandparents.  

Eighteen percent of Americans say planning for retirement is an area they want to work on in 2012.

Creating a self-regulatory organization (SRO) to oversee investment advisers could potentially cost twice as much as adequately funding an enhanced Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) examination program.  

The majority (61%) of middle-market retirement plan sponsors do not feel prepared for new fee disclosure rules. 

Americans close to retirement expect to retire six years later than current retirees did.   

During the period of 2005-2010 the typical defined contribution (DC) plan participant earned an average annual return of 3.76%.  

“Comprehensive” is a key word, according to a new Wells Fargo poll of affluent Americans regarding retirement; they might say they have a plan, but what does that...

“There is still tremendous opportunity for advisers in the 403(b) space, particularly among smaller plans,” says Aaron Friedman, national non-profit practice leader, The Principal.

In the face of prolonged economic instability, 403(b) plan sponsors are forging ahead with a variety of plan improvements.

Low-income workers receive more benefits when participating in a 401(k) plan, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

Thirty-nine percent of Americans say the Social Security retirement age will jump to 80 by 2036.   

A report says companies will need to manage the effects global aging patterns will have on their workforce and customers.  

African-American small-business owners are more than twice as likely as other small-business owners to provide more access to 401(k)-type plans within the next 12-24 months. 

Advisers’ interest in alternative investments is on the rise, and smaller, boutique asset managers may meet the criteria advisers want more than larger, “brand name” firms.

From 2006 to 2010, the percentage of Americans planning to retire at age 80 more than tripled.

A LIMRA study revealed the importance of providers keeping in active contact with participants.