A new executive order could radically reshape retirement investing by allowing private equity, crypto, and gold in 401(k) plans. This episode examines the factors driving the demand for alternative assets in defined-contribution plans, the potential risks to everyday investors, and why fiduciary rules and financial literacy gaps still matter. Show Notes Trump Executive Order to Help Open Up 401(k)s to Private Markets by Miriam Gottfried, Dylan Tokar, and Matt Wirz—The … [Read more...]
497: How to Fix the Retirement Savings Crisis
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...]
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...]
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...]
