Nevin's Data "Points"

Life has many lessons to teach us, some more painful than others—and some we’d just as soon be spared. But for the graduates of 2020—well, theirs is surely a unique time. So, if you have a graduate—or if you ARE a graduate, here are some thoughts…    My kids have passed those milestones—but I have two nieces that will graduate this year without an “official” ceremony to commemorate the occasion, no capstone to those years in pursuit of education, and preparation for the next of life’s stages, and—while social media, cell phones, TikTok and Zoom provide some solace—this is a class that will, for the moment anyway, be denied the hugs and warm embraces of classmates, friends and family alike. That said, those next steps lie ahead—and if the when, where (and how) remains elusive—the if is surely only a matter of time. And as graduates everywhere look ahead to the next chapter in their lives, it seems a good time to reflect on some lessons learned along the way—m...

It is something of a tradition this time of year to look back, to reminisce about past events and lessons learned, and sometimes to look ahead. Here are some insights from columns past that I hope have been of value in 2017 – and will continue to be in the months ahead. 5 Things You May Not Know About Roth 401(k)s According to a variety of industry surveys, roughly 60% of 401(k) plans now offer a Roth 401(k) option, and Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) data shows that 28.6% of 403(b) plans already allow for Roth contributions. Participant take-up, which just a few years ago hovered in the single digits, is now in the 15-20% range. Here are five other things you may not know about the Roth 401(k). 5 Things People Get Wrong About ERISA Fidelity Bonds One of the most important – and, in my experience, least understood – aspects of plan administration is the requirement that those who handle plan funds and other property be covered by a fidelity bond. ...

Each year the good folks at Beloit College produce a “Mindset List” providing a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students about to enter college. So, in what ways will their retirement plans differ from those of their parents? In the most recent list (they’ve been doing it since 1998), the Beloit Mindset List notes that for the class of 2020 (among other things): There has always been a digital swap meet called eBay. They never heard Harry Caray try to sing during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Vladimir Putin has always been calling the shots at the Kremlin. Elian Gonzalez, who would like to visit the U.S. again someday, has always been back in Cuba. The Ali/Frazier boxing match for their generation was between the daughters of Muhammad and Joe. NFL coaches have always had the opportunity to throw a red flag and question the ref. Snowboarding has always been an Olympic sport. John Elway and Wayne Gretzky have always been retired. So, what abo...