401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast

The third edition of the retirement industry's least traditional conference is coming up Aug. 3–5 in Milwaukee, Wis. To get the low-down, we spoke with organizer Sheri Fitts, a well-known expert in personal branding for financial advisors and 401(k) marketing. Audio here Sheri explains what sets the conference apart. It focuses on helping attendees strengthen their personal brand through storytelling and human connection. Additionally, she highlights key agenda items and explains why the event welcomes a broad mix of professionals.For more information about SWAY | LIVE, check out the event website here: https://swaylive.sherifitts.com/SWAYLIVE2

Recently the Department of Labor's (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration announced that it has rescinded its 2022 guidance that discouraged retirement plan fiduciaries from including cryptocurrency investments in 401(k) plans.The move is seen as a removal of a big regulatory roadblock that forced plan fiduciaries to exercise “extreme care” before adding crypto to 401(k) investment menus, in line with the Trump administration's expressed desire to eliminate what it sees as regulatory overreach and that investment decisions should be made by fiduciaries, and not D.C. bureaucrats.Knut A. Rostad, Co-Founder and President of the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard, one of the most outspoken advocates of the need for a fiduciary standard to protect investors, is no fan of the decision, and explains why in colorful terms on this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast.Key Insights:DOL Crypto Guidance Reversal Sparks Fiduciary ConcernsKnut Rostad sharply criticized the Department of Labor's decision to rescind its 2022 guidance discouraging crypto in 401(k)s, calling it a “sucker punch” to retirement investors and a dangerous shift away from fiduciary duty.Fiduciary Oversight Diminishing Across AgenciesRostad argues that the DOL's move undermines its fundamental role and signals a broader decline in regulatory accountability—raising alarms about fiduciary standards at both the DOL and SEC.Crypto and Private Equity Pose Participant RisksDespite fewer restrictions, fiduciaries are urged to avoid adding crypto and private equity to plan menus due to volatility, lack of transparency, and custody issues—likening such moves to gambling.SEE ALSO:• EBSA Rescinds Guidance Warning Against Cryptocurrency in 401(k)s• Better Markets Rips DOL Decision to Rescind 2022 Crypto Guidance

One of the most promising—and rapidly evolving—segments of the retirement plan industry is the small- to medium-sized business (SMB) market. With a wave of government incentives and employee expectations for workplace benefits on the rise, the time is ripe for innovation and growth.To help unpack the challenges and opportunities in serving this critical market, we're joined by Stan Smith, Chief of Growth at 401GO, a digital-first recordkeeper focused on making 401(k) plans more accessible and scalable for smaller employers.Smith shares his front-line insights on what's driving critical change in the retirement plan market, what advisors need to know to serve the SMB market, why automation and simplicity are keys to unlocking long-term success, and where he sees the retirement plan market heading.Key Insights:Recordkeeper evolution and AI integration: The discussion highlighted growing pressures on legacy recordkeepers and forecasted industry shifts toward AI-driven solutions, with an emphasis on internal automation and participant-centric innovation.The SMB market is a massive growth opportunity: Stan Smith emphasized that with 1 million new plans expected by 2029, driven by mandates and Secure 2.0, the SMB (small-to-medium-sized business) market is ripe for advisor engagement and innovation.Technology and simplicity are game-changers: 401GO's strength lies in its “road to simplicity” approach—offering advisors and sponsors streamlined onboarding, real-time functionality, and intuitive UX/UI to remove traditional recordkeeping hurdles.SEE ALSO:A Smart Retirement Strategy for Business Owners Using Cash Balance Plans401GO Expands Service Offerings with Apex Fintech Solutions Collaboration401GO Grows Retirement Investment Offerings with Mesirow

The integration of guaranteed lifetime income solutions into workplace retirement plans remains a hot topic among plan advisors, sponsors and participants. To get an idea of the current state of these efforts, we talk with Matt Stubblefield, Aggregator Channel Director at Allianz, who highlights some key findings from a new report by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.The report that examines participant attitudes, preferences and demand for annuities in defined contribution retirement plans, and Stubblefield will share ideas on how plan advisors can put these learnings into practice to enhance their client offerings.Key Insights:Rising Demand for Lifetime Income SolutionsAllianz's research reveals that participants strongly favor guaranteed lifetime income options like annuities, with 86% preferring predictable income over managing a lump sum. This trend reflects growing concerns around market volatility, inflation, and longevity risk.Millennials and Diverse Groups Lead Interest in AnnuitiesMillennials show the highest interest in adding annuities to their retirement plans, followed by Gen X and Baby Boomers. Black, Hispanic, and Asian-American participants express more interest than white participants, showing a shift toward securing stable retirement income across demographics.In-Plan Annuities and Personalized Advice Are PreferredParticipants prefer contributing to annuities gradually via payroll deductions. They prioritize features like market protection, flexibility, and portability. Many view personalized advice and managed accounts as critical tools for effectively incorporating these products into retirement strategies.See Also:Solving the Portability Puzzle with Allianz Life's Ben ThomasonExploring Retirement Income Strategies with Joshua Grass and Todd LevyResearch Cited: The State of Lifetime Income: Participant Survey, conducted by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement in November 2024 with a nationally representative sample of 2,488 respondents aged 18+ who are currently contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.Fixed index annuities are designed to meet long-term needs for retirement income. They provide guarantees against the loss of principal and credited interest, tax-deferred accumulation potential, and the reassurance of a death benefit for beneficiaries.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliated companies, and their representatives and employees do not give fiduciary, tax, or legal advice. Allianz does not provide financial planning services.Guarantees are backed solely by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America is not Affiliated with 401(k) SpecialistAllianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz), 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5724 www.allianzlife.comFor institutional use only - not intended for use with the public.

The inaugural "Next-Gen 401(k) Report" from KWP Growth Partners is being released on April 8, unveiling a dozen transformative trends that are shaping the future of retirement plans, putting the spotlight on 60 leading digital-forward companies that are driving innovation in the workplace retirement plan space.Will Prest, Managing Partner for KWP Growth Partners and Lisa Kottler, KWP's Partner of Strategic Growth and Innovation, join this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast to discuss the new report and what makes it a valuable new resource for firms throughout the workplace retirement plan ecosystem.Key InsightsNext Gen 401(k) Report Launches with 12 Key TrendsKWP Growth Partners released the inaugural Next Gen 401(k) Report spotlighting 60 innovative companies and 12 transformative trends shaping the retirement industry. Designed for advisors, recordkeepers, asset managers, and fintechs, the report helps stakeholders identify emerging opportunities and collaborate for better retirement outcomes​.Collaboration Over Competition in RetireTechA major takeaway is the growing collaboration between legacy firms and challenger retiretech brands. Instead of competing, firms are forming strategic partnerships—like John Hancock with Swell—to broaden market access, accelerate innovation, and close the retirement coverage gap​.Top Trends: AI, Embedded Solutions & Human-Centered DesignAmong the top trends are AI-driven personalization, embedded solutions like guideline and Gusto's payroll integration, and user-friendly, jargon-free design. These trends are enhancing engagement, efficiency, and inclusivity across retirement platforms​.See Also:‘RetireTech Map 1.0' Highlights Retirement Plan Industry Innovators

In this episode, we explore how large-cap value investing fits into a well-structured 401(k) plan investment menu with the help of Devin Armstrong, co-lead manager of the Invesco Comstock Fund, who is Senior Portfolio Manager and Director of U.S. Value Research at Invesco.With market uncertainty and shifting economic conditions, value investing remains a compelling strategy for long-term retirement savers. Armstrong breaks down why large-cap value stocks help to diversify 401(k) plan holdings, and walks us through the team's unique contrarian approach and classic value investing techniques that distinguish the Invesco Comstock Fund.Key InsightsImportance of Large-Cap Value in 401(k) PlansLarge-cap value investing plays a crucial role in 401(k) investment menus by providing diversification and long-term stability. As market cycles shift between growth and value investing, maintaining exposure to both styles ensures a balanced portfolio and mitigates risk​.Market Shifts and Investment StrategyThe economic environment is changing, with inflation and rising interest rates creating a more favorable backdrop for value stocks. Historical data shows that during inflationary periods, value stocks tend to outperform growth stocks, making them a strong consideration for retirement portfolios​.Invesco's Contrarian ApproachThe Invesco Comstock Fund follows a disciplined, valuation-driven approach. The team seeks undervalued companies facing temporary challenges, aiming to capitalize on market dislocations while maintaining a long-term investment perspective​.

It was announced at the start of the recent Viking Cove Institute 2025 Industry Leaders Summit that well-known retirement industry veteran Amy Glynn would be taking the reins as President at the unique independent organization that boasts a membership of over 600 advisors across roughly 200 firms.Glynn joins the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to talk about the transition, the recent summit, why advisors need independent guidance, and some key new initiatives set to roll out this year at Viking Cove.Key Insights:Industry Leadership Shift at Viking Cove InstituteAmy Glynn has taken over as President of Viking Cove Institute, bringing a fresh vision to support independent retirement advisors with resources and networking​.Expansion of Financial Services & InitiativesViking Cove is launching new initiatives, including the VCI 100 annual insights, enhanced technology for community circles, and expanded fiduciary certification programs​.Advocacy for Diversity & Women's LeadershipGlynn is leading efforts to support women in the retirement industry through the Women in Pension Network, Women on Boards 50/50, and Viking Cove's leadership summi

The “flavor of the month” in retirement plan ERISA lawsuits seems to be 401(k) forfeiture reallocation cases, where employers are accused of using forfeited funds to benefit the company instead of plan participants.Richard Clarke, Chief Insurance Officer at Colonial Surety Company, a leading direct seller and writer of surety bonds, joins the 401(k) Specialist Podcast to address why plan sponsors need to remain vigilant and have the proper guardrails in place to mitigate the risk of a costly lawsuit.He'll also talk about some of the new SECURE 2.0 provisions and how plan sponsors can safeguard against fiduciary breaches resulting from the new provisions.Key InsightsRise in 401(k) Forfeiture Lawsuits: ERISA lawsuits targeting 401(k) forfeiture reallocations are increasing, with plan sponsors accused of misusing forfeited funds instead of reinvesting them for participants​.Fiduciary Liability Risks: Plan fiduciaries face personal liability if forfeitures are not handled in accordance with ERISA guidelines, emphasizing the need for proper safeguards​.Secure 2.0 Compliance Challenges: New Secure 2.0 provisions create compliance hurdles for plan sponsors, including higher RMD ages, emergency withdrawals, and expanded eligibility rules​

High-profile retirement plan advisor Holly Knight joins the 401(k) Specialist Podcast in this episode to discuss her recent move from NFP to Alera Group, where she is in the newly created role of “Director of Retirement Advisor Services.”Knight explains the rationale behind the move and why she believes the young and growing company is uniquely positioned to deliver true financial integration for its clients, and how she plans to tackle the task of building scalable infrastructure.Key Insights:Financial Wellness Integration: Holly Knight emphasizes embedding financial wellness into benefits, retirement, and wealth services rather than treating it as a standalone offering.Scalability & Innovation: Alera Group's approach focuses on building scalable, high-impact financial services by leveraging technology, data, and strategic partnerships.Retirement Industry Evolution: The shift towards holistic financial services aims to simplify participant engagement while enhancing decision-making and long-term outcomes.SEE ALSO:• Alera Group Names Retirement Advisor Services Director

A second Trump Administration, coupled with new leadership at the SEC and Department of Labor, brings the potential for significant changes in the regulatory environment in Washington, including discussions that could impact retirement tax incentives and their role in encouraging long-term savings.For insight on what this could mean when it comes to the retirement industry, we check in with Eric J. Pan, President and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Investment Company Institute. ICI is the leading association representing the interests of regulated funds and the more than 120 million Americans who depend on them to achieve long-term financial goals including retirement.He chimes in on ICI's new “Help U.S. Retire” advocacy campaign, changes at the SEC, the need to protect the tax treatment of retirement savings, and why the 401(k) is envied by countries around the world.Key insights:Preserving Retirement Tax Benefits: The ICI's “Help U.S. Retire” campaign emphasizes safeguarding retirement tax incentives for retirement savings amid potential policy changes.Leveling the Retirement Playing Field: Efforts to include collective investment trusts (CITs) in 403(b) plans aim to provide broader investment options and reduce costs for participants.Global Recognition of the U.S. 401(k) System: The U.S. 401(k) system is globally admired for its success in fostering retirement savings, serving as a model for other nations.

The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Jan. 6 thanks to strong bipartisan support. The intent was to provide greater retirement security and “fairness” to people who have dedicated their careers to public service, with bill supporters saying the old law unfairly stripped many low-income government and public workers of the benefits they deserve.But did they get it wrong? Andrew G. Biggs, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a nationally recognized expert on retirement issues and Social Security policy, makes a compelling argument for why the Social Security Fairness Act essentially amounts to a $200 billion giveaway to people who neither need the benefits nor paid into the system to receive them.Key InsightsImpact of Social Security Fairness Act: The repeal of WEP and GPO provisions increases Social Security benefits for public sector employees but raises concerns about fairness and financial sustainability​.Public Sector Pension Dynamics: Many public employees benefit from generous pensions and may now receive additional Social Security benefits, leading to "double-dipping" concerns​.Fiscal Consequences: The $200 billion cost of the legislation accelerates the depletion of Social Security trust funds, threatening long-term sustainability​.

With the new year quickly approaching, it's a good time to think about some of the key trends to watch out for in 2025. Vanguard Head of Defined Contribution Research Jeff Clark—who is the author of the company's popular “How America Saves” research—joins the 401(k) Specialist Podcast to talk about four 2025 retirement trends he anticipates will impact the workplace retirement plan market next year. podcast here Clark covers growing Roth contribution options, increases in auto enrollment, why to expect a broader focus on financial wellness, and continued momentum for in-plan lifetime income options.

t's always important for retirement plan advisors to know the primary concerns and interests of 401(k) participants in order to be able to communicate with them effectively.Invesco recently conducted some new research on the mindset of participants, and in this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast, we talk with Greg Jenkins, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Defined Contribution at Invesco, who shares some surprising findings uncovered by the new research, and what advisors can learn from it.Key Insights:Participants' Financial Concerns: Inflation, rising costs, and healthcare expenses are top concerns for 401(k) participants, significantly outweighing worries like job security.Miscommunication on Retirement Income: Only 30% of participants recall receiving information about turning 401(k) balances into retirement income, highlighting a communication gap.Target Date Fund Misunderstandings: A significant percentage of participants misuse target date funds, holding multiple TDFs or combining them with other investments for "diversification".Invesco partnered with Ipsos to conduct an online survey of 583 defined contribution plan participants (May-July 2024). Participant respondents had following characteristics: Age 25-65 years old; Personal income $30,000+; Employed full-time for an organization for 1+ years; Employer has 1,000+ employees; Actively contributing to a defined contribution plan; Does not work in education, financial services, the federal government, or involved in the management of or decisions regarding employer's retirement plans.Source for all data: May 2024 online survey by Invesco and Ipsos. Invesco is not affiliated with Ipsos.Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco's retail products.NA4047681

In this episode, we sit down with Pete Welsh, Managing Director of Retirement and Wealth at Inspira Financial, to explore the complexities of company mergers and their impact on retirement plans. Welsh sheds light on what happens when businesses with different retirement plans merge, outlining key outcomes and compliance concerns. He also provides expert guidance on plan terminations and offers insights into how companies can navigate these intricate processes while staying compliant with federal regulations.

The small to mid-size business retirement plan market is a key growth opportunity for advisors who are looking to expand their client base and provide much-needed benefit solutions to a traditionally underserved segment.With all the new tax incentives for startup plans and state mandates to either offer a plan or have employees opted-in to a state-run auto-IRA program, the time has never been better to get smaller businesses on board with starting a plan—which can lead to additional opportunities on the wealth management side.To learn more about the SMB market, we're joined by Sean Jordan, Vice President of Small and Mid-Market Segments at Principal Financial Group, to discuss why advisors need be paying close attention to this segment. 

In this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast, we'll travel down the road to better participant outcomes with MFS Investment Management's Jeri Savage, who will direct us through the key insights from the newly released 2024 MFS Global Retirement Survey. Podcast Episode Player Savage, Lead Retirement Strategist at Boston-based MFS, elaborates on some of the most impactful findings and explores how advisors and plan sponsors can help participants prioritize savings, improve retirement readiness, and navigate the complexities of target date funds.Key Insights:Target Date Fund Misunderstandings: Addressing misconceptions, especially the belief that target date funds guarantee income, will drive better participant outcomes.Retirement Concerns: The 2024 MFS Global Retirement Survey shows that three-quarters of participants feel they need to save more to achieve better participant outcomes in retirement.Competing Financial Priorities: Younger generations face significant financial challenges, like student loans, making it harder

Since the rapid rise in interest rates over the past few years, fixed income has come back into the spotlight. As the Federal Reserve begins cutting interest rates, retirement plan advisors might now be wondering how this shift will impact core bond and core plus bond portfolios.To find out, we speak with Matt Brill, CFA, Head of North America Investment Grade Credit and Senior Portfolio Manager for Invesco Fixed Income. He'll walk us through the basics of core bond and core plus bond portfolios, how the Fed's intended “soft landing” will impact these sectors, and also highlight some of the fixed income opportunities that are most favorable for fixed income investors right now.Key InsightsDue Diligence on Bond Funds: Fiduciaries should consider fees, performance against benchmarks, and the level of risk when assessing core and core plus bond funds. A balance between risk and stability is crucial to avoid bond portfolios behaving more like equities.Impact of Fed Rate Cuts: The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates is expected to benefit bond funds, making it easier to add bonds to portfolios and improve credit assets' performance, such as high yield and emerging markets.Core vs. Core Plus Bonds: Core bond portfolios consist of highly liquid, lower-risk assets like treasuries, while core plus portfolios include higher-risk options, such as emerging markets and high-yield bonds, offering higher returns but also greater risk.Not a Deposit | Not FDIC Insured | Not Guaranteed by the Bank | May Lose Value | Not Insured by any Federal Government AgencyBefore investing, investors should carefully read the prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. For this and more complete information about the fund(s), investors should ask their financial professionals for a prospectus or visit invesco.com/fundprospectusPast performance does not guarantee future results. An investment cannot be made into an index.All data provided by Invesco unless otherwise noted.Before investing, consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Visit invesco.com/fundprospectus for  a prospectus/summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully before investingThe risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers, including emerging markets, can include fluctuations in foreign currencies, political and economic instability, and foreign taxation issues.Active trading results in added expenses and may result in a lower return and increased tax liability.The risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers, including emerging markets, can include fluctuations in foreign currencies, political and economic instability, and foreign taxation issues.Junk bonds have greater risk of default or price changes due to changes in the issuer's credit quality. Junk bond values fluctuate more than high quality bonds and can decline significantly over a short time.As with any comparison, investors should be aware of the material differences between active and passive strategies. Unlike passive strategies, active strategies have the ability to react to market changes and the potential to outperform a stated benchmark. Other differences include, but are not limited to, expenses, management style and liquidity.  Investors should consult their financial professional before investing.Invesco Distributors, Inc.

Considerable resources have been devoted to solving the challenge of portability in retirement savings over the past few years, and the stakes are high to get it right and cut down on costly an unnecessary retirement plan leakage.In this episode, we talk with Ben Thomason, Head of Defined Contribution Distribution at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, to explore the importance of portability and the unique challenges it poses when it comes to in-plan guaranteed lifetime income solutions.Thomason dives into the complexities of why portability matters for participants, preserving benefits, maintaining guarantees, and navigating the challenges of transferring retirement assets across plans and IRAs. He also talks about key factors advisors need to consider when assessing different in-plan guaranteed lifetime income options.Key Insights:Here are three concise key insights from the podcast episode:Technology's Role in Portability: Middleware technology is vital for maintaining seamless connectivity between record keepers and product providers, enabling easier portability of guaranteed lifetime income products and ensuring a consistent participant experience during transitions.Importance of Portability: Portability of retirement savings is crucial as workers frequently change jobs. In-plan guaranteed lifetime income solutions, such as annuities, need to ensure participants can transfer their benefits seamlessly without losing guarantees or facing disruptions.Product Design and Portability: Products designed as individual contracts offer significant advantages in portability over group contracts, as they maintain consistent benefits and guarantees when moved between plans, reducing administrative complexity and costs.

ERISA attorney Allie Itami, Partner at Lathrop GPM in Minneapolis, joins the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to talk about the status of the Department of Labor's beleaguered fiduciary rule in light of recent stay rulings in Texas, and also chimes in on ERISA at 50 before addressing compliance challenges presented by annuities in 401(k) plans.And click here to check out a recent blog post from Itami about ERISA's 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated with a gala event in Washington D.C. on Sept. 12.Itami is a partner in Lathrop GPM's Business Transactions Group, specializing in employee benefits and is known for providing comprehensive counsel on fiduciary compliance under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.Key Insights:Annuity Challenges in 401(k) Plans: The inclusion of annuities in 401(k) plans remains challenging due to issues with fiduciary liability, stigmas associated with annuities (such as high fees and lockups), and a lack of comprehensive safe harbor protections under current regulations.Fiduciary Rule Delays: The Department of Labor's fiduciary rule, which was set to take effect in September 2023, has faced delays due to court rulings. Compliance on the original date is no longer a concern for service providers due to legal stays, and the likelihood of the rule being implemented soon is minimal.ERISA's Evolution: ERISA has adapted over its 50-year history, moving from employer-centered benefit plans like pensions to more individualized retirement options such as 401(k)s and IRAs, reflecting shifts in workplace benefits.

Morningstar Retirement President Brock Johnson joins a special 100th episode of the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to provide an inside look and share insights into the past, present and future of the comprehensive retirement planning solutions and investment research unit.Johnson talks about how retirement solutions and research have evolved over the years, what's behind a host of recent innovations, and provides a glimpse into the future.Key Insights:Morningstar Retirement's Evolution and Mission: Morningstar Retirement has maintained a consistent mission since its inception, focused on empowering investor success by providing holistic advice and investment expertise, particularly in the retirement planning space. Over the years, they have expanded from offering a single product to a broad suite of services that now includes fiduciary services, custom target date offerings, and managed accounts.Innovation and Future Focus: Morningstar Retirement emphasizes continuous innovation by listening to clients and expanding the definition of retirement solutions. They are focusing on offering more holistic and actionable retirement solutions, such as personalized annuity recommendations and advisor-managed accounts, to meet the evolving needs of the retirement planning industry.Challenges and Industry Impact: One of the significant challenges highlighted is the lack of access to employer-sponsored retirement plans for many private sector employees. Morningstar Retirement is working to address this issue by making it easier for advisors and record keepers to manage smaller startup plans, aiming to improve access to retirement savings vehicles for a broader population.Morningstar Investment Management LLC is a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. This recording is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Opinions expressed are as of the date of recording; such opinions are subject to change without notice. The views and opinions of guests are not necessarily those of Morningstar and its affiliates. Morningstar Investment Management and its affiliates shall not be responsible for any trading decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses or opinions or their use. Morningstar Investment Management does not guarantee the accuracy, or the completeness of the data presented herein. Firm data as of March 31, 2024. DC plan accessibility statistics available at https://press.aarp.org/2022-7-13-New-AARP-Research-Nearly-Half-Americans-Do-Not-Have-Access-to-Retirement-Plans-at-Work. Read more important disclosures here: https://www.morningstar.com/products/social-media-disclosures

The retirement landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, characterized by unprecedented challenges such as increased longevity and unpredictable market conditions. Traditional retirement models centered solely on wealth accumulation are no longer sufficient. A more holistic approach is imperative to effectively manage risks, generate sustainable income, and ensure financial security throughout retirement.To explain this transformation, joining us on the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast are a pair of well-versed subject matter experts in Joshua Grass, CFA, Senior Strategic Accounts Associate at Allianz Life, and Todd Levy, Managing Director, RIA, with The Retirement Plan Company.Josh and Todd share thoughts on how the landscape is changing, the new challenges emerging, how to adapt strategies that prioritize the creation of a sustainable income stream for retirees, and how to address participant concerns about retirement income planning.Key InsightsEvolving Retirement Landscape:Retirement planning is shifting from a primary focus on wealth accumulation to a more holistic approach emphasizing risk management and sustainable income due to increased longevity and demographic changes.New Strategies for Retirement Income:Industry experts highlight the importance of guaranteed lifetime income solutions, such as annuities, which provide stability and protection against market downturns, ensuring a reliable income stream throughout retirement.Participant Concerns and Industry Response:Many participants fear outliving their savings more than death itself. The industry is responding with services and products that offer personalized advice, inflation protection, and easy-to-understand income strategies, improving participants' financial confidence and retirement security.Research cited in the podcast:Alliance for Lifetime Income, “Welcome to the Peak 65® Zone – A New Chapter in American's Retirement Landscape,” January 2024Allianz Life conducted an online survey, the 2024 1Q Quarterly Market Perceptions Study, in February 2024 with a nationally representative sample of 1,005 individuals age 18+The Allianz 2024 Annual Retirement Study, conducted online in February and March 2024 with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 individuals age 25+ in the contiguous U.S. with an annual household income of $50k+ (single) / $75k+ (married/partnered) OR investable assets of $150k+U.S. Social Security Administration, Period Life Table, 2020, as used in the 2023 Trustees ReportAllianz Life Insurance Company of North America does not provide financial planning services.Allianz Life Insurance Co

It's quite rare for one person to manage a large-cap mutual fund for a consecutive span of 25 years, but that's just what Kevin C. Holt, CFA, chief investment officer, U.S. Value Equities at Invesco, is celebrating this summer.Holt and Devin Armstrong, who have been co-lead portfolio managers for the Invesco Comstock Fund since 2007, apply a unique contrarian approach and classic value investing techniques.Holt joins the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to share more about the approach, what he looks for in a value stock, and why 401(k) participants need a well-diversified portfolio to reach their retirement saving goals.Key InsightsInvesco Comstock Fund:Kevin C. Holt has managed the Invesco Comstock Fund for 25 years, with a contrarian approach and classic value investing techniques.Contrarian Value Investing Strategy:Holt emphasizes a contrarian strategy that combines valuation metrics with behavioral psychology. He focuses on sectors where pessimism is high and valuations are low, like healthcare and consumer staples, adapting the strategy to changing market conditions.Importance of Diversification in 401(k) Plans:Holt advocates for well-diversified portfolios within 401(k) plans, stressing that diversification across growth and value stocks is crucial due to the unpredictable nature of market cycles and the historical performance during different inflationary periods.DisclosuresNot a Deposit | Not FDIC Insured | Not Guaranteed by the Bank | May Lose Value | Not Insured by any Federal Government AgencyAll data provided by Invesco unless otherwise noted.The opinions expressed are those of the author as of July 22, 2024. These comments should not be construed as recommendations, but as an illustration of broader themes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions; there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations.Diversification does not guarantee a profit or eliminate the risk of loss.This does not constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy or product for a particular investor. Investors should consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.P/B (Price-to-Book): it compares the price of the stock with its book value (total assets minus total liabilities). It is commonly used for banks. P/S (Price-to-Sales): it compares the price of the stock with its sales (renevues) from the last twelve months. It is commonly used for companies that have losses. Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio measures a company's share price relative to its earnings per share (EPS).Enterprise value-to-sales (EV/Sales) is a financial ratio that compares a company's total value to its total sales revenue.An inverted yield curve is when the interest rate on short-term debt instruments, like bonds, is higher than the interest rate on long-term debt instruments. Free cash flow yield (FCFY) is a financial ratio that measures a company's financial health by comparing its free cash flow (FCF) to its market value. ROI is return on investment.Wells Fargo makes up 3.27% of the holdings in the Invesco Comstock Fund. Bank of America makes up 2.89% of the holdings in the Invesco Comstock Fund. Meta Platforms makes up 2.40% of the holdings in the Invesco Comstock Fund.

No matter how easy plan sponsors try to make it for employees to participate in their company-sponsored 401(k) plan, too many workers still aren't enrolling.Our guests on today have some ideas on dealing with this problem—centered on how instead of making it easy to participate, making it even harder to avoid enrolling in the plan in the first place.Marc Howell and Felix Okwaning, who are both Managing Directors—Enhanced Plan Design at Principal Financial Group, share some great ideas on how to use a combination of automatic features including “auto-sweep” to boost enrollment and deferral rates, dramatically helping employees get adequately prepared for retirement.

Despite offering unique tax advantages, lots of people remain unaware of health savings accounts (HSA)—and even many who are using them aren't using them to anywhere near their full potential.Jeremy Keil, CFP, CFA, a retirement-focused financial advisor and host of both the Retirement Revealed Podcast and Mr. Retirement YouTube channel, joins the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to discuss the most common mistakes he sees people with HSAs making, as well as how to help correct these mistakes with strategies that make the most of their exceptional capabilities.Key Insights Include:Common HSA Mistakes: Many employees mistakenly believe they can only use the health savings account provided by their employer, limiting their options. Another prevalent error is confusing HSA contribution limits with FSA limits, resulting in underfunding their HSAs. Additionally, many fail to invest their HSA funds for long-term growth, missing out on the substantial tax advantages and investment potential HSAs offer.Maximizing HSA Benefits: To rectify these mistakes, employees should be aware they can transfer their health savings account funds to any provider offering better terms. Maximizing contributions up to the IRS limits ($4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families in 2024) is crucial. Investing health savings account funds similarly to a traditional IRA can significantly enhance their retirement savings, capitalizing on the unmatched tax advantages of HSAs.Strategic HSA Management: Advisors recommend finding the best health savings account provider, considering factors like interest rates and investment options. Real-world examples show substantial gains from switching to high-yield HSAs and avoiding unnecessary fees. Proper management, such as keeping receipts for future reimbursements, allows for strategic use of HSAs, ensuring funds grow tax-free and can be utilized efficiently in retirement.SEE ALSO:• Checking the Pulse of the HSA Market with Devenir's Eric Remjeske• HSA Contribution Limits Increased Slightly for 2025

The DOL's new fiduciary rule is scheduled to become effective in September, and retirement plan advisors and plan sponsors have plenty to do to prepare for the changes it will bring.Jerry Schlichter, founding and managing partner of Schlichter Bogard LLC and a well-known pioneer of retirement plan excessive fee litigation, visits the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to share some important insights on the upcoming changes, legal challenges and what advisors need to be doing to prepare for compliance.SEE ALSO:• Fred Reish Unpacks the DOL's New Fiduciary Rule• Nine Insurance Trade Groups Sue DOL Over Fiduciary Rule

Health Savings Accounts can be a very effective tool not only to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, but also to save for retirement thanks to a unique triple tax advantage.To check in on the pulse of the HSA market, we talk with the co-founder and president of Devenir Research Eric Remjeske, who is also a co-author of the semi-annual Devenir HSA Marketplace Research Report, recognized as the industry standard for tracking health savings account market statistics and trends.We'll cover the key findings from the latest report while also talking about some market growth projections, thoughts on why more people aren't using them as a savings tool, and 2025 HSA contribution limits.SEE ALSO:• Health Savings Account Asset Growth Booming

The Department of Labor released its final “Retirement Security Rule” recently, which aims to raise the legal bar for financial advisors, brokers, insurance agents and others who give retirement investment advice.Noted ERISA attorney Fred Reish Esquire, Partner at Faegre Drinker, shares his thoughts on some of the rule's key focuses and changes, along with implementation questions and potential hurdles to the rule becoming effective in September.Key Insights:Clarification of "Retirement Investment Advice": The updated Retirement Security Rule defines advice that is fiduciary in nature, emphasizing that even one-time advice must prioritize the investor's best interests. This redefinition aims to reinforce the legal and ethical duty advisors hold toward their clients. The new retirement security rule's implementation, scheduled for September 2024 with additional requirements phasing in by 2025, is set to introduce new compliance standards, enhancing overall financial advisory practices.New Protocols for IRA Rollovers: Advisors must now perform a thorough analysis to ensure recommendations, particularly concerning IRA rollovers, align strictly with the client's best interests. This includes comparing costs and services between the existing plan and any proposed IRA, a process that could challenge particularly those less familiar with stringent regulatory frameworks, such as independent insurance agents.Impact and Industry Response: While wealth management firms may find adapting to the new standards more straightforward due to previous regulatory experiences, independent insurance agents are anticipated to face significant hurdles. The industry's reaction is mixed, with some viewing the compliance requirements as burdensome, yet the overall sentiment recognizes the new Retirement Security Rule as a crucial step towards ensuring client interests are foremost.SEE ALSO:DOL Fiduciary Rule Hit With First LawsuitBreaking Down the Basics: DOL Fiduciary RuleDOL Final Fiduciary Rule Released, Set to Become Effective in SeptemberDOL Fiduciary Rule Update with Fred Reish

There's a trend happening right now where asset managers are using a new strategy to help 401(k) plan participants manage their retirement spending: Target date funds featuring annuities.Morningstar recently did some really interesting research on this trend, and there are some compelling reasons to believe this type of solution could gain some serious traction in the coming years.Jason Kephart, director of multi-asset ratings for Morningstar Research Services LLC, was a lead author of the new research, and he explains why annuities in target date funds are trending, who's getting into this market, how it can help retirement plan participants, and some of the roadblocks that need to be overcome if it is to become a broadly adopted solution.Certainly, here are the expanded key points:Innovation in Target Date Funds with Annuities: Asset managers are now integrating annuities within TDFs, aiming to aid retirees in managing their retirement income more effectively. While these innovative products have been introduced recently, they represent a small but potentially growing portion of the TDF market.Addressing Retirement Income Management: The asset management industry has excelled in helping individuals accumulate savings for retirement, but support for income management post-retirement has been lacking. TDFs with annuities are proposed as a solution to this gap, offering streamlined decision-making and a reliable income stream for retirees.Challenges to Adoption of Annuities in Target Date Funds: Despite the potential benefits of annuities in TDFs, there are concerns about low investor interest, possibly due to past products failing to attract users. The complexities involved in understanding annuities, the apprehension about fees, and legal considerations for plan sponsors are significant obstacles, alongside the need for educating both plan sponsors and participants about these new options.To view the full Morningstar research, “Target Dates and Annuities… It's Complicated,” click here.SEE ALSO:New Wave of Annuities in TDFs: ‘It's Complicated'

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic everywhere these days, including the financial services industry. We check in with artificial intelligence early adopter Liz Davidson, founder and CEO of Financial Finesse, who tells us about their award-winning AI-powered virtual financial coach named Aimee, and how AI really is turning into a game-changer for many retirement plan advisors.Financial Finesse is making great strides in this area, and she explains how they're doing it and why AI has so much potential to provide safe and accurate financial education to plan participants.

The workplace retirement plan industry's premiere event is just days away, with top professionals set to descend upon Nashville April 7-9 for the 2024 NAPA 401(k) Summit.We get a preview of the big event from two of the key people in charge of putting it together in Nevin Adams and John Sullivan, the former and current Chief Content Officers for the American Retirement Association.In addition to highlighting some of the topics and key must-see sessions scheduled for the event, we'll check in with Nevin about his “gradual retirement” and John about how he's fitting into the big shoes left for him by Nevin.

The 401(k) has been under attack on multiple fronts lately.Between calls for eliminating their tax advantages to prop up Social Security to Bernie Sanders pining for a return to pension plans, and momentum seeming to build for the TSP-like “Retirement Savings for Americans Act” that many in the workplace retirement market believe would constitute unfair competition from the federal government, it's enough to have retirement plan advisors feeling a little defensive these days.Fortunately, plenty of retirement industry experts have stepped up to answer these attacks, and today's podcast features a prominent one in Sarah Holden, senior director of retirement and investor research at the Investment Company Institute.ICI has been very active in debunking recent attacks on defined contribution plans, and Holden makes some great points in defense of the 401(k).

Unlocking the Door to Broader Adoption of Guaranteed Lifetime Income in 401(k)s: Matt Gray and Todd LevyGuaranteed lifetime income remains a hot topic in the workplace retirement plan market and there are plenty of factors at play these days that are helping these solutions gain traction—and more widespread adoption—in 401(k) plans.Matt Gray, Assistant Vice President, Workplace and Middle Markets at Allianz Life, and Todd Levy, a “first mover” for lifetime income in DC plans who is Managing Director of RIA for The Retirement Plan Company, join the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to discuss how these products are evolving to meet the wants and needs of 401(k) participants.

Ohtani's ‘Retirement' Strategy, NQDC Plans and 2024 Stock Trends with ‘401(k) Lady' Jeanne SuttonBaseball's biggest star Shohei Ohtani made headlines recently by signing the largest individual contract in the history of sports when he inked a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Interestingly, he deferred $68 of the $70 million per year in a move that could save him nine figures in California state income tax down the road.We'll talk about that unique contract and the power of non-qualified deferred compensation plans with Strategic Retirement Partners Managing Director Jeanne Sutton, known as “The 401(k) Lady” in her popular social media videos. We'll also talk about her stock market trends to watch in 2024, as well as what's on her industry travel and speaking agenda this year.

Catching Up with 'Annuity Yoda' Tamiko TolandGuaranteed in-plan lifetime income solutions is a hot topic in the workplace retirement market these days, and we wanted to hear from one of the foremost experts on these products in “Annuity Yoda” Tamiko Toland.After stints at TIAA and CANNEX, the thought leader in retirement and annuities in the individual and institutional markets last year started Toland Consulting, LLC, to share her insights, experience, and strategic analysis with clients, and she'll also tell us about a couple of other new gigs keeping her busy these days—all with a focus on helping to educate people about lifetime income solutions.

The Year Ahead with John Hancock Retirement CEO Wayne ParkAs the new year opens, our first podcast of 2024 features a look at what to expect in the workplace retirement market from a high-level leader in John Hancock Retirement CEO Wayne Park.With oversight over all aspects of John Hancock Retirement's business, Park is an ideal person to shed insight on topics that will impact the workplace retirement business this year, particularly as they relate to emerging opportunities in the small plan marketplace.He talks about impacts of SECURE 2.0 and state-mandated IRAs, why advisors should be attracted to the small plan market, and what retirement savers should be focused on in the year ahead.

IBM sent shockwaves through the retirement industry recently when it was revealed that the tech and computing giant is halting its 5% 401(k) match in favor of a 5% contribution to a new, portable, immediate-vesting pension called a “Retirement Benefit Account.”Joining us to discuss this move and its wider implications within the retirement industry is someone who knows the defined benefit market very well in Brian McDonnell, Head of the Global Pension Practice at Cambridge Associates. There he oversees the firm's work with more than 150 plan sponsors, and also works directly with clients as their OCIO.He'll explain why the move happened, whether (and why) other plan sponsors might be considering it, and key trends he sees impacting the defined benefit space in the coming year.

2024 SECURE 2.0 Insights with Principal's Lance SchoeningAs we head toward 2024, more and more provisions of the landmark SECURE 2.0 retirement reform legislation package are coming online, including some provisions that have lots of people in the industry really excited.One of those people is Lance Schoening, Director of Policy at Principal, the sponsor of today's podcast. As the person responsible for the company's analysis of retirement legislation, he's well-versed in all things SECURE 2.0, and shares insights on a number of new provisions.He'll also explain why he's excited about the start-up tax credits, and why retirement plan advisors might want to take another look at the small plan market because of them.

IRI's Jason Berkowitz: Why Biden's Fiduciary Rule Gets it WrongWhile the American Retirement Association is among those saying “fair” when it comes to the Department of Labor's new proposed retirement security rule released last week that seeks to update the definition of an investment advice fiduciary under ERISA, many insurance-based organizations are crying “foul” over the controversial proposal, arguing that it imposes unnecessary regulatory burdens on investment advice.In the interest of learning more about the reasons behind annuity advocate opposition to the proposal, we invited Jason Berkowitz, Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer at the Insured Retirement Institute, to share the chief concerns his organization has with the proposal, and President Joe Biden's unflattering characterization of the insured retirement industry and its products during remarks made at the White House last week.Berkowitz talks about potential implications to the five-part test, PTE 2020-02 and PTE 84-24 in addition to voicing concerns about the proposal pushing many more financial professionals into the realm of ERISA fiduciaries. He leads industry efforts on major regulatory initiatives applicable to the lifetime income industry and is the primary author of IRI's comment letters regarding various regulatory proposals.

Talking DOL Retirement Saving Priorities with EBSA Head Lisa GomezIt's been about a year since the Honorable Lisa M. Gomez was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of Labor, and quite a busy year it's been for the head of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, which is responsible for administering, regulating and enforcing provisions of ERISA.She joins the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast to talk about topics including the high-profile rewrite of the conflict of interest rule, SECURE 2.0 and its ability to address the workplace retirement plan coverage gap, and what EBSA can do to help plan advisors, plan sponsors and participants make the most of 401(k) plans to save for retirement.

When you want to gain insight about what's going on in the retirement industry, you want to talk to someone who's in the loop and immersed in the business. We can't think of someone who fits that description better than Jania Stout.401(k) Specialist's “Top Advisor by Participant Outcomes” in 2020 is now the Senior Vice President, Retirement + Wealth, at OneDigital, where she brings over 22 years of experience in ERISA plan consulting to her role as Practice Leader.She fills us in on the latest when it comes to helping participants tackle the difficult task of paying down debt while still saving for emergencies and retirement, momentum building for in-plan guaranteed income solutions, and how artificial intelligence can complement—and not compete with—advisors.

Capitol Hill Retirement Reform Update with Invesco's Jennifer FlittonWith 2024 quickly approaching, it's a good time to check in on the status of retirement reform efforts and progress in Washington D.C.—particularly as the industry prepares for a variety of SECURE 2.0 provisions scheduled to kick in come January.To learn where things stand on a variety of key retirement issues, this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast is proud to feature a true Capitol Hill insider in Jennifer Flitton, Head of US Government Affairs at Invesco. In her 15 years in Washington, Flitton has developed a deep understanding of how things work behind the scenes and an uncanny knack for knowing when things will pass, not pass or get delayed.We'll ask her about the SECURE 2.0 technical fixes, whether there's any movement on CITs in 403(b)s, who will become the next congressional champions of retirement reform, and finally, whether the federal government is poised to allow alternative investments greater access to defined contribution plans.

Andrew Biggs Explains Why There is Really Is No Retirement CrisisIn an environment where Americans are repeatedly told by mainstream media that they are facing a serious retirement savings crisis because they aren't saving enough, there's one person who repeatedly stands up to refute these claims.Andrew Biggs, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, explains why he thinks most Americans probably are indeed saving enough for retirement, and how what he says are “flawed” calculations exaggerate the shortfall of Social Security's retirement income replacement rate.SEE ALSO:• Biggs: Social Security Exaggerates Shortfall of Retirement Income Replacement Rate

Building Client Relationships with Advisor Derek FiorenzaDerek Fiorenza, C(K)P, CPFA, AIF, PPC, MSBA, is wired a little differently than the typical retirement plan advisor. He joins us to explain the somewhat unique approach he has to building client and participant relationships.Fiorenza, who serves as the Vice President, COO and CCO of Summit Group Retirement Planners in the Philadelphia area—a firm he co-founded with his father Anthony Fiorenza in 2013—has earned several accolades as a “top advisor under 40” and the company has been named a top DC advisor team by NAPA multiple times.He also talks about why he regularly attends the NAPA Fly-In Forum in Washington D.C., addresses the retirement industry's coverage gap, and tells us about a passion profit in the form of a non-profit he founded to help feed the hungry.

Lifetime Income Solutions in 401(k)sAllianz Life's Joe Hendrickson and AmericanTCS' Brian Lenz Discuss Market MomentumIn-plan guaranteed lifetime income solutions, such as annuities, have received plenty of attention in the wake of the SECURE Act of 2019 and 2022's SECURE 2.0 legislation, which made it significantly easier to add these types of solutions into 401(k) plans.Here to talk about how these solutions are being adapted for defined contribution plans – and how they are being presented in the real world to 401(k) participants – we have Joe Hendrickson, Vice President of Strategy & Relationship Management at Minneapolis-based Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Brian Lenz, Chief Sales Officer at AmericanTCS, an early adopter bringing lifetime income options to plans sponsors and participants.The discussion includes how the market is changing, how the solutions are being implemented at the plan-level, the challenges being faced in bringing these solutions to participants, and how to help them understand the products and the 5-year outlook for lifetime income solution adoption in the employer-sponsored retirement plan market.

Fred Reish's DOL Fiduciary Rule UpdateThe retirement industry will be keeping a close eye on the Department of Labor in August in anticipation of proposed regulation regarding its fiduciary rule, and whether or not a retirement plan-to-IRA rollover recommendation made by an advisor who is a fiduciary to a plan or participant constitutes a fiduciary act, necessitating the use of Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02.To help us sort out what's going on with the DOL's fiduciary rule, we can think of no better source than noted ERISA expert and Faegre Drinker Partner Fred Reish.In this edition of the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast, Reish provides an overview of the issue, what approach he thinks the DOL may take, provides a timeline for the regulation and some key thoughts on what this all means for retirement plan advisors.

Retirement Advisor Marketing with Rebecca HourihanWe were curious to learn more about what 401(k)-focused advisors are doing with their 401(k) marketing efforts these days, and what kind of investments in time and resources they are making in efforts to grow their business.For answers, we checked in with Rebecca Hourihan, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer with San Diego-based 401(k) Marketing, a full-service marketing agency for retirement plan professionals. A familiar face on the retirement industry conference speaking circuit, Rebecca works with a wide range of top retirement plan professionals, providing help with customized marketing materials, campaigns, websites, and expert content collateral.In today's podcast she talks about the use of content marketing, effectively reaching different generations, advisor use of artificial intelligence, and what kind of investment most retirement advisors are making in their marketing efforts.

Exploring the Mid-Cap Market with Invesco's Justin LivengoodOur guest today makes the argument for why mid-caps as an asset class belong in a properly diversified defined contribution plan investment menu, and explains why most 401(k) participants are probably not aware of just how overly exposed they are right now to just a handful of the biggest companies.Here to explain it all is Invesco's Justin Livengood, CFA, who is the Senior Portfolio Manager for Invesco's mid-cap growth and health care strategies, and Senior Research Analyst for the Discovery and Capital Appreciation strategies, where he covers the health care, financial services and real estate sectors.He covers why mid-caps are an incrementally good way to help retirement plan participants achieve an optimal level of diversification, why active management is preferable to passive in mid-caps, and provides a high-level view of what's happening in the macro environment right now as well as the near-term outlook.

The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and Chat GPT specifically has raised a bunch of fresh questions about the role it will play in financial advice, and how it will impact the work and role of financial advisors moving forward.High-profile advisor Michael Kitces—the “Chief Financial Planning Nerd” at Kitces.com, Head of Planning Strategy at Buckingham Wealth Partners, Co-Founder of the XY Planning Network and face of the popular “Nerd's Eye View” financial planning blog—has an interesting perspective on the topic of AI in financial planning and shares it with us on this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast.Kitces recently posted a blog titled, “Why Chat GPT is No Threat to Real Advisors,” and here he expands on thoughts behind why advisors should not fear artificial intelligence, but embrace it for how it can save time and create efficiencies.

Why Financial Advisors Need Personal Branding: Sheri FittsAnyone who attends a retirement industry event knows there's a pretty good chance Sheri Fitts is speaking at it. Today we've got the well-known branding consultant and founder of Sheri Fitts & Co. with us to talk about the need for and importance of personal branding among 401(k)-focused financial advisors.Sheri also tells us about an all-new industry branding and marketing event she is launching this August in San Diego called “SWAY| LIVE,” along with why such a focused event is needed in the retirement industry. 

Why Advisors Need to Consider Value Equities in DC Plan Investment Menus Now: Invesco's Kevin HoltAfter underperforming growth for years, value equities finally had their time in the sun in 2022. While both value and growth stocks declined last year, growth stocks fell much further than value thanks in large part to rising interest rates.In this edition of the 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast, Invesco's Kevin C. Holt, CFA, who is the CIO, U.S. Value Disciplines and Co-Lead Portfolio Manager of the Invesco Comstock Fund, helps advisors understand why they need to be looking at including value equities in a DC plan investment menu these days, and how value can help tackle the problem of far too many 401(k) participants being poorly diversified with their plan investments.He also shares his expectations for value moving forward with respect to inflation; how the COVID downturn and the recent bump in the road with regional banks are affecting value equities, and provides a closer look at the energy, technology and healthcare sectors.

EIG's John Lettieri Refutes ARA Claims of Proposed Bill's Challenge to Private Retirement Plan SystemWhen American Retirement Association CEO Brian Graff told attendees at the recent NAPA 401(k) Summit in San Diego that a new bill expected in Congress soon could mark the beginning of a “year's long battle” over the future of America's retirement system, the charged rhetoric didn't sit too well with people behind the proposal.The ARA leader likened the “Retirement Savings for Americans Act” to a giant multiple employer plan run by the government, and warned that if it were to pass, it would amount to unfair competition and would upend the entire private retirement plan system.The legislation, expected to be reintroduced in Congress within weeks by a bipartisan working group of legislators, is largely based on a proposal made in a 2021 white paper from the Economic Innovation Group that seeks to address the retirement plan coverage gap faced by low- and moderate-income Americans.EIG has made it known it doesn't agree with ARA's stance that the proposal and the legislation based on it would threaten the future of the private retirement plan system, and we wanted to hear why they think the concern stems from a “fundamental disconnect.”To that end, our podcast guest is Economic Innovation Group CEO John Lettieri, who explains why he thinks the new plan would indeed NOT compete with the existing private retirement plan system and why the lower-income retirement plan coverage gap needs to be addressed now.