RetireSecure Blog

The Pension Research Council’s curated blog features insights from the industry’s leading professionals. Views of our Guest Bloggers are theirs alone, and not of the Pension Research Council, the Wharton School, or the University of Pennsylvania.

The Coronavirus Pandemic Threatens Social Security’s Finances

COVID-19 fallout may deplete the Social Security trust fund up to four years earlier than previously believed, say new projections from the Penn Wharton Budget Model, via the RetireSecure blog.…Read More

Family Support, COVID-19, and Retirement Security

Family support is an important pillar of retirement security for many Americans, and COVID-19 is prompting families to quarantine together and rethink nursing homes. Yet this poses new challenges for multigenerational households and causes stress, says Anna Rappaport in the RetireSecure blog.…Read More

Is Social Security the Great Wealth Equalizer?

Is Social Security a wealth equalizer? John Sabelhaus’ RetireSecure blog notes that including Social Security in household assets boosts wealth levels but doesn’t alter growing wealth inequality.…Read More

Surprise! Your Retirement Wealth Might Have Increased

Many retirement savers saw their 401(k) or 403(b) assets shrink this year due to the volatile stock market. Yet declining interest rates are boosting many people’s expected retirement wealth, explains James Mahaney.…Read More

2020 PRC Symposium Report: “Managing Longevity Risk: New Roles for Public/Private Engagement”

The Pension Research Council’s 2020 Symposium, “Managing Longevity Risk: New Roles for Public/Private Engagement,” cohosted by Wharton Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell and Surya Kolluri of Bank of America, was held online on May 7, 2020. Here are some of the highlights from the event.…Read More

Coronavirus Recession Could Cut Social Security Benefits for Near-Retirees

The Coronavirus pandemic is hurting Americans’ retirement savings. How the Social Security benefit formula is computed could pose another threat to some near-retirees, says Andrew G. Biggs.…Read More

What’s Behind the Growth of Financial Wellness Programs

Many firms are starting to offer financial wellness programs to reduce employees’ financial stress and help them save for retirement, says James Mahaney.…Read More

Defined Contribution Pensions Left Behind

Many defined benefit pensions and investment companies are seeking sustainable investment options, while defined contribution plans lag behind, says Catherine Reilly.…Read More

Will the SECURE Act Open the Dam for Longevity Annuities?

Though favored by academics and policymakers, annuities are less popular than other retirement plan options. Yet the recent SECURE Act may change that, according to Matt Carey.…Read More

The Short Life and Untimely Death of the MyRA

A plan to fill the gaps in American’s pension system was kiboshed fewer than 18 months after launch. “The Short Life and Untimely Death of the MyRA” by Mark Iwry explains the proposal, its abrupt end, and where things might go next.…Read More

Perspectives on Social Security Projections

Social Security Projections evaluated by Diane Lim, Sophie Shin, and Kent Smetters. This study explores effects of key factors on potential reforms, using the Penn Wharton Budget Model.…Read More

Negative Interest Rates: Could It Happen Here?

In the summer of 2007, markets roiled as what would become a global financial crisis first started to manifest itself in U.S. capital markets. It was a time when risk models, designed for calmer times, could not capture the sheer magnitude of what lay ahead……Read More