During the insightful 2018 Nuveen Leadership Council, John Sullivan of 401(k) Specialist had a compelling discussion with Will Ferguson from HB Retirement about the intricacies of target date fund selection. Their conversation delved deep into the critical role of Target Date Funds (TDFs) in shaping retirement outcomes, underlining the necessity for plan sponsors to judiciously tailor their fund choices to the distinctive ethos and requisites of their organizations. This dialogue emphasized the strategic importance of target date fund selection in aligning with organizational objectives and participant expectations.
Ferguson elaborated on the challenges and opportunities presented by the diverse array of TDFs available in the market. He stressed that effective target date fund selection hinges on a comprehensive understanding of each fund’s glide path and inherent features, aiming to match these with the demographic and financial profiles of the organization’s workforce. This aspect of target date fund selection is pivotal, as it directly impacts the retirement readiness of participants.
The conversation further explored the ongoing innovations within the sphere of TDFs, highlighting the industry’s efforts to evolve these funds from their traditional role as accumulation vehicles into sources of stable income for retirees. Such innovations are instrumental in transforming the perception and utility of retirement savings, offering participants a clearer vision of their financial future in retirement.
In discussing the operational dynamics of TDFs, Ferguson underscored the critical decisions around whether funds should be managed with a focus on investment growth up to the point of retirement (‘to’) or extend their investment strategy beyond retirement (‘through’), incorporating considerations for income generation in the retirement phase. Both Ferguson and Sullivan pointed out the essentiality of rigorous and continuous due diligence by plan sponsors, in the context of the fluid TDF landscape, to mitigate risks and optimize outcomes.
Concluding their discussion, Ferguson provided an overview of HB Retirement, outlining its historical roots and its contemporary mission to aid plan sponsors in devising effective retirement plans. This detailed examination of target date fund selection not only illuminated key considerations for plan sponsors but also showcased the dynamic evolution of retirement planning strategies, thereby offering invaluable insights for sponsors keen on refining their approach to retirement planning and fund selection.
See the rest of the 2018 Nuveen Leadership Council series here.
With more than 20 years serving financial markets, John Sullivan is the former editor-in-chief of Investment Advisor magazine and retirement editor of ThinkAdvisor.com. Sullivan is also the former editor of Boomer Market Advisor and Bank Advisor magazines, and has a background in the insurance and investment industries in addition to his journalism roots.
