Tag: retirement preparedness

broken piggy bank with bandage standing on some coins

Abstract For most workers, 401(k)/IRA assets represent the main source of retirement savings outside of Social Security.  These accounts can generate significant wealth if workers contribute consistently from a young age, keep their money in their accounts, and minimize their investment fees.  However, most workers have 401(k)/IRA balances at retirement that are substantially below their…

Dart board with a dart missing the board

We recently completed a new study that explains a discrepancy that has bothered me for years – namely, the difference between what people could have in their 401(k) plan and the amount that they actually hold.  More specifically, a 25-year-old median earner in 1981 who contributed regularly would have accumulated about $364,000 in combined 401(k)/IRA…