Deals & People March 20, 2012

Russell Investments and Lincoln Financial Form Strategic Relationship

Russell Investments announced a strategic relationship with Lincoln Financial Network. 
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The relationship elevates Russell as a key partner for outsourced asset allocation solutions, and positions the multi-asset Russell Model Strategies as a non-proprietary addition to Lincoln Financial Network’s advisory platforms.

Russell Model Strategies features five globally diversified, asset-allocated portfolios designed to help meet clients’ investment needs and risk tolerance. Russell Tax-Managed Model Strategies, which aims to meet the needs of tax sensitive clients, is also available on Lincoln Financial Network’s platforms, as are Russell’s individual multi-manager mutual funds.

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Under terms of the agreement, Lincoln Financial Network’s two broker/dealers (Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation and Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation) will provide their advisers and their clients with immediate access to Russell’s asset-allocated portfolios through Lincoln Financial Network’s Mutual Fund Strategist programs. Russell also makes available its practice management consulting services.

“This partnership with Russell expands the investment offerings available for our advisers and their clients, and provides them with an expanded menu of solutions,” said David Armstrong, vice president for advisory services at Lincoln Financial Network.

Armstrong added that advisers in the Lincoln Financial Network also will benefit from Russell’s suite of client-ready servicing materials, which feature real perspectives on a client’s desired investment outcomes.

Data & Research March 20, 2012

One-Third of Americans Have Hope for a Secure Retirement

Thirty-five percent of Americans think it is possible for a middle-income family to save for a secure retirement. 
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According to a COUNTRY Financial survey, this is up six points from this time last year, and the first increase in five years. This increase may be because many Americans did not have to postpone their retirement as a result of the economic downturn, and people are also taking positive steps to finance their golden years.

Nearly four in 10 (36%) will not have to delay their retirement as a result of the economic downturn. Fifty-seven percent either maintained or increased the amount they contribute to their nest egg, a three-point increase from last year.

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However, others are confronting new realities of retirement caused by years of economic instability. A quarter of Americans must delay their retirement by three years or more. This instability might also be why a majority (55%) expect to take a part-time job during retirement to augment their savings.

Social Security Uncertainty Weighs on Americans 

The ongoing debate about the future of Social Security might be impacting how Americans factor it into their overall nest egg. Just one-third are confident Social Security will pay them all of their promised benefits. Those in the Gen X age group are the least confident. Just 14% of those ages 30 to 39 and 26% of those ages 40 to 49 believe they will receive their promised benefits.

Forty-one percent of those with a financial planner say less than one-quarter of their retirement income will come from Social Security. Only 25% of those without a planner say the same.

The COUNTRY survey on retirement is based on a national telephone survey of 3,000 Americans and is compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC. 

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