Products October 2, 2012

OneAmerica Unveils New Participant Education Program

The retirement services division of the OneAmerica companies has unveiled a new retirement education and engagement program for plan participants.
Reported by

“One Day is Today” was developed from national consumer research and is intended to convey to plan participants that taking actions toward retirement now can move them closer to achieving their financial goals for the future. The program is designed for participants at various life stages, focusing on themes including “getting started,” “retirement 101” and “nearing retirement.”  

During the creation of the “One Day is Today” program, OneAmerica conducted research—including a national consumer panel survey—on how to effectively engage plan participants. The resulting materials differ from those commonly aimed at plan participants in that they avoid imagery involving people and make ample use of white space. The print and digital content features messages focused on the specific steps a plan participant can follow immediately to make today the day they take action.

The campaign includes a variety of print and digital content that is beginning to be delivered to plan sponsors and participants. These pieces include enrollment materials, educational brochures and mailers. Examples are attached.

“Through research, OneAmerica determined that participants will respond best to messaging that is actionable, direct and realistic,” said Marsha Whitehead, vice president of retirement marketing communications for the OneAmerica companies. “By focusing on message and not imagery typical of most retirement plan communications, ‘One Day is Today’ motivates the participant and gives very simple instructions on how to take action right now instead of focusing on life in the distant future.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters to keep up on the latest retirement plan adviser news.

 

The Markets October 2, 2012

Taylor Rolls Out Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

The Taylor Xplor Managed Futures Strategy Fund was unveiled by Taylor Alternative Mutual Funds, providers of alternative investment strategies.

 

Reported by

The fund aims to complement a traditional equity and bond portfolio, by offering low correlation to markets, diversification across asset classes, reduced portfolio risk in down markets and the potential for strong returns

The Taylor Xplor Fund invests both long and short in a variety of asset classes, including commodities, currencies, equity indices and global interest rates.

Want the latest retirement plan adviser news and insights? Sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters.

The fund was created to meet the changing allocation needs of advisers and their clients resulting from the 2008 financial crisis, which has led to artificially low interest rates and global economic instability, said Kevin F. McDonald, chief executive of Taylor Investment Advisors, adviser to the Taylor Xplor Fund.

“Today’s investment portfolios demand investments that are uncorrelated to market, business and economic cycles, and that can perform in down markets,” said Barry F. Cronin, chief investment officer of Taylor Investment Advisors. “The Taylor Xplor Fund seeks to meet these requirements and to offer investors an ‘all-terrain vehicle’ for navigating the hazardous roads ahead.”

The Taylor Xplor Fund was created by a coalition of three investment firms. Taylor Investment Advisors is fund adviser. BlackRock is the fixed-income sub-advisor and will oversee management of the strategy’s cash portion. Xplor Capital is the trading manager.

The fund can be purchased through the Pershing Advisor Solutions platform or through a direct transaction with custodian Union Bank, and will soon be available on other investment platforms.

 

«