Convincing Arguments

Art by Sarah MazzettiIf your plan sponsor clients are blanketing all of their retirement plan participants with just one message, they are missing out on the nuances that resonate among different demographic groups, not only by age but by gender and life-stage priorities. “Call to Action” details some of the various ways sponsors can steer their communications. Millennials, for example, respond to messages about savings goals other than retirement, such as putting away money for a home, while Baby Boomers appreciate information on decumulation planning.

You will also find the “2016 PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers” list in this issue. As we continue to evolve this offering based on the changing industry, this year we have divided it into four segments: individual adviser, small team, large team and mega team. You can learn more about how we define each segment.

As the Boomers begin their massive wave of retirements, plan sponsors are increasingly asking themselves—and you—a new question: Are there benefits to encouraging retired workers to leave their assets in the plan? “Do They Belong?” examines the pros and cons of retaining the assets of retirees and departed employees, as well as encouraging active employees currently not contributing to the plan to get into the game.

Given the stock market’s volatility so far this year, your plan sponsor clients are likely asking you to suggest ways to mitigate it. “The Value of Alts” gives numerous reasons why alternative investments are now a logical fit for retirement plans and discusses which types make sense and in which types of vehicles.

Retirement plan advisers specializing in defined contribution (DC) plans might not be discussing defined benefit (DB) plans with their clients, but the incredible growth seen in pension risk transfer (PRT) of DB plan assets in the last year presents a wonderful opportunity to engage them—see “Risk Capture”. Even if you are not well-versed in defined benefit plans, the article explains how you can get up to speed by partnering with an insurance provider, actuary and accountant.

PLANADVISER Changes for 2016
We have made a number of revisions to the magazine this year. The Trendspotting section is revamped to now include the data points we previously presented in Talking Points. A new page, What’s Online?, will highlight some of the most popular articles on our website. We also are instituting two new departments: Investment Focus, which will showcase data from Strategic Insight, an Asset International company, and Practice Development, aimed at helping you develop your firm; the theme for this year is staffing. You will also find a new “Key Takeaways” box at the end of each feature, to drive home the main points you just read. It’s all about giving you actionable information to advance your practice.