October 2025
01Oct

US. Gig economy helps power economy, but its workers can’t retire

America is fast approaching a historic milestone. By 2027, freelancers will make up more than 50 percent of the workforce, marking a fundamental shift in the U.S. labor market. Yet many of these workers will have no retirement plan. According to the Pew Research Center, only 13 percent of single-person business owners are saving for retirement compared to almost three-fourths of Americans in traditional jobs. That leaves tens of millions of freelancers and independent workers at risk, just as other...

October 1, 2025
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September 2025
22Sep

US. Strength in numbers: Why scale is reshaping the future of retirement plans

For CFOs and finance team leaders, the pressure to deliver more value with fewer resources is relentless. Retirement plan management—often a top-three employee benefit—has become a focal point, as organizations navigate rising costs, complex compliance, and growing expectations from employees and regulators alike. Many employers still manage their 401(k) plans in isolation, bearing the full weight of administration and risk without the advantages of scale. Today, as regulatory scrutiny and litigation intensify, and employees demand stronger retirement security, the...

September 22, 2025
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18Sep

US. Rethinking Retirement A Four-Pillar Framework for Security and Sustainability

America’s retirement system needs an overhaul. Many retirees face inadequate income and persistent uncertainty. On the bright side, however, most Americans do have more money than ever before to finance their retirement. Thus, reforming our retirement system will not require significant government resources. But it will require a fundamentally new approach that considers all potential sources of retirement income. One key feature of our retirement system, the 401(k), was designed to generate wealth that supplements income from Social Security and...

September 18, 2025
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12Sep

2025 Read on Retirement survey

By BlackRock Workplace savers are feeling more confident about retirement—but plan sponsors aren’t on the same page. As the gap in outlook widens, advisors have a critical role to play. Uncover the insights shaping this divide. Navigating uncertainty and a growing divide Saver confidence is up but fragile. This year’s dip underscores how closely confidence tracks with market volatility. And while savers feel increasingly sure, only 38% of employers believe the majority of their employees are truly on track—a record low. The...

September 12, 2025
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12Sep

US. Worker Optimism About Retirement Rises, Actual Savings Contributions Fall

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of workers feel on track with their retirement savings, but there is a record gap between their confidence level and that of their employers, according to BlackRock’s 2025 Read on Retirement survey, published Monday. Only 38% of employers surveyed reported they believe at least 60% of their employees are on track with their retirement savings, a record low since BlackRock began its survey in 2016. Meanwhile, savers’ confidence is up 23% over the same period. “A decade of...

September 12, 2025
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05Sep

Integrating Risk Management into Personal Financial Decisions

By Navin Kumar Effective personal financial planning demands navigating a landscape of uncertainty. This chapter explores how integrating risk management practices into personal finance decisions empowers individuals to achieve their financial goals. We begin by outlining the contemporary challenges individuals face and the importance of proactive planning. The chapter then delves into the concept of risk in personal finance, categorizing potential threats and their impact on financial stability. We highlight the benefits of a risk management approach, emphasizing its role...

September 5, 2025
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02Sep

US. Retirement Planning In 2025: What’s On People’s Minds

If retirement has been on your mind lately, you’re not alone. A record number of Americans are hitting retirement age this year, and it’s clear that rising living expenses and health care costs are giving many people pause. Whether you're approaching retirement or already settling into your golden years, now’s the time to check in on your financial game plan. Confidence Is Shaky And Inflation Is a Big Culprit According to Fidelity’s latest State of Retirement Planning study, just 67% of...

September 2, 2025
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August 2025
29Aug

Shocks to Income in a Lifecycle Model: An Undervalued Risk

By Sebastian Gomez-Cardona Lifecycle models are increasingly popular in financial planning. However, they often overlook the significant risk posed by income shocks-such as career disruptions, economic downturns, or technological advancements-that can affect financial plans, including retirement. This paper explores the role these shocks have on shaping saving rates, financial capital accumulation, and asset-allocation decisions, with particular attention to the possible relationship between income shocks and equity returns. By integrating industry-specific income risk into asset allocation decisions, this research provides practical...

August 29, 2025
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29Aug

Financial Literacy and Educator Behaviour: Insights from a Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

By Anrusha Bhana & Nkosinathi Princ Jali There is a substantial lack of financial literacy among educators, especially in emerging economies, which can influence personal and professional financial behavior. This study assessed whether financial literacy challenges influence high school educators' financial decision-making and behavior. An empirical study employing quantitative methodology assessed the lifestyle spending among high school educators and identified specific areas of financial literacy challenges and limitations. Data was collected randomly from a sample size of 246 out of...

August 29, 2025
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18Aug

How Many Americans Have Retirement Savings? The Answer May Surprise You.

Given the choice, most Americans would probably rather spend their extra money on entertainment, vacations, or home improvements than contribute to an IRA or 401(k). But without retirement savings, you risk struggling financially once your career comes to an end and you stop collecting a steady paycheck. If you're an average earner, you can expect your Social Security benefits to replace about 40% of your wages, assuming the program doesn't have to move forward with cuts. But it's typical for retirees to...

August 18, 2025
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