Q: Erick, we are looking for ways to increase savings rates among new employees, at both lower and higher income levels. Should we focus on increasing our employer match, or setting a higher default rate?

Financial advisor 401k

A: Selecting a higher default rate has the largest impact on employee savings rates for new employees, according to a new research paper, “The Impact of Employer Defaults and Match Rates on Retirement Savings,” published by the Social Science Research Network.

The research found that when employees are defaulted in at a higher rate, fewer move away from the default savings rate, which results in higher and more equal savings rates among employees at all income levels. In addition, the researchers note that lower-income workers can benefit from remaining in the default plan investment by taking advantage of institutionally priced diversified funds.

You can download the paper at: https://tinyurl.com/mr46bvrv.

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For plan sponsor use only, not for use with participants or the general public. This information is not intended as authoritative guidance or tax or legal advice. You should consult with your attorney or tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation.

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©2022 Kmotion, Inc. This newsletter is a publication of Kmotion, Inc., whose role is solely that of publisher. The articles and opinions in this publication are for general information only and are not intended to provide tax or legal advice or recommendations for any particular situation or type of retirement plan. Nothing in this publication should be construed as legal or tax guidance; nor as the sole authority on any regulation, law or ruling as it applies to a specific plan or situation. Plan sponsors should consult the plan’s legal counsel or tax advisor for advice regarding plan-specific issues.