A secure lifetime income solution can seamlessly continue the “do it for me” structure that has helped DC plan participants save in their working years.
Retirement planning has evolved from a singular focus on savings to ensuring that account values provide income for life. Multiple generations of DC plan participants are concerned that they’ll outlive their retirement savings, and they’re turning to plan sponsors for solutions.
Planning for retirement has historically been focused on saving as much as possible.
As more plan participants worry about retirement income security, demand for guaranteed income solutions is growing—and plan sponsors are pondering the options.
With the likely passage of the SECURE Act within the new government appropriations bill, annuities will gain safe harbor protections. This—and presumed cost concerns—has been a sticking point making some plan sponsors hesitate to offer a lifetime income solution in their defined contribution plans.
As defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors know, the US Department of Labor recommends considering both packaged and custom target-date strategies when choosing a solution. As we see it, packaged solutions can learn a few things from fully customized target-date solutions, which are generally used by large and megasize plan sponsors.
When it comes to implementing a secure lifetime income solution for a defined contribution (DC) plan, sponsors may balk at the task of evaluating insurers and different types of retirement income options. But fiduciary help is already available, with additional services and innovations on the way.
Washington legislators have crafted some substantive support for defined contribution (DC) plans to offer secure income solutions for participants. The Secure Act, currently under Senate review, may be a key component in clearing away some hurdles that have previously made DC plan sponsors hesitant to incorporate lifetime income solutions.
Plan sponsors evaluating packaged and custom target-date solutions should take a close look at the demographics of their plan participants and how they stack up against those of a “typical” plan. It’s critical information when making a glide-path decision.