We know that most plan participants are not financial experts, and that can make planning for retirement difficult. Fortunately, there are some basic steps that you can follow to work toward a successful retirement. Learn the basics of saving and investing.Understand the basic types of investment products, like stocks, bonds, and money market accounts. Each … Continue reading Four Basic Steps for a Successful Retirement

Life is a series of decisions, and everyone has to live with the results of the decisions they make. One of the most serious decisions that we all face is how to prepare for retirement, but frequently we don’t make the best choices to protect our futures. What are some of the most critical decisions … Continue reading Participant Memo: Five Key Decisions for a Successful Retirement

Retirement planning can often seem complicated and daunting. Really, though, most of the actions you need to take to work toward a confident retirement are very simple. Follow a Plan Successful investors have a plan and they stick to it. You have access to a qualified plan like a 401(k). With that comes access to … Continue reading Simple Secrets for Retirement Success

Planning for the departure of a loved one is a difficult thing to think about, but no matter how delicate, it is something any pragmatic planner must consider. What happens to your retirement account when you, your spouse or partner pass? When choosing your retirement plan it’s likely that you were asked to designate a … Continue reading Participant Corner: The Importance of Keeping Beneficiary Information Updated

Retirement is a whole new phase of life. You’ll experience many new things, and you’ll leave others behind – but what you won’t avoid is taxes. If you’ve followed the advice of retirement plan consultants, you’re probably saving in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. These types of accounts defer taxes until withdrawal, and you’ll probably withdraw funds … Continue reading Participant Corner: Three Tax Tips that Can Help as You Approach or Begin Retirement

Much has been made of the current state of the American worker as it pertains to their retirement savings.  According to a recent study by the General Accountability Office, 29% of Americans 55 and older do not have any retirement savings or pension plan and those who have saved are woefully behind with 55-64 year … Continue reading Participant Corner: Retirement Readiness – Planning for the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

This month’s employee memo informs participants about taking money out of their retirement plan. Download the memo from your Fiduciary Briefcase at fiduciarybriefcase.com and distribute to your participants. Please see an excerpt below. PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPANY’S RETIREMENT PLAN is a smart and important decision. Smart because you are putting away small amounts today for … Continue reading Participant Corner: Borrowing Against Your Retirement Plan: More Costly Than You Think

This month’s employee memo gives participants answers to common questions on HSAs. Download the memo from your Fiduciary Briefcase at fiduciarybriefcase.com and distribute to your participants. Please see an excerpt below. Health savings accounts (HSAs) have grown tremendously in popularity over the past few years. You’ve probably heard of them or maybe your employer offers … Continue reading Participant Corner: What’s an HSA and is it Right for You?

With the recent market volatility, it’s understandable that you may be concerned about your investments. Volatile markets can make you wonder if you’re on track to meet your retirement goals. Don’t be discouraged and most of all, don’t panic. Instead, be proactive! Consider the following steps you should be taking in both up and down … Continue reading Participant Corner: Tips to Weather a Turbulent Market

From August 27, 2015 to January 31, 2016, OneAmerica® fielded an online survey to visitors to its participant website to better understand retirement planning and personal finance behaviors and what resources might be most effective in helping plan participants prepare for retirement. A total of 10,829 participants answered questions about their planning triggers and motivations, … Continue reading Participant Behaviors