Measuring You for an ERISA Suit
There are “people out there” who are “running algorithms to spot good targets for excessive fees lawsuits,” said Jason Roberts, CEO of Pension Resource Institute in Manhattan Beach, Calif.
The Borzi Ballet
In this 3-min. video, Assistant Sec. of Labor Phyllis Borzi responds to IRI CEO Cathy Weatherford's question about Borzi's anticipated re-proposal of a "fiduciary rule" for retirement plan advisors. They and Deputy Assistant Sec. of Treasury Mark Iwry discussed retirement regulatory issues at this week's IRI conference in Washington, D.C.
Disaster Flick
"Broken Eggs" is a forthcoming film about Boomers and retirement, produced by Chad Parks, founder of The Online 401k. You might learn a lot about your target market by watching the interviews that are embedded in this story.
Sign of the Times
A 'grey market' phenomenon in more ways than one, Airbnb’s lodging website allows Boomers and others to boost their retirement incomes and, conversely, to afford their dreams of retirement travel.
Featured
A Sudden U-Turn in Bond Flows
Since I (full disclosure) own shares in Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund, I feel compelled to fret. So I spoke with Chris Philips, a senior market strategist in Vanguard’s Investment Strategy Group.
Wharton professor challenges value of annuities
A Wharton School professor, Kent Smetters (left) and a Congressional Budget Office researcher suggest that the low level of annuitization by Americans demonstrates their common sense.
News
Declaration of independence
Retirement Income Journal will observe the national holiday with a brief hiatus from publication. We will resume e-mail broadcasting with the July 8 edition of RIJAdvisor. Go 4th, and multiply!
Going Dutch on pension reform
Dutch workers both young and old now expect smaller pensions than their current retirees enjoy. But their expectations may need to drop even lower if the “tax-facilitated accrual rate” falls to 1.75% a year from 2.25% under pending pension reform.
Cost of elderly care in 2011 was >$400bn: CBO
A new study estimates that more than two-thirds of 65-year-olds will need help dealing with a loss in functioning at some time during their remaining years of life. Article provides link to data-rich pdf.
A.M. Best issues life/annuity M&A trend report
A June 19 report from A.M. Best offers a summary of recent merger history in the life/annuity industry along with an analysis of trends driving the industry.
The Bucket
Brief or late-breaking items from Genworth, Dimensional Fund Advisors, American General, and Northern Trust. Plus, a letter dated today from Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) soliciting input from colleagues on tax reform, with a focus on the impact of eliminating tax expenditures.
