The ‘Best’ of 2021

I’ve been writing a weekly column (and then some) for more than two decades now. Some are easier to write (and read)—and some hold up better (and longer) than others. These are some of my (and perhaps your) favorites from 2021.

Let me know what you think in the comments below… particularly if I have missed one of your favorites… 

What’s So Special About College Debt?

Student loan debt—or more precisely, the forgiveness of some part of it—has dominated the headlines of late—but it’s been on the minds of retirement plan sponsors for a while now. The question is—why? https://www.asppa.org/news/what%E2%80%99s-so-special-about-college-debt 

Bundled Versus Unbundled: 5 Myths

While there are some amazing bundled solutions, ERISA’s admonition to act solely in the interests of plan participants (and beneficiaries), alongside the requirement that those be reasonable in terms of cost and value, call for a careful and considered evaluation. In that vein, there are some “myths” that seem to be prevalent regarding those choices, perceptions that persist even today. https://www.asppa.org/news/bundled-versus-unbundled-5-myths

Is COVID-19 a Retirement Story?

A recent paper was titled “COVID 19 Is Not a Retirement Story.” A week later, an article on Forbes.com said: “COVID-19 Is Most Certainly a Retirement Story.” So, which is it? https://www.asppa.org/news/covid-19-retirement-story 

Attention Getters

I was recently taken to task for a column about retirement savings regrets. https://www.asppa.org/news/attention-getters 

5 Plan Committee Missteps

There is frequently a difference between doing what the law requires and doing everything that you could do as a plan fiduciary. That said, there are things that plan fiduciaries must do—and things that, while not required, can keep the plan, and plan fiduciaries out of trouble. https://www.asppa.org/news/5-plan-committee-missteps 

Three ‘Scary’ Things That Give Plan Sponsors Chills

Halloween is the time of year when one’s thoughts turn to trick-or-treat, ghosts and goblins, and things that go bump in the night—and, for plan sponsors, and those who support them, a good time to think about the things that give us pause—that cause a chill to run down our spine… https://www.asppa.org/news/three-%E2%80%98scary%E2%80%99-things-give-plan-sponsors-chills 

Things You Don’t Learn in School

Life has many lessons to teach us, some more painful than others—and some we’d just as soon be spared. But the graduates of 2021—well, they’ve been through a lot, arguably more than most—but with any luck at all, the days and years ahead will be brighter. Regardless, if you have a graduate—or if you are a graduate, here are some insights I’ve picked up along the way… https://www.asppa.org/news/things-you-don%E2%80%99t-learn-school 

Thanks again for all your shares, likes, support and comments along the way—wishing you all the best in 2022!