Empower Retirement

Empower Institute: Financial health means more than money jared.cyriacks… Wed, 11/10/2021 - 10:11 Press Release It’s getting past roadblocks It’s connected to overall happiness It differs across racial and ethnic groups GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. Nov. 10, 2021 – Three-quarters of Americans surveyed say their financial health affects their physical and mental health, and more than half say it’s connected with overall happiness and quality of life. They agree that financial well-being is a top priority, but they need help to achieve it. And when it comes to financial confidence and optimism, less than half of Hispanic Americans and Black Americans surveyed consider themselves financially healthy. That’s according to a survey1 conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Empower Retirement and Personal Capital. The findings, analysis and ways employers can help employees improve their financial well-being are published in two papers – “Financial Wellness is an Evolving Journey”and “Making Financial Wellness Attainable for Everyone” — available this month from Empower Institute, the research group for Empower. “Now more than ever, it’s time for the financial industry and employers to let go of a one-size-fits-all financial savings plan for all Americans,” said Luis Fleites, director of thought leadership. “Yes, money is one factor in defining financial health. But diving into what is keeping employees up at night and understanding that financial well-being is interconnected with other factors can lead to real solutions.” Survey results show that defining financial health is personal. Of those surveyed, 41% say it means surviving — paying the bills; 45% say it means stability — having savings or an emergency fund; and 29% say it means being worry free — having money for leisure and activities. Further, financial health varies across racial and ethnic groups. For example, 38% of Hispanic Americans and 43% of Black Americans consider themselves financially healthy compared to 51% of white Americans. In addition, when asked about the amount of savings needed to feel financially healthy, Black Americans responded with $254,000, Hispanic Americans with $349,000 and white Americans with $589,000. One thing consistent across racial and ethnic groups is that people crave advice. More than six in 10 people of color want help on their financial wellness journey. Among top priorities: 36% want help paying off debt. 34% want help building an emergency fund. 31% want help planning for retirement. “While the research reveals critical inequalities in terms of how different groups view their financial wellness, it also identifies a clear opportunity for employers to step in and create meaningful change,” Fleites said. The research revealed three areas in which employers could help their employees move past roadblocks and improve their own financial health: Understanding the needs and challenges expressed by underrepresented groups Creating tailored engagement programs based upon underrepresented groups’ challenges Providing unbiased resources, such as automatic plan design features, digital tools and personalized online advice Read more survey findings and analysis at Empower Institute. About Empower Retirement Headquartered in metro Denver, Empower Retirement administers approximately $1.1  trillion in assets for more than 12.8 million2 retirement plan participants as of Sept. 30, 2021 is the nation’s second-largest retirement plan recordkeeper by total participants.3 Empower serves all segments of the employer-sponsored retirement plan market: government 457 plans; small, midsize and large corporate 401(k) clients; non-profit 403 (b) entities; private-label recordkeeping clients; and IRA customers. Personal Capital, a subsidiary of Empower Retirement, is an industry-leading hybrid wealth manager. For more information please visit empower-retirement.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.   1 The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Empower Retirement and Personal Capital from March 23 to April 5, 2021. We surveyed 2,005 people, all of whom were 18+ and living in the U.S. The online survey has a +/- 3% margin of error and a 95% confidence level. 2 As of Sept. 30, 2021. Information refers to the business of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, including Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of New York and GWFS Equities, Inc. GWLA’s consolidated total assets under administration (AUA) were $1,131B. AUA is a non-GAAP measure and does not reflect the financial stability or strength of a company. GWLA’s statutory assets total $75.2B and liabilities total $73.3B. GWLANY statutory assets total $3.5B and liabilities total $3.3B. 3 Pension & Investments 2020 Defined Contribution Survey Ranking as of April 2021.

Empower Retirement named among ‘Most Community-Minded’ firms in Colorado for third consecutive year jared.cyriacks… Tue, 11/09/2021 - 09:48 Press Release Empower associates supported organizations on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic 63% of nonprofit recipients served under-resourced communities GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Nov. 9, 2021 — Empower Retirement associates rolled up their sleeves and volunteered in more than 1,100 community organizations across the country putting more than 7,700 volunteer hours through the company giving program. For a third year, Empower has been recognized as one of the most community-minded companies in Colorado in the Civic 50 Colorado program by CSR Solutions of Colorado and Points of Light. Through Empower’s Associates Community Together (ACT) program, associates support causes closest to their hearts and amplify their impact with company support. Empower matches employee contributions up to $5,000 per associate per year and associates can take up to 16 hours of paid time off annually to volunteer.  “What is most impressive about this past year’s efforts is that associates volunteered in their community organizations during a period in which we were all dealing with the new realities of working from home, balancing work and family commitments, and stepping up for clients who need our support,” said Edmund F. Murphy III, President and CEO. “Our associates really connected with their communities — sometimes virtually — and participated in the very important aspect of healing with our country.” The Civic 50 Colorado program by CSR Solutions of Colorado and Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, is based on four dimensions of community engagement programs — investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and impact measurement. The Civic 50 Colorado honorees are public and private companies with Colorado operations and were determined by an independently administered and scored survey. Empower was recognized for setting the standard for civic engagement and driving social impact in the company and community. The Civic 50 Colorado program aims to showcase companies translating good intention into sound business practices. The honorees were recognized today in a virtual celebration. Empower is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado with offices in Kansas, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Massachusetts. In 2020, Empower associates donated $3.78 million to nonprofits, with $1.55 million dedicated specifically to COVID-19 relief efforts. This year Empower partnered with the Denver Broncos in support of the Alzheimer’s Association and supported COVID-19 relief organizations in India where Empower has an office. “Engaging in community service is part of Empower’s DNA,” said Suzanne Sanchez, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Our associates are dedicated to partnering with our neighborhood organizations and working toward making our communities safe, healthy and vibrant. When our neighborhoods are safe and healthy, we all benefit.”  Empower launched its ACT program in 2016 to support the volunteer and giving efforts of its associates. Along with the contribution match and paid time off for volunteering, another key aspect of the program includes its Board Leadership Program, which supports associates who serve on the boards of nonprofit organizations. The most popular organizations Empower associates support include Food Bank of the Rockies, Harvesters – The Community Food Network in Kansas, the Hunger Task Force in Wisconsin, the American Heart Association in New Jersey and Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness in Massachusetts. (More details are published in Empower’s 2020 Community Action Report.)  “What’s unique about Empower’s corporate giving program is that associates choose where they want to volunteer and where they want to send financial support,” Sanchez said. “The program is driven by them and we believe that leads to a meaningful impact in our communities.” CSR Solutions, a leader in community engagement and philanthropy, is the first in the country to bring the nationally revered Civic 50 Awards to Colorado to recognize Colorado companies that have invested significant resources in communities to build a strong, resilient, connected and healthy place to live. The Civic 50 Colorado survey is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process and is the only evaluation that exclusively measures corporate involvement in communities. Click here for more about the Civic 50 Colorado 2021and this year’s honorees. About Empower Retirement Headquartered in metro Denver, Empower Retirement administers approximately $1.1  trillion in assets for more than 12.8 million1  retirement plan participants as of Sept. 30, 2021 is the nation’s second-largest retirement plan recordkeeper by total participants.2 Empower serves all segments of the employer-sponsored retirement plan market: government 457 plans; small, midsize and large corporate 401(k) clients; non-profit 403 (b) entities; private-label recordkeeping clients; and IRA customers. Personal Capital, a subsidiary of Empower Retirement, is an industry-leading hybrid wealth manager. For more information please visit empower-retirement.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. About CSR Solutions of Colorado: At CSR Solutions of Colorado, we believe that workplaces can DO BETTER BY DOING GOOD. We offer a robust suite of cost-effective products and services, making it easy for workplaces large and small to build and grow their community strategies through volunteer engagement, philanthropic impact and community reputation. Let us help you create your company’s corporate social responsibility strategy and road map. For more information, visit csrsolutionsco.org. About Points of Light   Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org. Media contacts: Empower Retirement: Stephen Gawlik, Stephen.Gawlik@empower-retirement.com, 617-417-4408 Monica Mendoza, Monica.Mendoza@empower-retirement.com, 719-373-2460 1 As of Sept. 30, 2021. Information refers to the business of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, including Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of New York and GWFS Equities, Inc. GWLA’s consolidated total assets under administration (AUA) were $1,131B. AUA is a non-GAAP measure and does not reflect the financial stability or strength of a company. GWLA’s statutory assets total $75.2B and liabilities total $73.3B. GWLANY statutory assets total $3.5B and liabilities total $3.3B. 2 Pension & Investments 2020 Defined Contribution Survey Ranking as of April 2021.

Making Financial Wellness Attainable for Everyone jared.cyriacks… Mon, 11/08/2021 - 09:51 Empower Institute How underrepresented groups view their financial health – and how employers can help When it comes to financial well-being, Americans are generally optimistic. According to new research conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Empower Retirement, more than half of people surveyed believe they can attain financial health. However, this confidence is not consistent across racial and ethnic groups. Only 38% of Hispanic Americans and 43% of Black Americans consider themselves financially healthy compared to 51% of white Americans. While the research reveals critical inequalities in terms of how different groups view their financial wellness, it also identifies a clear opportunity for employers to step in and create meaningful change.   Almost three-quarters (73%) of people of color say the concept of financial health needs a makeover — and companies must redefine it so it is more realistic and attainable. While the specific goalposts employees set for their financial well-being differ across racial and ethnic groups, Americans generally agree about their big-picture financial ideals. Unfortunately, survey results suggest that some underrepresented groups are less likely to feel they have reached those important goals. Almost two-thirds (64%) of white Americans say they have bought a home compared to only 47% of Hispanic Americans and 35% of Black Americans. Similarly, 46% of white Americans say they’re on track to retire when they want to compared to 27% of Hispanic Americans and 33% of Black Americans. And while Asian Americans feel more confident about having an emergency fund and being debt free, they still lag behind white Americans on home ownership and retirement. How employers can help From an employer perspective, understanding employee progress towards their goals can serve as guideposts for financial well-being offerings. They can help prioritize what financial education, advice and resources may help the most. And whereas more than six in 10 people of color want help on their financial wellness journey, employers’ engagement and advice efforts can fall short if they are not careful to build trust and connect with their audience in an authentic way. Download the research brief to learn more.     Download research paper     RO1905664-1121

Should you choose Roth or traditional 401(k) contributions? jared.cyriacks… Tue, 11/02/2021 - 09:12 Empower Insights The answer depends on your tax situation and expectations for the future. Many companies offer a 401(k) plan with both Roth and traditional contribution options. You can choose between one or the other, or — as long as you don’t exceed the combined contribution limit — you can choose to fund both at once. Roth and traditional contribution options share many features. Both allow you to: Contribute up to a combined total of $19,500 per year in 2021 (plus an additional $6,500 if you’re age 50 or over). Invest in the options your employer makes available through their plan. Invest for the long term with the potential for tax-advantaged growth. The main difference between Roth and traditional 401(k) contributions is the way each is taxed. In the simplest terms, your decision comes down to whether you’d rather pay taxes now or later. Roth contributions: Pay taxes now Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars. As with the traditional option, the Roth option provides the potential for tax-free growth for every dollar you contribute. But once you start taking qualified Roth distributions in retirement, you won’t owe any taxes on the money you collect. Traditional contributions: Pay taxes later Traditional 401(k) contributions are typically made with pretax dollars, which reduces that year’s taxable income. Your contributions are not taxed until you begin making withdrawals, at which point you’ll pay ordinary income tax on every dollar you withdraw. Choosing the account that’s right for you As you consider which type of contribution will be best for you, give some thought to the following questions: Do you need to reduce your taxable income this year? If you need to reduce your taxes for the current year, or to lower your income to stay eligible for benefits such as Affordable Care Act healthcare subsidies or the Child Tax Credit, traditional 401(k) contributions can help you do that. Roth 401(k) contributions don’t affect your taxable income or current tax liabilities. Can you afford to make pretax contributions? If you take the Roth 401(k) contribution route, your taxable income won’t be reduced. Because you pay the taxes upfront, you may want to consider traditional 401(k) contributions if your income is already stretched. How long do you have until you retire? The longer you have to save for retirement, the more you may benefit from the Roth option’s potential for tax-free growth. You pay your taxes up front on the current dollar value of your contribution, but any potential future appreciation is tax-free when you take a qualified distribution. Over many years — or even decades — that potential appreciation may offset the front-end tax liability. Do you expect your tax rate to be higher or lower when you retire? This factor carries substantial weight in the choice between a Roth and a traditional 401(k) option. If you think your tax rate will be lower when you begin taking withdrawals from your plan, traditional contributions may make sense. If your tax rate will be about the same (or higher), Roth contributions might be preferable. Still undecided? This Roth vs traditional 401(k) calculator can help you assess whether the traditional option, the Roth option or a combination of both is best for your specific situation. RO1891424-1121

Goals for the game of life jared.cyriacks… Fri, 10/22/2021 - 10:37 Cheyenne Knight LPGA Tour Pro and Empower Brand Ambassador Knight Life Golf is a funny game. Whether you’re playing for bragging rights with your friends or on the LPGA Tour with some of the best athletes in the world, your confidence can soar or sink in the blink of an eye. One minute, you’re feeling good on the fairway and aiming for the green. The next, you’re struggling to find your ball in the weeds after an errant strike. It’s 18 holes of ebbs and flows when it comes to toying with all your emotions. Trust me, in my career, I’ve been there, done that more times than I can count. As much as I try to stay cool, calm and collected on the course, I realize the ups and downs I endure after every shot come with the territory. I always tell myself it’s like this mental roller coaster that brings me joy but tests my patience. But do you know what else is a funny game? Life! No matter how much faith you have in your skills, abilities and values, there will always bumps in the road. It could be failing a quiz at school, buying an expensive pair of shoes you don’t need, or missing a birdie putt at a major tournament. You’re gonna win some — and, like they say, you’re gonna lose some, too. That’s why I’m a big — no, a huge! — believer in setting goals, writing them down and evaluating them along the way. Having something to shoot for motivates me. Whether it’s preparing for my financial future (like saving for a home) or advancing on the LPGA Tour, I’m adamant about having a plan in place to succeed. It’s a ritual I started when I was a freshman at the University of Alabama in 2016. As I’m sure most young adults can probably relate, going off to college and moving away from your family can be pretty daunting at first. For me, I was living in a new state, meeting new people and beginning an exciting new chapter. While it was definitely an awesome opportunity, I was still overwhelmed by the entire experience. Luckily, I had golf and my goals to keep me busy. I still remember sitting at my athletic locker and thinking about all the wonderful things I wanted to accomplish during my first season as a member of the Crimson Tide’s women’s golf team. I was ambitious, too. I jotted down several specific items I thought I could achieve if I worked hard and gave 110% every day. In addition to winning an NCAA event, I was really determined to showcase my talents on the national stage, so I strived to receive freshman-of-the-year, all-conference and All-American honors. While my list may have been lofty, I was more than ready for the challenge. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been super competitive. That’s what happens when you grow up with three older brothers like I did — everything is a contest! It didn’t matter if we were racing in the pool, chasing each other around the block or playing Monopoly, the stakes were high when self-pride was up for grabs in in the Knight household. In the end, after a ton of practice and perseverance, I was fortunate enough to finish on top and reach my goals at Alabama. Now that I’m in the middle of my third year on the LPGA Tour, I still follow the same blueprint I did when I was in college. Before each season, I reflect on my previous goals, assess what went right and what went wrong, and create new ones for the upcoming campaign. My main focus is on finding ways to improve. In fact, I’ve actually adopted the same approach with my money. Each January, I review my personal budget, look at my spending habits, and earmark some extra cash for major purchases or emergencies. What’s my philosophy? I like to record goals that are attainable yet make me feel uncomfortable. For example, in 2021, I put down that I wanted to earn a spot on the U.S. roster for the Solheim Cup, a prestigious match-format competition against Europe. It would have been an amazing honor to represent my country in front of so many passionate fans. However, even though I came up short in my quest, I’m very proud of my effort. Even better, I learned a valuable life lesson that I can take with me as I get older and start thinking more about my future. Having goals has not only helped me overcome adversity, but it’s also helped make me stronger moving forward. I won’t stop chasing my dreams, financially or professionally, when things get tough. That’s life. And that’s the name of the game. Reading to help you reach your financial goals:Six savings supplies for your futureHow to set meaningful financial goalsGetting back on the right financial track Healthy savings habits   More “Knight Life”Fun and FocusRecipe for Success

Financial wellness is an evolving journey jared.cyriacks… Thu, 10/21/2021 - 09:49 Empower Institute Employees define their financial health in complex ways. Here’s how employers can help. Providing support for financial well-being is a vital part of helping employees thrive, especially since almost half of Americans say they aren’t financially healthy. However, the emerging concept of financial wellness doesn’t have a universal meaning. In fact, 83% of respondents said there is no single definition for financial health because it varies from person to person, according to a recent financial well-being survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Empower Retirement. Despite this lack of clarity, employees are clear that financial wellness is an important goal — one that they’d like to achieve. Employers are in an important position to support their progress — and employees are receptive to their help. In the following paper, we’ll share insights from our recent financial well-being survey, including: How Americans define financial well-being. The roadblocks that stand in their way. Their attitudes toward receiving support as they work toward financial well-being. How employers can support employees’ financial well-being. Financial health roadblocks Most Americans (60%) feel confident in their ability to achieve comprehensive financial health someday. But less than half say they’re financially healthy today. Their challenges are widespread: Almost seven in 10 (69%) experience at least one barrier on their path to financial wellness, and the average person faces two. The good news, however, is that employees are eager to receive help in overcoming obstacles in the way of their financial wellness. The majority of Americans (70%) say learning more about financial health is a priority, and almost eight in 10 (78%) say they need help in optimizing their financial well-being. Employers can help While employees don’t want to go it alone, the financial wellness journey is still a personal one, and different employees will benefit from different kinds of support. Many employees are looking for straightforward and holistic advice as well as intuitive tools like financial trackers that make a daunting process easier. Employers can support employees’ journeys to financial wellness by providing: Platforms that offer a baseline and multi-dimensional view of finances. Resources to guide employees toward their goals. An engaging, multi-platform experience for managing financial health. Personalized, jargon-free communications and engagement. Recognition that financial wellness is a journey. In this landscape, employers can make a real difference in their employees’ overall well-being, including their mental health. Employers can help build on Americans’ enthusiasm by offering tools and resources that help employees understand their financial picture, prioritize goals and gather expert advice. Download the white paper to learn more.   Download research paper RO1882454-1021