Table Of Contents
Dr. Brigitte Madrian on Advice .......................... PDF-
Changing the Face of Retirement ....................... PDF
-
Participant Survey Results 2011
-
Financial Fitness Bootcamp ................................ PDF
-
The New Saver ........................................................... PDF
-
A Lesson in Lemon Drops .................................... PDF
-
Levers of Wealth ...................................................... PDF
-
Up and Coming ......................................................... PDF
Dr. Brigitte Madrian on Advice
By David IrelandDirector of SSgA US Defined Contribution Investment Strategy
How Facebook, Yelp and target date funds can help your participants achieve better results.
“All plans already have one form of advice: plan design. Participants draw a lot of conclusions from a plan's investment menu, company match, inclusion of company stock and so on.”
- Brigitte Madrian, Harvard University
Changing the Face of Retirement
Participant Survey Results 2011
By Michaela Cavallaro
One in five employees doesn't know your plan's features—and other surprising results from our proprietary participant survey. Plus, the bold moves your participants want you to take.
“Retirement requires a lot of money deducted in the present, but you may not get the benefit in the future—especially if you die.” - 30-year-old professional who is willing to increase savings by 5%
Financial Fitness Bootcamp
By Sonya HughesHead of SSgA Defined Contribution Client Engagement
Three-quarters of participants would boost their contribution rate to 10% for six months—if you made it automatic. Why you should start a savings boot camp, and how to make it work.
“Before you assume the 10% rate is too aggressive for your employees, test the idea and see if the appetite for a stretch may be bigger than you think.”
The New Saver
By Trevor OliverDirector of SSgA Defined Contribution Research and Product Development
The economy stinks and unemployment's at 9.0%—but consumer debt costs have fallen 20% since 2007, and saving has more than doubled. Two prominent economists explain what it all means for participants.
“Americans are beginning to realize a new kind of household economics. People recognize they may have made unrealistic assumptions about returns on stocks and real estate, and about the prospects for income growth. They're making permanent adjustments to their financial lives: spending less, saving more and accepting a lower quality of living.” -Julia Coronado, BNP Paribas
A Lesson in Lemon Drops
By Kristi MitchemSenior Managing Director and Head of SSgA Global Defined Contribution Business
Nearly 70% of participants are worried about inflation—but more than 40% don't know the current rate. What you can do to help participants protect their purchasing power.
“One of the most effective ways to help your DC participants manage inflation risk is by adding funds that hold real assets—TIPS, REITS, commodities, infrastructure, precious metals and natural resources—to your investment menu.”
Levers of Wealth
By Nate MilesSSgA Defined Contribution Investment Strategy
Saving starting at 22 instead of 24 buys an extra year of retirement. Working two years longer gives you a 34% annual raise in retirement. How to help participants young and old understand and use their financial power.
"Saving more helps people become accustomed to living on less, reducing their retirement income needs.” -Fredrik Axsater, SSgA
Survey your own participants.
To receive a copy of the survey questions used in the SSgA DC Participant Survey
To receive a copy of the survey questions used in the SSgA DC Participant Survey
To receive future issues of The Participant