News

Why the Case for 401k Auto Portability Just Got Stronger

With the 4/22/21 release of EBRI's 31st annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS), the case for auto portability just became a whole lot stronger. Why? RCH's Tom Hawkins, writing in 401k Specialist, points readers to the RCS finding that nearly 9 in 10 participants believe that auto portability would be a valuable plan feature. Even more impressive than the overall response, the survey also found that specific demographic segments that benefit the most from auto portability want it even more -- including minorities, younger age groups and lower income segments. Hawkins' piece also includes a link to a new video, The Case for Auto Portability.

RCH's Spencer Pringle Quoted in US News & World Report

In her 4/7/21 article in US News & World Report "Factors to Consider Before Cashing Out a 401(k)" Rachel Hartman advises readers to consider the long-term repercussions of prematurely cashing out. Hartman quotes RCH's Spencer Pringle, who suggests that participants first think carefully about whether or not the need is for a true financial emergency. If it is, Pringle further suggests that participants identify the amount required to satisfy the emergency, keeping the remaining amount invested for retirement.

Also featured in Yahoo! News and MSN Money

Portability on Steroids: Let’s See It! – Part Two

In part 2 of their 2-part interview, RCH’s Spencer Williams continues to discuss auto portability with Lisa Massena, Founder of Massena Associates. In part 2, Williams turns to the importance of Alight Solutions (the first large recordkeeper who has adopted auto portability), touches on a range of views on auto portability from within the DC Beltway, and offers his insight on broader issues, including the overall level of retirement savings coverage.

Portability on Steroids: Let’s See It!

In part 1 of their 2-part interview, RCH’s Founder, President & CEO Spencer Williams takes on the topic of auto portability with Lisa Massena, Founder of Massena Associates and publisher of the Retirement Security Matters newsletter. In part 1, their conversation highlights the fundamental dynamics driving the need for auto portability and offers readers a primer on how auto portability works.

Cracking the Code to True 401k Portability

Writing in 401k Specialist, RCH's Tom Hawkins notes that America’s 401(k) system, long plagued by friction, produces $92.4 billion of excessive cash-out leakage annually. However, in recent years and culminating in 2021, the private sector has finally “cracked the code” and is delivering innovative fintech solutions, combined with education and personal assistance to reduce friction and to enable true 401(k) portability.

When ‘Herding’ Helps

PLANSPONSOR's John Keefe takes a broad look at account consolidation within the defined contribution system, consulting a host of industry experts, including RCH's Spencer Williams and Neal Ringquist. Noting key DOL stats, Ringquist dimensions the problem of stranded accounts in the DC system. Williams then describes the difficulties facing most participants in moving retirement savings forward, while referencing RCH's efforts to automate balance transfers, the establishment of a network of recordkeepers and engagements with mega plan sponsors.

Consolidating Gains from a 401k Portability Program

Following on to the 2013 study by Boston Research Group (now Boston Research Technologies), a new study released by Retirement Clearinghouse (RCH) revisits a mega plan sponsor’s ongoing experience with a program of 401(k) retirement savings portability, and finds that not only have the benefits of the original program persisted, they’ve grown, with plan participants continuing to realize significant, measurable benefits.

This Fintech Bets On 401(k)s That Are Auto-Portable

Writing in Financial Advisor Magazine, Christopher Robbins shares his interview with RCH President & CEO Spencer Williams, who provides Robbins his perspective on the long path to auto portability. Joining the firm in 2007, Williams shares some key moments along the way, beginning in 2013 when the "light bulb came on" regarding auto portability, to the DOL's enabling regulation in 2018-2019, and culminating with Alight Solutions' adoption of the RCH Auto Portability service in July 2020.