Nevin's Data "Points"

I wouldn’t for a second suggest that the current financial/economic crisis that we are enmeshed in isn’t “real,” or that the efforts to remedy it thus far aren’t well-intentioned, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that the words put forth to explain the situation—and thus the solutions put forward to redress that situation—are being done by folks desperate to be seen to be doing something, but not quite (at all?) sure what that something should be. And, IMHO, that inclination won’t diminish with a new Administration eager to prove itself. Let’s face it—even when doing nothing might be the best medicine (and I, for one, am at that point), we tend to believe that “something should be done.” Meanwhile, we have retirement plan participants, most of whom—again—appear to be riding this one out. Oh, there are signs of change on the fringes—some modest reductions in average deferral rates, slight upticks in hardship distributions, and, on particularly volatile days in the market, a bump in...

Thanksgiving has been called a “uniquely American” holiday, and while that is perhaps something of an overstatement, it is unquestionably a special holiday, and one on which it seems a reflection on all we have to be thankful for is fitting. Here's my list for 2008 : I’m thankful that the election is over—and that the results were determined on Election Day (for the very most part). I’m thankful that so many made the effort to vote—and that, regardless of whether or not one always agrees with the outcome, we have the ability to do so. I’m thankful that our nation has passed yet another September 11 without a terrorist attack on our soil—and thankful to the leaders of this great nation, and to the men and women in our armed forces, intelligence agencies, and Homeland Security for their continued sacrifices in keeping us safe. Closer to “home,” I’m once again thankful that so many in Washington are concerned about the current state of employer-sponsored retirement plans, and the ...

In another week (or so), PLANSPONSOR will publish its annual Defined Contribution Survey. There are other surveys in this space, of course, but ours stands apart, IMHO, for its breadth and depth, painting a portrait of the industry that transcends size, geography, and provider. And this year the survey, now in its 13th year, is even bigger than ever. Over the years, asked to rank the criteria used in selecting their DC plan provider, plan sponsors have reliably opted to put “others” first—and this year, as in every year we have asked plan sponsors to do so, they ranked service to participants as the most important criteria, garnering a ranking of 6.5 on a 7.0 scale. Once again service to plan sponsors was the second most important (6.50). Not surprisingly (particularly these days), investment performance was deemed the third most significant, while the financial strength of the provider was ranked fourth. Interestingly enough, the numerical importance of all of these declined slig...

Regardless of age, regular exercise is important – but I’m at an age where the demands of everyday life (and the toll of previous “misadventures”) frequently make that impractical, if not impossible. Nonetheless – generally after I’ve been away at a conference (where the hours, food, and drink have all been beyond my usual quotas) – I undergo a renewed “commitment” to exercise. Unfortunately, once you have gotten out of the habit – well, let’s just say your body has a way of reminding you how long it’s been. Consequently, I was concerned a couple of weeks ago when I heard that GM had decided to suspend its 401(k) match for salaried workers (see “ Benefits Cuts Next on GM Agenda ”). Now, the giant automaker, like many other firms, is struggling at present. And, frankly, given a choice between having a job and having a matching 401(k) contribution, I’d opt for the former every single time. Still, in recent weeks, that’s a move that we’ve seen a number of employers make (see “ Tighten...

For all the talk of “hope” and “change,” this extended election cycle has offered little of either, IMHO. Now, I realize that there are those among you who are highly enamored of one candidate or the other – or at least highly un-enamored of the other. But, IMHO, if you don’t have some concerns about how both of the candidates would conduct themselves in office on at least some issues, you haven’t been paying attention. Truth be told, neither of the major U.S. party candidates would be my first choice for the office (don’t read too much into that – I don’t have anyone particular in mind), and frankly, I’m not all that keen on the folks they’ve chosen to back themselves up (though I can appreciate the rationale behind the choices). Nonetheless, our nation’s tried and tested method of screening and selecting representatives has, with all its flaws, done its job. Now it’s our turn. Come Tuesday, we have a real choice to make. And this one – more than most, perhaps more than any in m...