Why 401k and other defined contribution schemes are flawed, leading to a generation of workers unprepared for retirement. What are the solutions to fix the mess. Topics covered include: Why 401k and other defined contributions haven't worked, despite their popularity Why defined benefit pension plans declined Why 401k plans are treated like emergency funds How to combine the best of 401k and defined benefit pension plans Show Notes The Shift that Redefined … [Read more...]
441: What If Social Security Had Been Privatized?
In 2005, Congress debated giving U.S. workers private savings accounts to invest their Social Security contributions in the stock and bond markets. Sixteen years later, we review how that would have worked out for workers. Topics covered include: How the public and private sectors are both critical for a functioning social security systems Which countries pay the highest social security benefits How have other privatized social security plans worked out around the world How … [Read more...]
295 Plus: I Bonds, Pension Lump Sums and Speculating in Art
In Plus episode 295 for the week of April 25, 2020, we walk through the process of buying a Series I Savings Bond. We answer a member's questions about taking a lump sum pension payment and review how that payment is determined. Finally, we review art as a speculation. … [Read more...]
269: How the Public Sector Pension Crisis Will Impact You
Why most state and municipal pension plans are underfunded and why that could lead to higher taxes and reduced government services. Why participants in state government retirement systems have greater protection against benefit cuts than participants in municipal retirement systems. In this episode you’ll learn: How defined benefit plans work.Why there is more subjectivity regarding valuing a pension plan's liabilities compared with its assets.What does it mean for a … [Read more...]
163 Plus: Federal Reserve, Pension Crisis and Is There Enough To Retire
This week July 1, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we learn how bank reserves at the U.S. Federal Reserve will be reduced as the central bank reduces its holdings of U.S Government bonds. We use the tools on Money For the Rest of Us Plus to analyze whether a member will have enough to retire. We explore the severity of pension fund crisis for U.S. states and municipalities as well as for U.S. businesses and the potential fallout from the crisis. Finally, we take a brief look at a … [Read more...]
Are Pension Plans A Dying Retirement Model?
Many companies are shuttering their pensions and replacing them with defined contribution plans. Here's why. Topics covered in this audio lesson include: What is the difference between defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Why companies have moved away from offering defined benefit plans such as pensions. How pension plans are managed. Why most pension plans are underfunded. The lesson length is 6 minutes. … [Read more...]
