Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Education

SECURE 2.0 creates new backdoor Roth opportunity
Legislation

SECURE 2.0 creates new backdoor Roth opportunity

Here’s a look at how a new legislative provision may be an opportunity to help jump-start retirement savings for children while saving for college at the same time.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
The new FAFSA: What every advisor, parent and student should know
College Savings

The new FAFSA: What every advisor, parent and student should know

Recent legislative changes will impact the student financial aid process and could create stress and confusion. Dr. Peter Mazareas, author, college financing expert and Co-Founder of Invite Education, shares some need-to-know information for parents, students, and financial advisors.

Peter Mazareas, Ph.D. |
Workplace Retirement Voice: Personalization in retirement plans is paramount
Perspectives

Workplace Retirement Voice: Personalization in retirement plans is paramount

Individuals are increasingly looking for more tailored investment solutions, so it makes sense for plan fiduciaries to consider a more personalized approach, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist. He says personalization may be the ticket to better retirement outcomes.

John M. Kutz |
Workplace Retirement Voice: Adding the two “P”s to the three “F”s
Retirement

Workplace Retirement Voice: Adding the two “P”s to the three “F”s

The advisor of the future needs to embrace a new value proposition, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist at Franklin Templeton. This means moving beyond the “three F’s” and taking a more holistic approach to changing client needs.

John M. Kutz |
An attractive deal awaits small businesses when starting a workplace retirement plan
Education

An attractive deal awaits small businesses when starting a workplace retirement plan

Small business owners without workplace retirement plans now may take advantage of expanded tax credits if they establish one, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist at Franklin Templeton. He outlines recent regulatory and legal developments.

John M. Kutz |
Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety
Retirement

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 |