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Plan Sponsor News - February 2026 |
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As Plan Sponsors continue to navigate an evolving retirement landscape, staying current on plan design considerations and market developments remains critical. In this quarter’s newsletter, we highlight the role automatic enrollment can play in supporting higher participation and improved retirement readiness, examine key considerations around retirement income strategies, provide a brief 2025 pension recap and invite you to view the replay of our Essential Economic Update webcast for timely perspective on the economic forces shaping today’s environment.
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The Benefits of Automatic Enrollment |
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By: Gregory Adams, ChFC®
Senior Consultant |
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Automatic enrollment has become one of the most effective tools for improving employee retirement readiness within defined contribution plans. By shifting enrollment from an opt‑in to an opt‑out structure, employers remove behavioral and administrative barriers that commonly prevent individuals from saving. Decades of research demonstrate that automatic enrollment increases participation, boosts contribution rates (particularly when paired with automatic escalation) and has the potential to... Read More > |
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From Paychecks to Payouts:
Building Reliable Retirement Income |
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The retirement savings industry and the legislation that guides it has changed significantly over the past 40 years. As a result, the average American may face challenges when exiting the workforce and entering retirement, largely due to declining access to pension-like income.
If you retired today, would you know how much monthly income you could rely on to support your desired lifestyle? Would that income be sufficient to maintain... Read More > |
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By: Matthew Hedley, CFP®
Senior Consultant |
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Pension Update |
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Another Good Year for Pension in 2025 |
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This year was marked by significant events that reshaped both the markets and the global economy. This began with rapid policy changes, notably the tariff announcements on April 2, which triggered the sharpest one-week decline in U.S. stocks since the pandemic. Despite this volatility, global equities proved resilient, ultimately closing the year with robust double-digit gains for the third consecutive year. Notably, international stocks outperformed their U.S. counterparts in 2025. Bonds also delivered strong results, benefiting from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s move to reduce short-term interest rates.
Defined benefit plans also experienced another good year in 2025 largely due to investment returns outpacing liabilities. In 2025, FTSE estimates that plan liabilities increased by 6.8%1, excluding benefit accruals. Investments diversified across fixed income and equities generated returns 3% in excess of the liabilities, leading to improvements in pension plans’ funded statuses broadly. |
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1FTSE Pension Liability Index - Short as of December 31, 2025 |
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Webcast Replay: Essential Economic Update |
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| Watch the Replay |
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Team Member Spotlight: Claire Ellis |
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What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday involves a range of analyzing client-specific data, preparing quarterly reports and project materials, and collaborating on processes for the defined contribution team. I also specialize in Multiple Employer Plans, so I spend a significant portion of my time working with school representatives and colleagues at Fiducient to support the MEP onboarding process. Throughout the day I collaborate with recordkeepers, consultants, and other team members to ensure that we are effectively and efficiently providing quality work for our clients. |
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Claire Ellis
Consulting Analyst |
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What is your greatest career accomplishment so far?
My greatest career accomplishment has been my role in working with Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs). I’ve been involved in the formation of a couple of MEPs, as well as the onboarding of several schools into these plans. The client-facing nature of this role has been incredibly rewarding. Working closely with the representatives from each school has allowed me to see firsthand the impact our work has and reinforces the value that we bring.
What is the best thing about working at Fiducient Advisors?
Hands down, the people. Everyone I work with or encounter at Fiducient genuinely cares about those around them and is always willing to lend a helping hand. It is such an energizing and collaborative environment to be in, and I truly look forward to the days I get to go into the office and spend time with my coworkers.
What do you like to do when you're not at the office?
When I’m not working, I love to spend time outside, whether that’s skiing, running, mountain biking or simply enjoying the fresh air. I grew up in Vermont and have always had a love for the outdoors, but now that I live in Boston, my backyard looks a little different. Luckily enough, there are plenty of spots in and around the city that allow me to get my fix. |
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This report is intended for the exclusive use of clients or prospective clients (the “recipient”) of Fiducient Advisors and the information contained herein is confidential and the dissemination or distribution to any other person without the prior approval of Fiducient Advisors is strictly prohibited. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, though not independently verified. Any forecasts are hypothetical and represent future expectations and not actual return volatilities and correlations will differ from forecasts. This report does not represent a specific investment recommendation. The opinions and analysis expressed herein are based on Fiducient Advisor research and professional experience and are expressed as of the date of this report. Please consult with your advisor, attorney and accountant, as appropriate, regarding specific advice. Past performance does not indicate future performance and there is risk of loss.
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