Providing education for retirement plan participants is not the easiest task. For one, most people don’t want to be lectured about the inner workings of their 401(k) plan. When we present to participant groups, we often look out onto folks that seem distracted, worried, weary, or just overwhelmed. And while what we are saying is important, it feels like we are speaking a foreign language for most people. This is why we like to meet with participants individually, to ask them individual questions and address their specific retirement-related goals.

During the first eighteen years of my life, I lived in Rockville, Maryland, with my family. After living in Delaware for some time, I returned to the area with my fiancée. Regardless of where I live, I have always maintained close emotional ties with my parents. My dad has engaged in life planning all his life, not only for himself but also constantly planning for his family.

When things are going really well, be sure to notice it.  The S&P 500 has set 18 new closing highs this year.¹ While the stock market historically delivers positive returns over the long term, no one can guarantee that the stock market will continue to rise. Short-term fluctuations are common, both up and down. We experienced the most recent downside shock in April, but now and then, the market can deliver a doozy of a downturn, as we experienced from 2000 to 2002.²