Target Date Fund Theory and Evidence
Ron Surz argues that 401(k) participants are not getting the protection that academic lifetime investment theory prescribes and are therefore much less protected than they should be near retirement
Advisors Miss Great Opportunities in Target Date Funds
Advisors earn a quarter of the fees paid to TDF service providers. Here’s how they can get more
The Game is Changing for Target Date Funds
Marginal players fold. Newbies assail whales. Bet on the newbies.
Managed Accounts Can’t Work for Defaulted 401(k) Participants
Because defaulted participants do not want to engage, you can’t know what they need and want
Why a Crash Like 2008 Would Decimate Boomers in TDFs
Ron Surz says a 2008-level stock market crash would be 17 times worse today because so many more Boomers have money in target date funds
Nostalgia, Baby Boomers and Target Date Funds
Baby Boomers have spoken. They want to be protected from investment losses. We should listen.
An Exemplary Multiemployer 401(k) Plan
Ron Surz says “retire with dignity’ is the guiding mission of this union 401(k), a “poster child” for what he says a defined contribution plan should be
TDFs: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Action: Sponsors choose TDFs that are 90% risky at their target date; Words: Sponsors say they want TDFs to protect near retirement
Target Date Funds Do NOT Reduce Risk Through Time, Except a Few TDFs
The prospect that interest rates might actually increase exposes most TDFs to an interesting dilemma. Ron Surz explains…
3 Shocking Facts You Should Know About Target Date Funds
Despite their popularity, Ron Surz says target date funds have serious deficiencies, but a few problems are shockingly imprudent and unrecognized