Teresa Ghilarducci once called the 401k an immature, underdeveloped child that needs help over a mudpuddle to the curb when crossing a street. While we disagree, we love the imagery. A labor economist and nationally recognized expert in retirement security with The New School for Social Research, Ghilarducci is a consistent and prolific advocate for a better system, however defined.
She often partners with industry and political heavyweights like Blackstone’s Tony James and presidential advisor Kevin Hassett. We asked if she still feels the same way about 401ks, what a well-designed system needs (in her opinion), and why 401k father Ted Benna agrees with her view.
With more than 20 years serving financial markets, John Sullivan is the former editor-in-chief of 401(k) Specialist and 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. Experienced financial services content executive specializing in creative new media delivery. He joined the American Retirement Association in 2023 as Chief Content Officer, overseeing communications for the organization, as well as its sister organizations.