In my previous blog, I used the metaphor of four gears to explain what drives a 401(k) plan. It turns out that particular symbolism was more meaningful than originally intended. For 401(k) participants, "first gear" represents savings. It is the participant's most powerful tool (see "The Retirement Saver's Secret (as in 'Underappreciated') Weapon," FiduciaryNews.com, July 9, 2013).
But, saving is also the biggest impediment. Not enough of it is being done. It's both hard to get people started and it's hard to get them to save the right amount. That's what makes the car analogy even more appropriate.
How many of you recognize this experience:
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Christopher Carosa
Chris Carosa has been writing a weekly article and monthly column for BenefitsPRO online and BenefitsPRO Magazine since 2011 and is a nationally recognized award-winning writer, researcher and speaker. He’s written seven books, including From Cradle to Retire: The Child IRA; Hey! What’s My Number? – How to Increase the Odds You Will Retire in Comfort; A Pizza The Action: Everything I Ever Learned About Business I Learned By Working in a Pizza Stand at the Erie County Fair; and the widely acclaimed 401(k) Fiduciary Solutions. Carosa is also Chief Contributing Editor of the authoritative trade journal FiduciaryNews.com and publisher of the Mendon-Honeoye Falls-Lima Sentinel, a weekly community newspaper he founded in 1989. Currently serving as President of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and with more than 1,000 articles published in various publications, he appears regularly in the national media. A “parallel” entrepreneur, he actively runs a handful of businesses, including a small boutique investment adviser, providing hands-on experience for his writing. A trained astrophysicist, he also holds an MBA and has been designated a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor. Share your thoughts and story ideas with him through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/christophercarosa/)and Twitter (https://twitter.com/ChrisCarosa).
