Info

401(k) Roundtable

401(k) Roundtable takes you behind the scenes for a look at what it takes to run a successful retirement plan. A podcast designed for retirement plan sponsors, fiduciaries and members of retirement plan committees, each episode features a guest expert to engage in an informative conversation with host and industry veteran, Rick Unser. Get the perspectives and insights you need to make more informed decisions to benefit your plan, employees and business. Check out timely articles on retirement plan topics that impact both employee and employers: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rickunser/
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
401(k) Roundtable
2025
June
May
March
January


2024
December
November
October
September


2023
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: 2024
Dec 17, 2024

In this episode of 401(k) Roundtable™, we delve into the evolving concept of financial wellness, its growing importance in the workplace, and how organizations can integrate it effectively. We explore the role of corporate culture in promoting financial wellness and the necessity of making financial wellness a priority within companies. Our guests include Sean Jordan, Vice President of Small and Mid-Market Segments at Principal, and Barbara Coombe, Director of Financial Wellness Benefits at Shaw Industries. Sean brings a unique perspective, drawing from his extensive background in leadership, including his military service as a combat-decorated U.S. naval aviator and his work in the retirement industry. Barbara offers valuable insights into how companies can design and implement effective financial wellness programs to support their employees’ financial health.

Nov 19, 2024

This episode of 401(k) Roundtable™ explores the implications of recent election results on retirement policies and market reactions. Joining us for this month's roundtable discussion are two leaders from Creative Planning: Sam Henson, Director of Compliance Services, and Jamie Battmer, Chief Investment Office. We discuss the nonpartisan nature of retirement systems, the emotional responses of markets, and the potential changes in 401k policies with a new administration. They also delve into the role of the Department of Labor, the concept of government efficiency, and the challenges facing Social Security and Medicare. The discussion emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing these issues. The conversation delves into various aspects of retirement planning, the implications of Trump's election on ESG regulations, the efficiency of Collective Investment Trusts (CITs), the role of private equity in retirement plans, market predictions, and the challenges posed by student loans. The speakers emphasize the need for bipartisan solutions and the importance of optimizing retirement benefits for participants.

Oct 22, 2024

Host Rick Unser and Jeff Schulze, CFA, Head of Economic & Market Strategy at ClearBridge Investments, delve into the current economic landscape as we approach the end of 2024. They discuss the possibility of a soft landing for the economy, examining the implications of inflation trends, the Federal Reserve's recent decisions, and the overall market sentiment. With the elections on the horizon, the duo analyzes how political dynamics can influence business and investment strategies. They emphasize the importance of diversification, explore labor market trends, and assess the outlook for fixed income and commercial real estate. Join us for a deep dive into the forces shaping the future of business, and discover key trends to watch as we head into 2025.

Anatomy of a Recession

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All opinions and data included in this commentary are as of the publication date and are subject to change. The opinions and views expressed herein are of the ClearBridge speaker and may differ from other portfolio managers or the firm as a whole, and are not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. This information should not be used as the sole basis to make any investment decision. The statistics have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of this information cannot be guaranteed. Neither ClearBridge Investments, LLC  nor its information providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.

Sep 17, 2024
In the debut episode of 401k Roundtable, we dive into Vanguard's latest "How America Saves" report, which sheds light on the latest trends in 401(k) plan design. We’ll discuss the report’s findings on plan effectiveness, rising participation rates, and the growing popularity of professionally managed allocations. Our guests share their insights on automatic enrollment and how it's transforming participation rates in their organizations. We’ll also explore innovative features like Super Roth accounts, self-directed brokerage options, and true-up contributions. Our conversation covers a range of topics including improving wait times, shortening vesting schedules, and enhancing employer contributions. We’ll address the challenges of managing retirement distributions and the importance of protecting retirement assets. Plus, we'll delve into the benefits of auto portability for consolidating smaller 401(k) balances and examine emerging trends like student loan matching and retirement income solutions. Finally, we discuss the rising importance of financial wellness and communication, and look at the potential of pooled employer plans and managed advice as future industry trends. Join us as we explore how thoughtful 401(k) design can make a real difference for employees and keep your plan ahead of the curve.

 

The views and opinions shared by Mr. Unser and his guests are their own and not necessarily those of Creative Planning, LLC. This show is designed to be informational in nature, and does not constitute investment, tax or legal advice. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, including those discussed on the show, will be profitable, or equal any historical performance. 

1