Defined Contribution

While companies like Boeing and 3M are phasing out their pension plans, more and more employees see the pension as a way to restore the American Dream of retirement, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security.

With many plans expanding more investment options and educating participants now more important than ever, many plan sponsors are outsourcing advisory and fiduciary responsibilities, says new Morgan Stanley survey.

The IRS announced today it will increase 401(k) contribution limits to $23,500 (from $23,000 in 2024), the same increase as last year, while limits for employees over 50 remains unchanged.

The study found that only 11% of Gen X and 31% of boomers say they have saved the often recommended, 10 times or more of their current annual salary for retirement.

Employer payments of principal or interest on an employee's "qualified education loan" may be eligible for tax-free treatment up to the $5,250 annual maximum, as part of an employer's "educational assistance program."

Employers should take a holistic view of their 401(k) that considers plan design, employee profile and behaviors and communication programs so that the plan can be tailored to the profile of the employees at their firm, says a John Hancock report.

Only 58% of plan sponsors believe participants are on track with their retirement savings, which is why most (82%) advisors are recommending a retirement income solution to DC clients, according to a Blackrock survey.

"The National Strategy for Financial Inclusion" report leans heavily on the Treasury working to implement SECURE 2.0 provisions, such as Saver's Match, emergency savings programs and auto-enrollment.