At AFS 401(k), our advisors are constantly in contact with employees from all income levels, educational backgrounds, and industries and we see common themes when it comes to the types of questions they are asking us. Alex Assaley, our Managing Principal, spends most of his time with plan participants helping them navigate their retirement savings. “People need help with this stuff, delivered in a down-to-earth manner that can take them from point A to point B, and let them get on with their day," he says of people's common challenges when dealing with their retirement plan. While we hear a wide variety of questions and concerns from people on a daily basis, here are the three that we hear the most: 

As employee benefits professionals, much of your focus is probably towards ensuring employees are saving in the company-sponsored retirement plan. Participation rates, deferral amounts, and match formulas might fill your day-to-day thoughts on the financial standing of employees, and it's for good reason: An employer-sponsored retirement plan has steadfastly become the primary vehicle people in the United States use to save for their futures. 

The process to approve a new Fiduciary Rule by the Department of Labor is proving to be more of a marathon than a sprint. On August 9, 2017, the Department of Labor requested to delay review and applicability of the long-awaited fiduciary rule until July 1, 2019. Here we unpack what led to this, what it means for you, and what direction we can most likely expect things to go next. 

"In what ways will Baby Boomers working longer have an impact on today's workplace?"

Alex Assaley answers this and more on the most recent episode of WorkXo's Culture Chat podcast. At a time where multiple generations with varying characteristics are working together, it can be challenging to form a workplace culture where all needs are met. 

Employer retirement plans of all kinds, including 401(k)s, have increasingly become seen as the holy grail in the world of retirement benefits. If employers offer a retirement plan (especially if there's a match), then employees will save, and they will be able to happily retire when they want...or at least that's the intent. Overall, while there are many reasons that Americans struggle with saving enough for retirement, even if they have access to a plan through work, there is another benefit that can provide an extra boost from employers: Health Savings Accounts.