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week ending February 21st, 2020 Americans are drowning in debt. Studies have shown that debt and homeownership are top reasons retirement plan participants withdraw funds from their retirement accounts early. And a recent Hearts & Wallets survey found more consumers think employers should help pay off student loan debt (39%) than should help with retirement (25%). These findings signal a strong need for financial wellness programs that address debt management. In addition to solutions to address student loan as well as consumer debt, employers may want to consider emergency savings solutions to help employees avoid debt in the first place. This edition of PLANSPONSOR Weekend will give you food for thought about structuring your financial wellness program. Editor's Choice Participants Debt, Homeownership Driving Participants to Withdraw Retirement Funds Data about retirement plan participant loans and hardship withdrawals supports the need for better financial wellness programs, especially for Millennials and Gen Xers. Administration Employer Student Debt Help Not Reaching All Who Need It A Fidelity analysis found Baby Boomers and Generation X have high student loan debt, but as it may be for their children’s education, many employer programs are not helping. Data and Research High Cost of Living, Debt Are Reasons Americans Don’t Save Enough A survey found more Americans are prioritizing building an emergency savings fund over retirement savings. Benefits Automating Emergency Savings for Retirement Plan Participants Aside from the benefit of having emergency savings, people acclimated to having retirement savings automated will likely stay with an automated process. Administration Mechanics of Implementing a Sidecar Savings Account Keeping retirement plan contributions rolling in while also allowing employees to save for emergencies. Popular Reads Participants What Participants Want From Employers’ Retirement Plan Websites A recent study found 81% of participants have logged into their accounts, with most signing in to check account balances or review investment options. Research 2021 Recordkeeping Survey Ask the Experts Allowing for After-Tax Contributions in a 401(a) Plan Experts from Groom Law Group and CAPTRUST answer questions concerning retirement plan administration and regulations. Deals and People Retirement Industry People Moves Northern Trust announces hiring of new CIO; Morgan Stanley partners with Empower; and IRIC appoints executive director. Data and Research U.S. Falls in Natixis Global Retirement Ranking They survey found that a third of U.S. investors do not believe they have the option to retire. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up here to get PLANSPONSOR Weekend directly in your mailbox!

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