Beyond Bulls & Bears

By the numbers: Changes set for Social Security and Medicare in 2025
Wealth Planning

By the numbers: Changes set for Social Security and Medicare in 2025

In 2025, Social Security will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment. At the same time, Medicare Part B premiums and the annual deductible will increase. Our Bill Cass explains the key changes planned for Medicare and Social Security.

Modernizing retirement plans with alternative investments
Retirement

Modernizing retirement plans with alternative investments

Change is on the horizon for hard working Americans saving for their future, as 401(k) plans are now embracing private market investments. Savers may soon have access to opportunities previously reserved for institutional investors. Our Yaqub Ahmed and Kevin Murphy talk about the trends and opportunities.

Medicare open enrollment presents opportunity to change existing plans
Wealth Planning

Medicare open enrollment presents opportunity to change existing plans

Medicare open enrollment, held from October 15 to December 7, allows individuals to change or sign up for plans, and potentially save money and improve coverage. Our Bill Cass shares the key things you need to know.

Age milestones can trigger financial planning actions
Wealth Planning

Age milestones can trigger financial planning actions

Many financial planning actions are linked to age milestones. Our Bill Cass highlights what key birthdays and other dates could mean for your financial plan.

The pecking order of 401(k) plan design: A bird’s eye view
Retirement

The pecking order of 401(k) plan design: A bird’s eye view

Establishing the optimal workplace retirement plan follows a pecking order, which starts by prioritizing plan design over investments. Our Mike Dullaghan discusses the process.

Maximizing 401(k) plans: How financial advisors can leverage the DOL’s target-date tips
Retirement

Maximizing 401(k) plans: How financial advisors can leverage the DOL’s target-date tips

The US Department of Labor (DOL) offers eight tips for advisors to use to review target-date funds. Our Mike Dullaghan illustrates how to use the DOL tips in preparation for plan review season.

Final regulations deliver clarity on 10-year rule
Wealth Planning

Final regulations deliver clarity on 10-year rule

With a recent IRS announcement, heirs now have clarity on the 10-year rule for distributions from inherited retirement accounts. Our Bill Cass details the final regulations.

New ways to avoid early withdrawal penalties from retirement accounts
Wealth Planning

New ways to avoid early withdrawal penalties from retirement accounts

The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced new ways to avoid a 10% early withdrawal penalty from retirement accounts. Our Bill Cass explains the implications for savers.

Workplace to wealth: Transforming retirement through meaningful action
Retirement

Workplace to wealth: Transforming retirement through meaningful action

A strategic alignment within the workplace is an opportunity for financial advisors, employers and retirement savers seeking financial planning advice. See Kevin Murphy’s views on emerging trends in workplace savings.

Navigating the next normal in the retirement industry
Retirement

Navigating the next normal in the retirement industry

The needs of retirement plan sponsors and savers are changing, and advisors may want to consider a value proposition for the “next normal” in the shifting retirement landscape, according to Mike Dullaghan, Retirement Strategist at Franklin Templeton.

Beyond generic advice: How advisors can personalize investing
Retirement

Beyond generic advice: How advisors can personalize investing

Personalized messaging has a powerful impact. Our Kevin Murphy believes it is time for the financial services industry to deliver personalized solutions and advice.

Getting personal: Mind the benefits gap
Retirement

Getting personal: Mind the benefits gap

Educating workers about workplace benefits is vital to employee retention, according to findings from Franklin Templeton’s 2024 “Voice of the American Workplace” survey. Our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey related to what employees want—and how employers can meet these needs to benefit both parties.