Retirement Hot Topics

On July 4, 2025, the President signed H.R. 1, formally named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), into law. Several rule changes impacting how individuals and families plan for their financial futures were embedded in the legislation. Michael Conrath, Chief Retirement Strategist, and Tina Anstett, J.D., ERISA Strategist, explain what lies ahead.

There are valid reasons to worry the monthly benefits of more than 50 million retirees may fall victim to a government funding shortfall in the not-too-distant future. However, as Retirement Strategist Sharon Carson explains, “Despite its funding challenges, the entire Social Security benefits program is not about to disappear.”

Individuals often ask for help prioritizing financial goals—and are surprised when we recommend they build an emergency fund first. Why? Because without access to those set-aside funds they are far more likely to increase credit card debt and, once they max out credit cards, borrow from their 401(k).

Parents faced with the challenge of simultaneously saving for their children’s college education and a comfortable retirement for themselves will need thoughtful planning and disciplined investing to achieve their goals. As a starting point, Michael Conrath, Chief Retirement Strategist, and Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings, advise clients to adopt three best practices.

What portion of their annual income do individuals need in retirement to maintain their standard of living? It’s a crucial metric. But until now, the industry could only offer rule-of-thumb guidance on how much income replacement was needed in retirement. Retirement Strategist Alexandra Nobile explains how new research from J.P. Morgan Asset Management can help advisors customize retirement planning for their clients.

With pensions largely a thing of the past, the role of defined contribution (DC) plans has shifted from supplemental savings vehicles to the primary funding source for retirement income for the over 4 million Baby Boomers exiting the workforce each year. However, the products and solutions offered within DC plans have struggled to keep pace with this new reality. Daniel Yem, Head of Retirement Income, discusses the changes taking place.