Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Education

Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety
Education

Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety

US workers are clearly feeling the strain of economic uncertainty, according to Franklin Templeton’s third annual “Voice of the American Worker” study. The study revealed that financial anxiety has reversed the pandemic’s “Great Resignation” to “the Great Return” and is reshaping employee benefits expectations. Our Jacquelyn Reardon shares findings from the survey, and potential action items for employers.

Jacquelyn Reardon |
“Managed accounts” is a terrible name
Education

“Managed accounts” is a terrible name

The retirement savings industry is at the dawn of a mega-trend that will define the next decade or more—personalization, according to Kevin Murphy, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Workplace Retirement Distribution.

Kevin Murphy |
US Retirement Legislation and Regulation Bulletin: Fourth quarter 2022
Education

US Retirement Legislation and Regulation Bulletin: Fourth quarter 2022

We believe it is important to keep you informed on the latest proposals and regulations impacting the retirement industry, as well as implications to your business. As such, we are pleased to share the latest edition of the Retirement Legislation and Regulation Quarterly Bulletin, prepared by experts at Davis & Harman LLP.

Michael L. Hadley |
US retirement legislation and regulation bulletin: Third quarter 2022
Perspectives

US retirement legislation and regulation bulletin: Third quarter 2022

We believe it is important to keep you informed on the latest proposals and regulations impacting the retirement industry, as well as implications to your business. As such, we are pleased to share the latest edition of the Retirement Legislation and Regulation Bulletin, prepared by our partners at Davis & Harman LLP.

Michael L. Hadley |
Saving for college: Start small, but start now
Education

Saving for college: Start small, but start now

Graduation season provides an important reminder of the high costs of a college education. Sandra Palmer, Head of 529 Distribution at Franklin Templeton, discusses how to finance a college education, how it’s similar to saving for other life goals, and how friends and family can get involved.

Sandra Palmer |
Re-Evaluating Work and Retirement
Perspectives

Re-Evaluating Work and Retirement

Franklin Templeton’s second edition of our “Voice of the American Worker” survey revealed that US workers are re-evaluating how they think about their jobs and what they expect from employers. Respondents also expressed a focus on financial independence and well-being. Our Yaqub Ahmed and Jacquelyn Reardon share findings from the survey, and potential implications for employers.

Yaqub Ahmed |
Gifts for a Brighter Future
Education

Gifts for a Brighter Future

Instead of purchasing the latest toy or electronic gadget for your children or grandchildren, what about giving them something that will last a lifetime and isn’t in limited supply: the gift of a more secure future. Sandra Palmer, Head of 529 Distribution for Franklin Templeton’s 529 College Savings Plan, discusses how crowdfunding can help finance a college education. She also has some tips if you are looking for ways to extend your charitable giving further this holiday season.

Sandra Palmer |
Quick Thoughts: Digital Trends Impacting Investors and Advisors
Multi-Asset

Quick Thoughts: Digital Trends Impacting Investors and Advisors

Investors and financial advisors alike want to understand the fascinating trends that are transforming the investment industry. Recently, our Chief Market Strategist and Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, Stephen Dover, hosted a roundtable discussing trends at the intersection of innovation and goals-based investing with Yaqub Ahmed, Head of Head of Investment-Only Division-U.S., U.S. Defined Contribution, U.S. Insurance & Sub-Advisory; Adam Petryk, Head of Solutions Strategy and Development, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions; and Craig Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer, AdvisorEngine.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Survey Shows Importance of Personalized Approach to Retirement Planning
Education

Survey Shows Importance of Personalized Approach to Retirement Planning

Franklin Templeton’s 2021 US Retirement Income Strategies and Expectations survey revealed financial-related concerns across generations of Americans including health care, inadequate savings, and debt management—and the need for a personalized approach to retirement planning. Our Sean O’Malley discusses some of the findings of this year’s survey, and how respondents currently feel about their financial future.

Sean O'Malley |
Quick Thoughts: Think Quantum with Cybersecurity
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Think Quantum with Cybersecurity

Our Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover explores how quantum computers will soon unlock and slice through infrastructure and financial systems’ public key cryptography. Many cyberattacks are “Store Now, Decrypt Later” (SNDL) crimes, however, quantum computers will advance decrypting old data, now.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Quick Thoughts: Financial and Infrastructure Cybersecurity
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Financial and Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are projected to exceed US$6 trillion in 2021, with growing threats to our financial systems and infrastructure. We are now entering a new era of the internet with accelerated computing power and innovations, such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI), that threaten all current cybersecurity. Our Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover offers his take.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Quick Thoughts: Sourcing Income in Bonds, Real Estate, and Multi-Asset Solutions
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Sourcing Income in Bonds, Real Estate, and Multi-Asset Solutions

Sir John Templeton famously said that “this time is different” are the four most dangerous words for investors. However, today’s world appears to be truly different, and with that in mind, our Chief Market Strategist, Stephen Dover, brought together Mark Lindbloom, Portfolio Manager, Western Asset; Onay Payne, Portfolio Manager, Clarion Partners; and Ed Perks, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions to discuss and share perspectives on the recovery, growth, and current opportunities for income.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |