In Practice

Nearly eight in ten advisers say that they are calling their clients more frequently and are telling them to expect continued economic volatility in 2012.   

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that 2% of compensation costs for private industry employers go toward defined contribution benefits. 

A Fidelity Investments study found 46% of Americans are considering a financial resolution in 2012. 

The Principal Financial Well-Being Index shows the economy is the greatest source of stress for Americans.   

Among pre-retirees and retirees, the vast majority would rather live as long as they’re healthy, versus living as long as their money lasts, The Hartford and MIT AgeLab...

Securian Financial found that small-business owners (SBOs) can cite many reasons to use a financial adviser, yet only half employ one.   

A MetLife paper claims that financial education can have a positive effect on employee wellness and productivity.

A survey from Lincoln Financial Group finds that despite economic challenges, Americans remain positive about their futures. 

Asked to name what they fear most about the 2012 election, the majority of adviser respondents to a Brinker Capitol poll said “Obama’s re-election.”  

Record-setting levels of defined contribution assets will continue to grow, yet mutual funds will not be the sole beneficiary. 

Whether advisers are heavily, moderately or lightly invested in the retirement plan space, all are hoping to capture more plans in 2012.  

Half of small-business owners are under the misconception that offering an employer-match is required in a defined contribution retirement plan, preventing them from sponsoring a plan.  

Through a national “listening tour," Transamerica Retirement Services has identified the most common trends among financial advisers in the retirement industry.

Fidelity Investments found more than half (51%) of its 401(k) participants are now in a plan that offers auto enrollment.  

An "American Dream" that is less conventional and more personalized is emerging, according to a MetLife study.

Although one in five mass affluent investors are saving more this year than last, many are struggling to reach long-term financial goals, according to a Bank of America survey....

A PSCA survey found that while companies are in the process of restoring contributions, they are also increasingly focused on plan investments.

Thirty-one percent of Americans say running out of money is their top concern regarding retirement, according to a survey from Franklin Templeton.

Fidelity’s Education Generational Survey found nearly half (49%) of the higher education workers surveyed describe themselves as "conservative" investors when it comes to retirement, regardless of age.

Based on a survey with financial services executives, Aite Group asserts that the retirement income industry is still in its infancy, with the shift from accumulation to decumulation...