Find better ways to retirement security

WE ALL HAVE days we’ll never forget. Some leave us with wonderful memories, some with hard lessons that change our perspective. That happened for me in junior high, when I came home to find a brand-new pair of Air Jordans waiting for me. This was October 1989, when those black, red, and white high tops were every kid’s dream—especially mine. But that day was also special because in my family, new shoes typically came only twice a year, and never in October.

What made owning those iconic sneakers possible was a letter my mother had received earlier that month. It was from an insurance company, and it contained details on survivor benefits following my father's death. The shoes forged a connection in my brain between a life-changing event and this thing called an “annuity” that brought some much-needed financial security, even comfort, to our family.

Years later, I find myself in the business of helping create financial security for millions of people, in partnership with like-minded employers and consultants. I know a lot can get in the way of that mission. Regulatory changes, market volatility, and litigation can feel all-consuming, hamper our ability to think more expansively, and even lose sight of the mission—helping participants achieve financial security.

But we need to get beyond the complexity if we hope to create better retirements. In my experience, the best results follow when we ask good questions that push us to think differently: Are annuities really “illiquid”? What’s the best way to include alternative investments in a retirement plan? Who is responsible for cybersecurity? By asking hard questions, retirement consultants and providers together can help employers arrive at solutions that truly serve employees' best interests.

We take on these questions and more in this edition of TMRW. After you read it, let’s talk. My hope is these fresh perspectives on retirement can help us work together to unlock financial well-being for the employees we all serve.

Jason Key
Head of Consultant Relations