It’s all about the outcome, and we want to know what you’re doing.
The shift from accumulation to distribution is officially underway, with more assets leaving 401(k)s than entering. It’s time to see if a 30+ year experiment with defined contribution plans is really working. It’s a critically important topic, one central to the health and welfare of the American worker.
401(k) Specialist magazine and the website has a laser-like focus on participant outcomes-how they’re defined and achieved. It’s the only true measurement of 401(k) success, and we want to hear from you. In order to be considered for a ‘Top Advisor By Participant Outcomes (TAPO)’ honor, all of the following six questions must be answered, with specific processes and relevant details included:
- What areas of focus/data points are evaluated in your analysis?
- How do you identify plan goals and objectives? Are these documented? What participant metrics do you use to measure the progress of your retirement plan?
- Do you believe your retirement plan should actually measure whether or not your employees are on the right track?
- Is there a specific income replacement ratio you target for participants?
- How are employees encouraged to join the company plan and diligently save? Is it through auto-features or something else?
- Once in place, how are automatic features and other participant success drivers measured?
We’ll feature those that stand out each month, with a panel of experts convened to choose and celebrate the absolute best this year.
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.
