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Whatever they are, 401(k) problems are solvable

For every problem, there is a solution. If the problem is not enough people use existing plans, then introduce auto-enrollment. If the problem is not enough participants save enough, then introduce auto-escalation.

By Chris Carosa | Updated on April 30, 2014

“Houston, we have a problem.” So said the calm voice crackling through the speaker. This is perhaps the most misquoted quote from the heyday of the U.S. space program. Almost exactly forty years ago, first John Swigert, Jr. and then, after Houston Control asked the crew of Apollo 13 to repeat what Swigert just said, James Lovell actually used the phrase “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” The use of the past perfect progressive tense only emphasize the heroic dispassion expressed by the astronauts who faced death in the solitude of space. One would suppose if they were really worried, Fred Haise Jr., the third member of the crew, might have also chimed in.

Ironically, while the “have had” construction implied the problem had occurred sometime in the past (implying it was now solved), the reality was the boys on Apollo 13 really did have a current problem. Lovell referred to a past problem – the failure of the electrical system on the B oxygen tank. What he may not have known at the time was that the past problem was caused by an explosion in the service module. This disabled the craft, making their mission unattainable and jeopardizing their very lives. Sounds like they have a problem to me.

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