Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Retirement

The home stretch: Seven essential steps for pre-retirees
Retirement

The home stretch: Seven essential steps for pre-retirees

Preparing for retirement involves more than finances and should include a focus on health, wellbeing and goals. Our Mike Dullaghan explains why it’s important to start preparing 10 years ahead of retirement.

Mike Dullaghan |
Why stable value is critical in retirement plan menus
Retirement

Why stable value is critical in retirement plan menus

Stable value funds can offer capital preservation and stable returns. Our Mike Dullaghan explains the key role of stable value in long-term retirement savings.

Mike Dullaghan |
Aligning for success: From conflict to consensus
Retirement

Aligning for success: From conflict to consensus

The fifth edition of our annual “Voice of the American Workplace” survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Franklin Templeton, includes the perspectives of both employers and workers. The 2025 survey found US workers are prioritizing work-life balance and their mental health. Employers are listening and strengthening their focus on improving benefits and communication. In this piece, our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey and potential implications for employers.

Jacquelyn Reardon |
Will Social Security change as spending cuts are considered?
Wealth Planning

Will Social Security change as spending cuts are considered?

Social Security faces funding issues by 2035, but major changes to the program are unlikely in the near term. Our Bill Cass highlights what is being discussed as the federal government looks to reduce spending.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Heirs must act on inherited retirement accounts this year
Wealth Planning

Heirs must act on inherited retirement accounts this year

Starting in 2025, many non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must begin taking annual minimum distributions. Our Bill Cass details several strategies and explains why it’s important to seek advice.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Empowering financial advisors: Training and retaining talent in retirement plan practices
Retirement

Empowering financial advisors: Training and retaining talent in retirement plan practices

In light of the growing retirement market, the demand for advice is likely to increase. Our Mike Dullaghan discusses strategies for success and details our retirement plan practice program designed to help advisors.

Mike Dullaghan |
More SECURE 2.0 retirement enhancements kick in this year
Retirement

More SECURE 2.0 retirement enhancements kick in this year

In 2025, SECURE 2.0 introduces mandatory automatic enrollment in new retirement plans, increased catch-up limits for certain workers, and reduced participation requirements for long-term part-time workers. Our Mike Dullaghan highlights the details of the new provisions.

Mike Dullaghan |
SECURE 2.0: What’s new for 2025?
Wealth Planning

SECURE 2.0: What’s new for 2025?

In 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act boosts retirement savings with new rules for higher catch-up contributions, auto-enrollment and expanding access to savings plans. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
2025 Outlook: Uncovering retirement opportunities for advisors
Retirement

2025 Outlook: Uncovering retirement opportunities for advisors

The growth in US retirement assets offers potential opportunities for retirement plan advisors to likewise expand their business. Our Mike Dullaghan discusses growth opportunities in the retirement market and how to enhance client engagement.

Mike Dullaghan |
Social Security changes mean higher benefits for certain public workers
Wealth Planning

Social Security changes mean higher benefits for certain public workers

The Social Security Fairness Act is expected to enhance benefits for many starting in 2024. Our Bill Cass explains the significance of the new law.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Transforming 2024 insights into 2025 action
Retirement

Transforming 2024 insights into 2025 action

Use this guide to transform our 2024 Retirement Insights into action in 2025, focusing on areas of plan design, tax credits and participant engagement. Our Mike Dullaghan shares the highlights.

Mike Dullaghan |
Time is running out: Is a Roth IRA conversion right for you in 2024?
Wealth Planning

Time is running out: Is a Roth IRA conversion right for you in 2024?

Taxpayers may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion for 2024 but need to act before the end of the year to realize income this year. Our Bill Cass explains when a Roth conversion may make sense.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |