TASBO Report August 2016 | Page 22

Ways to Encourage Workers to Contribute to a Retirement Plan TASBO Strategic Partner, AXA, Provides Some Guidance to Build Confidence in Retirement Savings According to the 2015 Retirement Confidence Survey1 employees who participated in a retirement plan are much more likely to feel very confident about having enough money for retirement. As an employer, you can’t force your workers to contribute to your retirement plan. But you can encourage them to participate by offering an effective savings plan. Here are a few ways you may be able to enhance yours: • Offer your employees multiple ways to enroll – in person, over the phone or online – so they can find a way they’re comfortable with. • Provide investments that are automatically diversified, like asset allocation portfolios. Putting the decision-making in the hands of professionals can help put your employees on the path to retirement readiness. • Add an option to your plan that lets your employees generate retirement income. Saving for retirement is not enough. Your plan participants need to turn their savings into lifetime income once they retire. • Segment your education efforts and messages, so that you can reach employees who are in different phases of their lives. • Offer access to financial professionals. According to a recent survey2, plan participants who work with a financial professional save more, are better diversified and feel more confident in their financial futures. 1 Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute 2 Source: AXA Enhancing Outcomes Advisor Value Study, 2015 GE-112080(3/16) (Exp. 3/18) ”Lifetime income” can be provided by an annuity, a long-term financial product that is designed for retirement purposes. Annuities are subject to insurance-related charges, including mortality and expense charges, and administrative fees. Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to 591/2, a 10% federal tax penalty may apply.. Annuities contain limitations and restrictions. For costs and complete details, contact a financial professional. Investment options in variable annuities including asset allocation portfolios are subject to market risks, including the possible loss of principal. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before purchasing a variable annuity. For a prospectus containing this and other information, please contact a financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (New York, NY) issues annuity products. Variable annuities are co-distributed by affiliates AXA Distributors, LLC and AXA Advisors, LLC (members FINRA and SIPC). TASBO Commitment to Excellence Award Each year, TASBO awards its highest individual honor – its Commitment to Excellence Award – to the member who best distinguishes themselves within their profession, within their district and within TASBO. TASBO will recognize the recipient and two finalists at TASBO Annual Conference during the Awards Luncheon. On behalf of the recipient and finalists, each year TASBO donates to the TASBO Scholarship Fund. In addition, TASBO Strategic Partner AXA will generously provide a donation of $3,000 to the recipient and $1,000 to each of the finalists for programs in their home district. Nominate a colleague, direct report or fellow TASBO member online at: www.tasbo.org/commitment-to-excellence Sponsored by: 22 TASBO REPORT | AUGUST 2016