A global shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic gave Canadians an increase of unanticipated savings that led to a short period of stronger retirement savings contributions, says Amin Mawani, director of the Master of Health Industry Administration and professor of taxation at the Schulich School of Business at York University. It has been five years […]
U.S. workers believe they’ll need an average of US$1.26 million in savings to retire comfortably, $200,000 less than the $1.46 million reported last year and nearly flat with 2022 and 2023 estimates., according to a new survey by Northwestern Mutual. The survey, which polled more than 4,600 workers, found among employees who have retirement savings, […]
Flexible retirement savings plans and employer matching can potentially provide lower-income workers with earlier retirement options despite the rising cost of living, according to a new report by Mercer. The report analyzed two scenarios for workers earning $50,000 with workplace retirement plans that include employer matching. Read: Employer matching key to supporting young workers’ retirement […]
With no federal requirement for U.S. employers to offer retirement savings options, individual states are stepping up and delivering meaningful programs. Speaking at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Defined Contribution Plan Summit, Michael Frerichs, state treasurer at the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, said the U.S. is facing a retirement crisis and he hopes these government tools can be […]
Since 2008, when the U.S. enacted legislation allowing target-date funds as the default, total assets in these funds have grown from around US$150 billion to $3 trillion, according to Glenn Dial, vice-president of retirement thought leadership and research at American Century Investments, during a session sponsored by CIBC Asset Management Inc. at Benefits Canada’s 2025 […]
In the early days of Bell Canada’s defined contribution plan, there was a lot of emphasis on information and big campaigns, but at that time, employers were reluctant to get too involved, according to Robert Marchessault, the telecommunications company’s director of pension and benefits, noting it was soon clear its members needed more guidance. Speaking […]
The evolution of pension plans from retirement tools to encompassing flexible savings models that prioritize financial wellness is a defining change over the past 25 years in the defined contribution pension industry, said Wendy Mizuno, senior vice-president of total rewards at Loblaw Companies Ltd, during a panel session at Benefits Canada’s 2025 DC Plan Summit […]
Two-thirds (67 per cent) of U.S. retirement savers are concerned about their income lasting their lifetime, while 30 per cent are extremely or very concerned, according to a new survey by Global Financial Atlantic Group. The survey polled individual investors between the ages of 55 and 75 with US$250,000 and $2 million in investable assets […]
The Canadian Institute of Actuaries is supporting employers with a new resource that focuses on the importance of early and proactive retirement planning. The resource covers several topics, such as how to build emergency funds while balancing short-term obligations with long-term goals, as well as developing sustainable retirement income strategies using personal savings, employer-sponsored retirement […]
Amid the ongoing tariff dispute between Canada and the U.S., employers can support employee mental health by reminding them of available mental-health benefits and being transparent in their communication, says Kim Siddall, national vice-president of client strategy at People Corporation. She notes the impact of the trade war on employee mental health is two-fold, encompassing […]