“A simple fact that is hard to learn is that the time to save money is when you have some”
– Joe Moore
Welcome to the February 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…
The end of the hockey season is always bittersweet. I truly enjoyed our team of girls this year. We gave it our all but fell a little short. Despite not reaching our goals, pictures like above, are the reason we devote the time to the game. Seeing former players live out their playing dreams is heart warming. Former High School teammates competing on Hockey Day MN. Very proud of the players they’ve become but even more so the humans they will be in the next step of the journey. Nice job ladies.
GAO on Crypto in 401(k)s: Risks and Oversight Challenges
Recent findings from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlight critical considerations for sponsors exploring cryptocurrency as a retirement plan investment option. The GAO report emphasizes that while cryptocurrency assets remain a small portion of the 401(k) landscape, they carry significant risk….
Why Workers Leave Matching Dollars on the Table
A 2023 Vanguard study found that a quarter of participants deferred less than 4% of their income — generally below the threshold to maximize an employer match. While financial constraints play a role for some, psychological factors can also contribute. Understanding these cognitive biases can help explain why workers forfeit….
PBGC Updates Premium Deadlines for 2025 Plan Years and Beyond
A technical update on the deadlines for premium payments for pension plans with plan years beginning in 2025 and later was issued by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).
The announcement highlighted that premiums for plan years starting in 2025 must be paid one month ahead of schedule in accordance with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA 2015), as opposed to the….
Participant Corner
Maximize Your Employer Match in 2025
Leveraging your employer’s retirement plan match is one of the easiest ways to boost your financial wellness. With over 50% of employers offering some level of matching, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to make the most of it….
Mr. C’s Movie Review
The Gorge from Apple TV caught me off guard. I enjoy Miles Teller from his day as Goose’s son in Maverick and Anya Taylor-Joy captured my attention on Queen’s Gambit. Sounds like a match made in Movie heaven. I was expecting horror but it truly is a thrilling blend of sci-fi, action, and romance that will keep you on the coach for its 2+ hour runtime. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the man behind horror goodies like The Black Phone, Sinister, Exorcism of Emily Rose among others, the film dips its toes in the horror waters after establishing the long distance romance between Levi (Teller) and Drasa (Joy). The story, though unconventional, introduces an intriguing premise that blends long distance snipers, a mysterious gorge (it is the movie title, ha), and a lurking danger, all while keeping the tension high.
There is very little in terms of supporting characters as the movie revolves around the East and West snipers. Are they protecting the Gorge from human interaction or the other way around. The characters for much of the movie communicate via Cue Cards through binoculars, ala Love Actually.
Apple spared no expense visually, The Gorge comes to life and puts the viewing audience on the post with Levi and Drasa. The mix of romance and suspense offers a perfect balance, and the pacing keeps the story moving at a satisfying clip. I’d love to expand on the mission but that would ruin the cat and mouse game being played by a sinister Sigourney Weaver in the role of Bartholomew.
On a scale of: “Like It”, “Love It”, or “Gotta Have It”; it’s a “Love It” for me. The movie challenges the audience on the contents of the Gorge. Although the reveal might be a little far fetched, it works. The PG-13 rating tones down the blood factor and romantic discourse between the leads; but takes nothing away from the tension of guarding The Gorge. Give it a whirl especially if Anya and/or Miles are your cup of tea.