“Well, you think what you want about me. I’m not changing. I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. Cause I’m the real article. What you see is what you get.”
– Del Griffith (Planes, Trains & Automobiles)
Welcome to the December Edition of Ryan’s Retirement Ramblings – The monthly newsletter that will bring you the latest developments from the qualified plan space & provide updates for the retirement team at Wheeler Retirement Plans.
On A Personal Note…
FROM OUR WHEELER FAMILY TO YOURS…….HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!
Cybersecurity: A Top Plan Sponsor Concern
According to Escalent’s 2025 Retirement Planscape study, more than half of plan sponsors rank cybersecurity as their No. 1 “plan fear,” ahead of poor investment performance (45%) and insufficient participant savings (43%). That concern is not without evidence. High profile breaches such as the recent attack on a leading recordkeeper affecting more than 1,000 participants and traced to a third-party client management cloud application, demonstrates how a single weak point can compromise participant data and disrupt operations….
Advisor Support is Key to Driving Confidence and Outcomes Among Younger Participants
Access to an advisor tends to improve retirement confidence, according to a recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). The Retirement Confidence Survey found that 83% of workers with advisory access feel confident about retirement readiness, compared with just 53% of those without. But is that only because those with advisors are more likely to also have accrued greater wealth over time — or will it also hold true for younger workers with smaller portfolios?….
Auto Portability: Helping Reduce 401(k) Leakage After Job Changes
The Problem: Cash‑Out Leakage and Lost Accounts
American workers now hold an average of more than 12 jobs over the course of their careers. During job changes, many end up cashing out small 401(k) balances and not rolling them into tax-qualified retirement plans. Industry studies estimate this trend may be causing an annual savings “leakage” of more than $90 billion due to taxes, penalties, and the missed growth and compounding potential of those cashed-out dollars. “Forgotten” 401(k) accounts may also be slipping through the cracks, further undermining employees’ long-term financial wellness….
Participant Corner
Six Retirement Plan Benefits You Might Not Know About
When you think of the benefits of your retirement plan, tax-deferred savings and matching contributions are probably top of mind. But there’s more to your workplace retirement plan than meets the eye. Beyond the basics, retirement plans can come with a number of lesser-known advantages that can help you protect, grow, and pass on your savings more efficiently. Here are six perks you might not even realize you have….
Mr. C’s Movie (Show) Review
Derry’s Dark Secret Unleashed
A prequel that I didn’t think was needed turned into an unforgettable nightmare. It: Welcome to Derry sets the state for Stephen King’s masterpiece IT by bringing us back to where it all began; Derry, Maine. I can’t speak for everyone but Pennywise has lived rent free in my head for over 20 years. We now get a peak on how IT came to be.
The “8” episode mini-series takes place in the racially charged Cold War paranoia of the 1960s. Sure the existence of Pennywise lends itself to the Supernatural but the story delves into the trauma of the times. It’s both terrifying and socially relevant.
For those unfamiliar with the movie IT, the franchise usage of children in the lead roles subjected to a back drop of racism, institutional oppression and grotesque violence is a risk with its intended viewing audience. Pennywise is still the top billing as Bill Skarsgard delivery is truly chilling. The show does not settle on one overarching storyline instead moving between a mysterious military operation, mental health erosion, deep routed racial violence and what it means to feel fear. It’s bold and not for the faint of heart.
On a scale of: “Like It”, “Love It”, or “Gotta Have It”; IT: Welcome to Derry is a frightening Gotta Have It. The movie was one of the scariest movies I remember as a pre-teen and that was before CGI. The new Pennywise is a new type of terrifying; forcing today’s teens to look behind their fingers while watching on the TV but rightfully reminding our generation CLOWNS are the worst.