Retirement & BenefitsRetirement Plans
Given the potential for many baby boomers to outlive their retirement savings, companies should consider adding annuities to 401(k) plans, according to a recent report by Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting.
Given the potential for many baby boomers to outlive their retirement savings, companies should consider adding annuities to 401(k) plans, according to a recent report by Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting. While the strategy is not a new one, the landscape of products has changed. Genworth, Metropolitan Life and Hartford Life offer products that let employees invest in annuities while working. Others, including Wachovia, CitiStreet and Metropolitan Life offer the Hueler Cos. platform that lets employees roll over their lump sum payment at retirement. The biggest benefit is the assurance that an employee who lives a long life won’t go broke midway through the golden years. Another benefit is institutional pricing, which means lower—and more transparent—fees. But even Watson Wyatt remains cautious. “We tell interested clients to wait and see,” says Robyn Credico, national director of Watson Wyatt’s defined contribution (DC) practice.