A Tough Question

I’m rarely at a loss for words, but I was recently asked a question that gave me …pause.

It was a simple question really—John Sullivan and I were being interviewed on the 401(k) Specialist podcast—and Brian Anderson asked “which session are you most looking forward to at the NAPA 401(k) Summit?”

I was only too happy to defer to John while I gave the question some thought. But in truth, it was a little bit like asking a parent to name their favorite child.  Now, there are some sessions I am more interested in than others—but to pick one? 

Well, I just couldn’t do it—and fortunately Brian didn’t try to box me in (I did allude to a specific affinity for the LIVE Nevin & Fred podcast session, however).  

In fact, we do approach our content a bit differently than most, I think. While it’s gotten to be pretty common for events to boast of the pedigree of their steering bodies, many, perhaps most—are essentially no more than figureheads to the actual agenda development. They’re a group to whom the folks doing the “real” work of planning, structuring and implementing the event keep updated, mostly for a sense of validation and the occasional course correct. Oh, and so that the event can “show off” the luminaries that have agreed to lend their name (and face) to promote its bona fides.

Your Summit Steering committee has spent nearly a year putting this all together—and leveraging YOUR input on topics, each has aligned themselves with a specific workshop—literally “owning” that session. That means fleshing out the focus, lining up speakers/panelists, developing a core list of key takeaways, conducting trial runs/practices, and ultimately making sure that all the materials are in on time—and that on “game day” everybody shows up and does their part. As a result, I can pretty much promise you that you won’t be able to attend every session you’d like. In fact, I’d be surprised if you don’t find yourself torn between multiple sessions all going on at the same time throughout the event.

There are, of course, a myriad of ways to build and structure events—note here that I haven’t said a word about our keynotes, or even NAPA After Dark (that has in just a few short years emerged as the pinnacle of industry networking events). But, aside from the practical information, valuable insights, vibrant networking—and yes, world-class entertainment—it’s worth remembering that among all the (other) things that set the NAPA 401(k) Summit apart—unlike every other advisor conference out there—your NAPA 401(k) Summit registration helps support the activities of NAPA—your advocacy, information and education organization—not the bottom line of some corporate media organization or some private equity firm. NAPA not only informs and educates—it literally is your voice with regulatory agencies and legislative bodies both here in the nation’s capital—and across the nation.

Indeed, that voice is particularly essential this year, as the attacks—both overt and the insidious passive-aggressive types—are out and about with an unusual vigor in recent months. This being an election year—and one that seems particularly fraught with concerns—makes the current environment all the more precarious. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that the fate of the 401(k) could be in the balance.

So, if you’re one of the record 2,800+ arriving in Nashville next week—please lend your voice, support the ARA PAC, and get ready to leave Nashville full of energy, ideas, and a renewed fervor to make a difference. 

While you’re there, please stop me (I’ll likely be running) and say “hey!” Make sure to thank the Summit Steering committee when you see them—and the ARA/NAPA conferences staff as well—cause something this big doesn’t even get off the ground without a LOT of careful/thoughtful planning and on-site execution! 

And if you haven’t (yet) applied to be part of the NAPA DC Fly-In Forum—well, today would be a good day to do so before it fills up as well!

- Nevin E. Adams, JD 

Back to ‘Normal’?

Things are—slowly—getting back to normal. Planes are filling up, commutes are slowing with increased traffic volumes, and in-person meetings are back underway. 

And while for many readers things have been back to “normal” for some time, I’ve had the opportunity over the past two months to participate in three separate advisor events that were the first such in-person gatherings since the onset of the pandemic.

We’ve learned not only how to navigate things like virtual committee meetings and education sessions, but found that in many cases those platforms could be even more effective in extending our reach to individuals who might not have made it to an in-person session, or who might have been more receptive to those messages in the wake of COVID concerns about health and job security. 

While we’re not quite “done” with COVID (and perhaps we never will be), we’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons. The notion that we have to be in a physical office to be productive has been soundly rebuffed. At the same time, in every in-person gathering I have had the opportunity to be part of these past several months, there is an energy, an excitement, an enthusiasm that transcends any I’ve experienced in even the most engaging “virtual” formats. Oh, one day in the distant future we may not need that social connection—or perhaps we’ll simply tell ourselves that whatever is “lost” is more than compensated for by the convenience and cost savings of remote engagement.

But “those” days aren’t yet these days—and in just a couple of weeks we’ll be convening—in person—for our 10th annual NAPA D.C. Fly-In Forum. I still remember attending the first one as a “special guest,” and being struck even then by the quality of the program and speakers. More importantly, the room was full then—as it continues to be—of the nation’s leading retirement plan advisors, networking and engaging not only with each other, but with some of the most influential voices in Washington.

This year looks to be no exception—and as impactful as last year’s “virtual” version surely was, it really can’t compete with the reality of an in-person event—not to mention the opportunity to walk to—and through—our nation’s Capitol. 

We’ll have a lot to talk about—while the Labor Department’s next steps on the so-called fiduciary rule and ESG rules have just been pushed back, the final proscriptions of PTE 2020-02 have just taken hold (notably the requirement to document, in writing, the best interest case for a rollover recommendation), and the controversy regarding the recent compliance assistance release on cryptocurrency is still reverberating. 

This year’s Fly-In Forum will feature comments from Ali Khawar, who has been serving as Acting Assistant Secretary for the EBSA, as well as Zeena Abdul-Rahman, Branch Chief, Investment Company Rulemaking Office, Division of Investment Management at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to speak to ESG, as well as a very special panel of Hill staffers for some “inside the Beltway” perspective, and a panel of expert ERISA litigators to discuss recent developments, and provide insights on staying out of court. And no NAPA D.C. Fly-in Forum would be complete without the appearance of key legislators, which this year will include Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Rob Portman (R-OH) to shed light on the incredible opportunities contained in SECURE 2.0, RISE & SHINE, the EARN Act, and/or the combination/assimilation of all of the foregoing.   

But for me—and for the dozens of advisors who have participated over the past 10 years—the most impressive aspect of our Fly-In Forum is the second day, where delegate-advisors have an opportunity, assisted (and prepped) by the NAPA GAC team, to meet with legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill, to share your perspectives, ideas and concerns, based on your front-line, real-life experiences working with retirement plans, plan sponsors and participants. Heading into a crucial mid-term election cycle, your voice—your insights and perspectives—have never been more critical.

Whether you’ve done this a dozen times, or have never had the opportunity, the NAPA D.C. Fly-In Forum is an amazing “first-hand” experience. For those ready to get off the sidelines and contribute to a real difference in retirement policy, you won’t find a better “ticket” than the NAPA D.C. Fly-In Forum.

Things may be getting back to “normal”—but it’s anything but business as usual.

- Nevin E. Adams, JD

Planes, Trains, and ...U-Hauls?

One of my favorite holiday movies is “Planes, Trains, & Automobiles”—but who thought so many would have to live it? 

The movie I’m referring to is that 1987 John Hughes classic starring Steve Martin and John Candy as a pair of travelers (Martin an advertising exec, Candy a traveling shower curtain ring salesman—and you think you have a hard job) trying to get home for Thanksgiving. There are any number of misadventures along the way—involving the aforementioned means of transportation on the trip from New York to Chicago… via Wichita and St. Louis. 

Well, a couple of weeks back several hundred advisors found themselves reliving that experience as a series of unrelated events emerged to thwart their scheduled travel to the NAPA 401(k) Summit in Tampa. It started early the day before the event with a strike by Alaska Airlines pilots, by mid-morning Southwest Airlines was experiencing ““intermittent performance issues following routine overnight maintenance of some of [its] backend technology,” there was snow in the upper Midwest, and in early afternoon the southeast found itself covered by a massive series of thunderstorms—all of which had an impact—and a ripple impact across the systems of travel—and all at a time when air traffic was arguably even more complicated by a large volume of Spring Break traffic as well. And that’s not even considering the normal issues with mechanical issues that some who missed the other events had to contend with.

As you might imagine, a good part of that Saturday was consumed not only worrying about, but hearing from, and responding to, speakers and staff who were ensnarled in those travel issues. At the same time, I heard from at least a dozen individuals who, on the ground in Tampa, but aware of the travel issues, reached out to me to volunteer their services as a stand-in for speakers who couldn’t get here in time. Meanwhile, there was the “call” to be made with regard to the outdoor activities that were being planned for Sunday (Flo-Rida) and Monday nights.

Sunday morning dawned with a great deal of uncertainty as to what we’d be looking at in terms of attendance and speakers. But what impressed me throughout was just how hard people were working to get to Tampa. And over the three days of the conference people just… kept on coming… 

There were some amazing stories of persistence and perseverance throughout—but the one that made the deepest impression on me was that of Odyssey Financial Group’s Michelle Coble and Adam Bahner. Based in Oklahoma City, OK, they got as far as Atlanta when not one, but two of the flights from there to Tampa were cancelled—and they were told that there were no seats on the flights out to Tampa for two days. There were no rental cars to be had, and the trains—well, they wouldn’t get to Tampa on time. So they rented a U-Haul—and drove that last leg from Atlanta to Tampa! 

When all was said and done, we had an amazing conference. Sure, some couldn’t get there—many despite enormous effort and inconvenience. But it was clear from the opening session all they way through to the close that those who were there were there because they really wanted to be there—and the level of enthusiasm and engagement—and I think the quality of the content and networking—were through the roof[i].

So, my sincere thanks and appreciation to the speakers and sponsors, to those who “stepped up” to fill gaps, and those who volunteered to do so (because even if we didn’t have to call on you, it relieved some planning pressure)—to the steering committee who helped ensure those gaps were filled, to the conference staff for all the extra work (and stress) that accompanied all this uncertainty.

But most especially, my thanks to all who (including those above) made those (extraordinary) efforts to “get there” via planes, trains, automobiles—and even U-Hauls—to be part of what, by any measure, was an extraordinary event! 

p.s.: Mark your calendars now for the NEXT one—April 2-4, 2023 in San Diego!

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[i][i] And, despite all the bad weather on Saturday, the weather during the conference was great, and the outdoor events unaffected!

Resource Full?

A great resource to help you grow and expand your business could be right under your nose…

Are you spending time you don’t have trying to work out problems you didn’t create? Let’s face it—good service, or the lack thereof, is widely cited as the most common reason that plan sponsors change providers—and that can affect your relationship as well. Sometimes you chose those providers, other times you inherit them. 

Regardless, every plan has someone in charge of administration and compliance—a third party, if you will, so called because they perform functions that plan sponsors are expected to ensure are performed (and once upon a simpler time many did so themselves). Whether you engaged those services, or find yourself tasked with overseeing them, you know they can be the difference between a smooth-running plan and one that constantly teeters on the brink of blowing up. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could partner with this “third party” administrator to take some of the burden off your shoulders and give you the time you need to spend elsewhere?

Not that the solution is unknown—roughly a year ago, we surveyed NAPA advisors, and found that nearly all (96%) partner with specific third-party administrators; just over half (55%) focus on one to three firms, while a quarter limit it to just one. Not surprisingly, service was cited as the primary consideration in choosing a TPA partner (56%), while fewer than half as many (26%) cited an ability to help with plan innovation. However, nearly half (45%) of the survey respondents said that less than a quarter of their new business is sold with a TPA.  

The reality is, of course, that like advisors, all TPAs are not created equal—they have different strengths and skillsets, and wildly different ideas as to their responsibilities and services. That makes it hard to obtain an apples-to-apples comparison. Indeed, the fact that each recordkeeper has a different process for just about everything makes it easy for things to fall by the wayside if you don’t have a clear assignment of responsibilities with every party.

Do you prefer the simplicity of a bundled solution? Well, they’re also a TPA, though again many define their process and services differently. Ultimately, the value a good TPA can (and arguably should) add to your practice are things like:

• Free up time. With price compression, find ways to leverage partners to provide services so you don’t have to. They’re a—if not the—point of contact for administrative questions, solving the day-to-day problems, things like that. 
• Help you win business. By partnering with you to craft customized solutions, where appropriate, for your customers—and prospects. They can/should be your right hand technical expert both in attracting and retaining good clients.
• Ensure that your client’s plan remains in compliance. At times it seems as though 1,000 different things can go wrong on any given day—and there’s clearly value both in administering the plan competently so that problems are avoided, and knowing how best to remedy the situation when those problems inevitably do arise. They not only bring specialized knowledge, but also the opportunity of providing a single point of contact for technical issues involving plan administration and testing. 

Bundled or unbundled, a good TPA can be a plan advisor’s best friend. Ultimately, the choice to use a TPA—or which TPA is chosen—may depend on the size of a plan or the plan sponsor’s particular needs. As with everything in life, the relationship and cultural fit is paramount. 

In (too) many situations recordkeeper/TPAs seem to be viewed not merely as a third party, but as a third wheel—someone who at best is a necessary evil —and at worst, destructive to its smooth operation. 

That said, a deliberate, thoughtful—dare I say “prudent”—partnership with these “third” parties, one that specifies assignments, roles and responsibilities—in that review meeting, and on an on-going basis can not only free up your time, but provide better service, higher client retention, more sales opportunities, and improved legal and operating compliance for the plan sponsors you serve.

Let’s face it—if they’re not an active, engaged member of your team, they should be.  

- Nevin E. Adams, JD

What Happens In Vegas…

What are you waiting for?

So, have you registered for the NAPA 401(k) Summit? Hundreds already have. What about you?

I know it’s still a ways off (though April will be here before you know it). Maybe you’re waiting till after the holidays (it won’t be any cheaper). Maybe you don’t care about the convenience of being at the host hotel? Or maybe you’re just one of those who winds up putting things off till the very last minute (I feel your “pain”). One thing I’m sure of – if you’re serious about working with retirement plans – it’s only a matter of time until you do…or risk spending the rest of the year hearing from those who did about the amazing event you missed.

So why should you commit NOW to the NAPA 401(k) Summit?

First off, by now you know that this is the only retirement plan advisor conference developed by plan advisors for plan advisors. The proof of that is, quite literally, in the program that has been developed – for you. This year, as in years past, the steering committee (98% are advisors) has been hard at work for months, developing the program, fleshing out the agenda, lining up speakers, and assigning session “owners” to make sure that you get maximum bang for your buck in terms of information, interaction, and session quality.

Are you worried about helping your clients through a DOL audit? We’ve got you covered. Not sure how to best set a reasonable fee for your services? No problem. Want to incorporate HSAs into your focus? Check. Thinking about selling – or merging – your practice? Expanding your team? Benchmarking? We’ve got your back. Worried about litigation? Cybersecurity? Check, check. No “pay to play” — just the most timely topics, the best speakers, the most dynamic sessions. And nobody, and I mean nobody, brings “the Hill” to the Summit like NAPA!

Secondly, if you’re focused on networking, Summit “After Dark” has literally transformed the concept into a true advisor “experience.” If you’ve been there, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, trust me, you don’t know what you’re missing (though doubtless you’ve heard).

What’s (Really) Different

Beyond all those important reasons, there are two other major considerations in attending this year’s NAPA 401(k) Summit. There is the critical issue of legislative and regulatory reform. The mid-terms have shifted the balance of power – and believe it or not, the prospects for retirement reform might have just improved. What remains to be seen is if the outcome will be positive. And that doesn’t take into account what might emerge on the regulatory side from the Labor Department, the SEC, or both. Regardless – you will want – and need – to know what is afoot, and there is no better place for you to do that than the NAPA 401(k) Summit.

But among all the things that really (really) set the NAPA 401(k) Summit apart – one thing stands out, this year more than most. Quite simply, it is that – and unlike EVERY other advisor conference out there – your NAPA 401(k) Summit registration helps support the activities of NAPA – YOUR advocacy, information and education organization – not the bottom line of some corporate media organization or private equity firm.

That’s right – in addition to the insights, information, networking that you may get at some other events, your attendance at the NAPA 401(k) Summit is, and remains, a unique investment in your future – and the future of your profession.

It is, quite simply, a great way – perhaps the best way – to put your money where your mouth is.

So, go ahead – register for the NAPA 401(k) Summit. Today. While you’re thinking about it. Now. You’ll be glad you did.

Because, this time, anyway – what happens in Vegas won’t stay there…

Everything you need to know is at www.napasummit.org.

See you in Vegas!

- Nevin E. Adams, JD

A ‘Retirement Ready’ Thanksgiving List

Thanksgiving has been called a “uniquely American” holiday, and though that is perhaps something of an overstatement, it is unquestionably a special holiday, and one on which it seems appropriate to reflect on all for which we should be thankful. And so…

I’m thankful that participants, by and large, continue to hang in there with their commitment to retirement savings, despite lingering economic uncertainty and competing financial priorities, such as rising health care costs and college debt.

I’m thankful that so many employers voluntarily choose to offer a workplace retirement plan – and that so many workers, when given an opportunity to participate, do.

I’m thankful that figuring out ways to expand that access remains, even now, a bipartisan concern – even if the ways to address it aren’t always.

I’m thankful that so many employers choose to match contributions or to make profit-sharing contributions (or both), for without those matching dollars, many workers would likely not participate or contribute at their current levels – and they would surely have far less set aside for retirement.

I’m thankful that the vast majority of workers defaulted into retirement savings programs tend to remain there – and that there are mechanisms (automatic enrollment, contribution acceleration and qualified default investment alternatives) in place to help them save and invest better than they might otherwise.

I’m thankful that a growing number of plan sponsors are choosing to improve on those automatic defaults, particularly by raising the starting contribution rates.

I’m thankful that more plan sponsors are extending those mechanisms to their existing workers as well as new hires.

I’m thankful for qualified default investment alternatives that make it easy for participants to create well-diversified and regularly rebalanced investment portfolios – and for the thoughtful and on-going review of those options by prudent plan fiduciaries.

I’m thankful that, as powerful as those mechanisms are in encouraging positive savings behavior, we continue to look for ways to improve and enhance their influence(s).

I’m thankful that a growing number of policy makers are willing to admit that the “deferred” nature of 401(k) tax preferences are, in fact, different from the permanent forbearance of other tax “preferences” – even if governmental accountants and certain academics remain oblivious.

I’m thankful that the “plot” to kill the 401(k)… (still) hasn’t. Yet.

I’m thankful that those who regulate our industry continue to seek the input of those in the industry – and that so many, particularly those among our membership, take the time and energy to provide that input.

I’m thankful for objective research that validates the positive impact that committed planning and preparation for retirement makes. I’m thankful for the ability to take to task here research that doesn’t live up to those objective standards – and for those who take the time to share those findings.

I’m thankful for all of you who have supported – and I hope benefited from – our various conferences, education programs and communications throughout the year.

I’m thankful for the team here at the American Retirement Association, generally, as well as all the sister associations - ASPPA, ACOPA, NTSA, NAPA and PSCA, and for the strength, commitment and expanding diversity of our membership.

I’m thankful to be part of a growing organization in an important industry at a critical time. I’m thankful to be able, in some small way, to make a difference.

But most of all, I’m once again thankful for the unconditional love and patience of my family, the camaraderie of dear friends and colleagues, the opportunity to write and share these thoughts – and for the ongoing support and appreciation of readers like you.

Here’s wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!

- Nevin E. Adams, JD

Awesome 'Sauce'

Earlier this year I went to an event in our nation’s capital called “Awesome Con.”

As event names go, it’s a bit corny, but if it evokes a reference to Comic-Con, well that’s the point. Awesome Con is a mixture of cosplay (dressing up like your favorite comic book, gaming, or anime characters), celebrity meet-and-greets, and forums where like-minded individuals can not only learn, but debate plot lines, scientific trends that affirm (or refute) science fiction, and sit in on panels by some of the industry’s leading minds (and artists). No, I didn’t dress up – but I very much enjoyed getting to meet (and get autographs from) Marvel Comic’s Stan the Man Lee (see photo), Doctor #10 (David Tennant), and Eliza Dushku (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame), among others).

To be honest, I didn’t attend my first – the first – 401(k) Summit with that kind of anticipation. I had accepted an invitation to speak at an event – not that unusual – but at what was then a pretty unusual event – a conference for advisors who worked with retirement plans. What was even more unusual is that it was sponsored by ASPPA, a group I hadn’t previously associated with advisors. But what a remarkable event it turned out to be, both in terms of content, and the opportunity to meet and network with individuals like Fred Reish (our industry’s own Stan Lee?), and so many great advisors, many of whom would go on to be part of the group that would, a decade later, form the National Association of Plan Advisors.

A lot has happened since that first 401(k) Summit, most significantly the formation of NAPA itself. And a lot has happened to the NAPA 401(k) Summit since then – so much so that we now refer to it proudly, and with justification, as the nation’s retirement plan advisor convention. In an era where many advisors have chosen to cut back on such things, the NAPA 401(k) Summit continues to grow and expand.

This growth is both a function of the quality of the content and presenters – not to mention that of the attendees. Everybody is at the top of their game at the NAPA 401(k) Summit, and it shows. From those relatively humble, but promising beginnings, it has emerged as the must-attend event for advisors who are committed to the business of retirement plans.

As we reminded attendees last year, as important and impact-filled (and fun) as the NAPA 401(k) Summit is, it is much more than “just” a conference. This year more than most we’ve had the opportunity to see the impact that NAPA has on critical issues like the fiduciary regulation – creating and pushing for innovative solutions like the level-to-level fee exemption – and tax reform – pushing back against Rothification as a means of paying for corporate tax cuts, and outlining a set of retirement policy principles for tax reform ahead of the first reform proposals. And yes, in state capitals like Nevada, which is contemplating its own fiduciary standard, or in Oregon, Connecticut, and California, where state-run alternatives for private sector workers could be problematic.

But here’s the thing that many don’t appreciate. The NAPA 401(k) Summit is responsible for a significant amount of funding for our advocacy efforts on behalf of retirement plan advisors. That’s right – your registration fee doesn’t go to some private equity firm’s bottom line, nor does it simply act to keep a conference company in the business of organizing conferences – it supports advocacy efforts on your behalf, on Capitol Hill, with regulatory agencies, and – these days – in state capitals as well.

I know that April (still) seems a long ways off – but this year more than most the NAPA 401(k) Summit is that advisor experience you won’t want to miss. Even if you have been attending for years, you’ll get more from it than you can imagine – and your support will mean more to the benefit of the nation’s retirement system and retirement security than you may expect.

Join us. Your voice, more than ever, is needed. It’s going to be… Awesome.

Nevin E. Adams, JD

A Thankful Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has been called a “uniquely American” holiday, and though that is perhaps something of an overstatement, it is unquestionably a special holiday, and one on which it seems appropriate to reflect on all for which we should be thankful.

Here’s my list for 2017:

I am thankful that – for the moment, anyway – it looks as though retirement savings will be largely spared tax reform’s ravages (though I’m not convinced that we’re out of the woods – yet). 

I’m thankful that participants, by and large, continue to hang in there with their commitment to retirement savings, despite lingering economic uncertainty and competing financial priorities, such as rising health care costs and college debt.

I’m thankful for the strong savings and investment behaviors emerging among younger workers – and for the innovations in plan design and employer support that foster them. I’m thankful that, as powerful as those mechanisms are in encouraging positive savings behavior, we continue to look for ways to improve and enhance their influence(s).

I’m thankful for qualified default investment alternatives that make it easy for participants to create well-diversified and regularly rebalanced investment portfolios — and for the thoughtful and on-going review of those options by prudent plan fiduciaries.

I’m thankful that those reviews are guided, in a growing number of situations, by the thoughtful input of advisors who are ERISA fiduciaries.

I’m thankful that so many employers voluntarily choose to offer a workplace retirement plan — and that so many workers, given an opportunity to participate, do.

I’m thankful that the vast majority of workers defaulted into retirement savings programs tend to remain there — and that there are mechanisms (automatic enrollment, contribution acceleration and qualified default investment alternatives) in place to help them save and invest better than they might otherwise.

I’m thankful that figuring out ways to expand access to workplace retirement plans remains, even now, a bipartisan focus – even if the ways to address it aren’t always.

I’m thankful that so many employers choose to match contributions or to make profit-sharing contributions (or both), for without those matching dollars, many workers would likely not participate or contribute at their current levels — and they would surely have far less set aside for retirement.

I’m thankful that the on-going “plot” to kill the 401(k)… still hasn’t. Yet.

I’m thankful to be part of a team that champions retirement savings – and to be a part of helping improve and enhance that system.

I’m thankful that those who regulate our industry continue to seek the input of those in the industry — and that so many, particularly those among our membership, take the time and energy to provide that input.

I’m thankful for all of you who have supported – and I hope benefited from – our various conferences, education programs and communications throughout the year.

I’m thankful for the constant – and enthusiastic – support of our Firm Partners and advertisers.

I’m thankful for the warmth with which readers and members, both old and new, continue to embrace the work we do here.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to acknowledge so many outstanding professionals in our industry through our Top Women Advisor, Top Young Advisor (Young Guns) and Top DC Wholesaler (Wingmen) lists. And thankful to have had such a tremendous response to the newest addition here - our Top DC Advisor Team list.
 
I am thankful for the blue-ribbon panels of judges that bring so much expertise and insight to those evaluations.

I’m thankful for the prospect of expanding the reach and impact of our work here to plan sponsors via the contemplated combination with the Plan Sponsor Council of America.

I’m thankful to be part of a growing organization in an important industry at a critical time. I’m thankful to be able, in some small way, to make a difference.

But most of all, I’m once again thankful for the unconditional love and patience of my family, the camaraderie of an expanding circle of dear friends and colleagues, the opportunity to write and share these thoughts — and for the ongoing support and appreciation of readers…like you.

Thanks for all you do to help make our nation’s retirements better.  

Have a VERY happy Thanksgiving!

- Nevin E. Adams, JD