Top 10 401(k) Stories of 2015

Out with the old, in with the new, something that applies to 401(k)s in 2016.
Out with the old, in with the new, something that applies to 401(k)s in 2016.

Who came up big on this year’s list of the most popular 401(k) stories? We had an odd couple of 401(k) fee champions, behavioral economic rock stars and—of course—fiduciary, fiduciary and more fiduciary.

10). Hug it Out: Signs of Resolution in The Passive vs. Active Management Debate?

One of the reasons it’s gone on for so long is that it really is a fascinating debate, at least for finance geeks like us. But like the reign of the dinosaurs, this too must end. Will 2016 be the year it happens?

9). Another State Moves to Require a Government Run 401(k) Option

A Democrat administration suddenly loves states’ rights? The administration won’t wait for Congress to act on calls to automatically enroll workers in 401(k) plans. Instead, it ramped up its support of retirement plans at the state level. This liberal stronghold was the latest.

8). Breaking Bad (Behavior): A Quick Q&A with Famed Economist Dr. Richard Thaler

We asked questions, Thaler answered. We’re not sure if we maximized our economic utility, but the famed University of Chicago behavioral economist talked football, faculty lounges and 401(k)s.

7). Top 3 Financial Concerns for 401(k) Participants

Is anyone really surprised something like this made the list?

6). Three 401(k) Talking Points to Ace Your Next Client Meeting

It appears some sort of weird “rule of three” is happening, but No.6 on our list is a smart piece written for the soft-science of client marketing and outreach. And hey—who doesn’t want to ace client meetings?

5). You’re Scaring Your 401(k) Clients!

We’ll say it again—apparently, nerdy financial professionals that are good at math are intimidating. 401(k) account balances are low and client steer clear of financial advisors. Why? Because you’re really scary.

4). Why Declining 401(k) Balances Are a Good Thing

Monty Python implores us to “always look on the bright side of life.” Fidelity certainty likes to whistle the classic tune, and found a silver lining in some disappointing news in Q3.

3). The Fight for Low Fees: John Bogle, Tony Robbins Team Up in Our Inaugural Issue

We thought it would be No. 1, we we’re wrong. Martin and Lewis, Abbott and Costello, Lennon and McCarty. Bogle and Robbins might not immediately come to mind, but what they have to say is as fascinating as it is important.

2). 10 Terrifying Advisor Questions for 401(k) Plan Sponsors

There’s beauty in simplicity, and this certainly qualifies. Right about three or four questions in, 401(k) advisors will know if there plan sponsor clients are truly acting as fiduciaries.

1). Boeing Settles 401(k) Fiduciary Lawsuit

We lied; it wasn’t just this lawsuit involving a fiduciary breach that took the top spot, it was EVERY story involving a fiduciary lawsuit that took the top spot. Tibble v. Edison, Boeing Lockheed Martin, RJ Reynolds, Ameriprise and now Insperity. They hogged the list, and for good reason.

*Special Mention*

401(k) Coordination Bombshell: Budget Deal Ends Social Security ‘File and Suspend’

It just missed the top 10, so we’d thought we’d give a shout-out to the Social Security changes contained in the budget deal. It’s the ONE government program that’s actually popular, so naturally Congress would mess it up.

Have a happy and safe New Year. Onward and upward for 2016.

John Sullivan
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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.

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