The end of the year brings reflection and review, and we’re pleased with the response we received to our 401(k) Specialist Podcast retirement plan podcasts.
Branded as “short and sweet,” we spoke with industry personalities, executives, fellow journalists, and top researchers—not to mention 401k advisors themselves. Here, we list the five most-listened-to interviews of 2021 and look forward to season No. 2 in 2022.
The American College’s Wade Pfau on Common Retirement Income Mistakes that Can Kill a Portfolio
Pfau’s low-key, academic style belies his groundbreaking research in retirement income, making him a leading voice in what can be a complicated, yet critically important, issue for most Americans.
We asked him about common retirement income mistakes that can kill a portfolio, the pitfalls of raising the RMD age to 75, and what’s wrong with the 401(k).
Ed Murphy, President and CEO of Empower Retirement, on M&A, Work from Home and NFL Football
You can always count on Ed Murphy for straight talk and honest opinions, and he doesn’t disappoint in our wide-ranging interview. An industry leader and all-around good guy, he and his wife recently donated $1 million to a Boston inner-city school.
Ric Edelman on Private Equity in 401ks—Exciting but Complicated
Speaking of leaders, Ric Edelman, author, talk show host, and founder of investing powerhouse Edelman Financial Engines has clear and direct views on industry innovation. He explained private equity’s place in the retirement portfolio and revealed the additional services that advisors should offer participants outside of the 401k.
Retireholi(k)s Host JD Carlson on PEP Dangers, Potential Magazine Covers and More
We’ve gotta admit we didn’t expect this one, but Carlson, CEO of California-based TPA Plan Design Consultants and host of Retireholi(k)s never disappoints. Aside from whining about PEPs, we had a fantastic discussion about various subjects. Carlson didn’t hold back.
Why the 401k Fails and What A ‘Better’ System Looks Like, According to Teresa Ghilarducci
We don’t always agree, but respect and enjoy the ideas New School professor Teresa Ghilarducci introduces to try to make the retirement plan system better for all Americans. We asked for her frank opinion of 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.