is what's interesting is that many people say that they're optimistic about their retirement. They're confident that they'll have enough money to be able to cover retirement um essential costs and things that they're going to need to pay for. The reality is though that they haven't done the planning to make sure that they are going to be able to do that.What the survey show is when you look at the essential expenses in retirement, 89% of people in the United States that they'll be able to cover them. 90% in ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the benefits and strategies for converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, emphasizing the importance of strategic execution to minimize tax implications during retirement [2][3]. Summary by Sections Roth Conversion Overview - A Roth conversion allows individuals to transfer funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, incurring income taxes on the converted amount, which can lead to tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement [3][4]. Tax Minimization Strategies - The Schwab Center for Financial Research suggests three strategies to reduce the tax burden during a Roth conversion: 1. Max out the current tax bracket by performing partial conversions to avoid moving into a higher tax bracket [4]. 2. Spread conversions over multiple years to manage taxable income effectively and stay within the current tax bracket [5]. 3. Plan for potential tax changes early, converting more funds now to avoid higher rates in the future [5]. Example Scenario - A hypothetical example illustrates a single retirement saver with $200,000 in a traditional IRA and an annual income of $150,000, currently in the 24% tax bracket. The next tax bracket starts at $182,101, with a rate of 32% [7].

Core Insights - Less than half of Americans are adequately prepared for retirement, with Vanguard indicating that this group may struggle to maintain their current lifestyles in retirement [1] - The importance of early retirement planning is emphasized, as relying solely on Social Security is insufficient for most individuals [2] Generation Analysis - Vanguard estimates that only 40% of baby boomers are on track for retirement, while Gen Z shows a more favorable statistic with 47% on track [3] - Millennials and Gen X are in the middle, with 42% and 41% respectively [3] Technological Impact - Technology has contributed to Gen Z's preparedness, with automatic wealth-building strategies and accessible financial tools allowing earlier engagement in wealth accumulation [4] - Features such as autoenrollment and target-date funds have significantly improved savings behavior and investment outcomes [4] Homeownership Influence - Homeownership is a critical factor that can enhance retirement preparedness, giving baby boomers an advantage over younger generations [5] - Nearly 90% of baby boomers own homes, providing them with options like home equity loans and reverse mortgages to facilitate retirement [6] - For baby boomers in the lower 30th income percentile, having home equity increases their retirement preparedness from 15% to 42% [7]

Core Insights - Retirement planning is essential not only for ensuring sufficient funds for leisure activities but also for mitigating financial risks post-retirement [1][2] Group 1: Financial Risks in Retirement - Longevity risk is a significant concern, as retirees may outlive their savings due to various factors [4] - Sequence-of-returns risk can severely impact retirement savings if a market downturn occurs early in retirement [5] - Inflation, rising healthcare costs, and the IRMAA surcharge can further strain financial resources, with human behavior also posing risks through panic selling or chasing trends [5] Group 2: Strategies for Retirement Planning - A recommended approach is to engineer cash flow first and optimize returns second, ensuring a stable income that retirees cannot outlive [6] - Maintaining 12 to 24 months of essential expenses in cash can prevent forced selling during market dips [6] - Focusing on steady income allows retirees to balance safety and growth, enabling them to pursue higher-risk investments when their cash flow is secure [6][7]

Retirement Confidence and Planning - Over 80% of mass affluent adults in the US, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan are confident they'll cover essential costs in retirement [2] - Only 55% of respondents in the US and Brazil factored inflation into their retirement planning [3] - Many investors aren't ready for retirement despite the peak 65 being in full swing [5] Financial Concerns and Expectations - 54% of Americans believe their financial situation will improve during their lifetime, while the same share fear running out of savings once they retire [5] Key Economic Indicators - The September consumer price index (CPI) and 2026 cost of living adjustment for social security benefits will be released [1] Demographic Trends - Over 4 million adults in the United States are expected to reach age 65 this year and over the next two years [4] Survey Details - Credential's first global retirement pulse survey included more than 4,000 adults aged 30 and over with over $100,000 in investable assets or the equivalent [2]

Core Insights - A significant portion of Americans are concerned about their retirement finances, with 30% lacking confidence in covering daily expenses and 63% believing retirement between ages 65 and 70 is unrealistic [1] - Financial expert Ramit Sethi argues that these fears may be exaggerated, suggesting that individuals could retire with more financial resources than anticipated [2][3] Retirement Planning Considerations - Sethi emphasizes the importance of asking three key questions to determine retirement needs: desired retirement age, life expectancy, and annual spending requirements [4][8] - He notes that retirement spending is often lower than during working years due to reduced expenses such as commuting, work attire, and mortgage payments [5] Social Security and Retirement Savings - Social Security can significantly reduce the amount needed in personal savings, with an example indicating that a median salary of $62,000 could yield an annual Social Security benefit of approximately $28,000 [6] - To estimate retirement savings goals, Sethi recommends the 4% rule, suggesting that individuals should aim for savings equal to 25 times their desired annual withdrawal [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Firm-wide assets under management (AUM) reached $860 billion, with Bernstein Private Wealth at a record high of $153 billion [4][5] - Adjusted earnings per unit for Q3 increased by 12% year-over-year to $0.86, with net revenues at $885 million, a 5% increase compared to the prior year [25][26] - Total performance fees decreased by $6 million to approximately $20 million [25] - Adjusted operating income rose by 15% year-over-year to $303 million, reflecting a strong margin expansion of 290 basis points [28][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional asset management business AUM stands at $351 billion, while the retail platform serves $356 billion [4] - Tax-exempt fixed income saw over $4 billion in inflows, marking 11 consecutive quarters of positive organic growth [6][7] - Private markets generated nearly $3 billion in net inflows, with strong origination for investment-grade corporate and ABS private placements [7] - Active equities experienced over $6 billion in outflows, while structured and defensive strategies attracted inflows [7][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. equity markets delivered strong returns, with the S&P 500 returning 8.1% in Q3 [11] - Emerging markets outperformed, while global developed equities underperformed compared to the U.S. [12] - The firm is seeing increased inquiries for international equity strategies, particularly from outside the U.S. [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its third-party insurance asset management business and has partnered with Fortitude for strategic investments [8][9] - The strategic alliance with Equitable enhances the firm's client-centric asset-light approach, allowing for the scaling of higher-fee private alternative strategies [9] - The firm aims to achieve $90 to $100 billion in private markets AUM by 2027, leveraging existing investment teams and strategic partnerships [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management maintains a positive outlook on fixed income, anticipating a reallocation wave as bonds regain diversification value [11] - The firm is optimistic about capturing growth opportunities in Asia, particularly in taxable fixed income [47][61] - Management acknowledges potential volatility in public markets but remains confident in the firm's ability to navigate challenges [43][62] Other Important Information - The firm has successfully expanded its private markets platform to nearly $80 billion, representing a 17% year-over-year growth [22] - The effective tax rate for the third quarter was 6%, in line with full-year guidance [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the insurance opportunity and Ruby Re - Management confirmed that the timing of funding for Reinsurance Group of America has not changed and is proceeding as planned [40] Question: Insights on private credit and credit quality - Management noted competitive environments in private credit but reassured that there is no broader material deterioration in credit quality [42] Question: Update on Asia business and investor reactions - The firm observed improvement in its Asia business, particularly in taxable fixed income, despite external market noise [47] Question: Clarification on capital allocation strategy and buybacks - Management indicated that the light buyback this quarter was due to timing and not related to Equitable [57] Question: Discussion on bond reallocation and performance - Management expressed confidence in benefiting from bond reallocation trends, particularly in Asia [60]

Core Insights - There is a significant disparity between the retirement savings Americans believe they need and their actual savings, with a reported need of $1.26 million versus a median net worth of approximately $400,000 at age 65 [1] Group 1: Retirement Savings Gap - Americans estimate needing $1.26 million for a comfortable retirement, while the median net worth at age 65 is around $400,000 [1] - This gap is often labeled as "America's retirement crisis," yet many retirees manage to live happily with less than $1 million [2] Group 2: Spending Patterns in Retirement - Retirement spending tends to decrease over time, contrary to common financial projections that assume a steady increase in expenses due to inflation [2][3] - Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that average household spending drops from $83,379 for ages 55-64 to $53,031 for those aged 75 and older, representing a 36% decrease [4] Group 3: Withdrawal Strategies - The "4% rule," established by financial planner William Bengen in 1994, suggests a sustainable withdrawal rate to ensure funds last for at least 30 years [5] - Bengen later adjusted the "safe" withdrawal rate to 4.7% in 2025, indicating that the initial withdrawal rate can be modified over time [6] - A 4% withdrawal from a $1 million portfolio yields $40,000 in the first year, supplemented by Social Security benefits, leading to a total income of over $88,000 annually for a married couple [7]

Long-Term Care Needs & Costs - Government data indicates that approximately 70% of individuals turning 65 today are likely to require some form of long-term care services [1] - Long-term care, whether due to injury, illness, or aging, can be financially burdensome [1] - The podcast episode addresses the financial implications of long-term care without insurance [1] Long-Term Care Insurance - Long-term care insurance is presented as a strategy to safeguard personal and family finances [1] - The discussion covers the definition, cost, and coverage aspects of long-term care insurance [1] - The content explores both traditional and hybrid long-term care insurance policies [1] - The podcast aims to answer questions about long-term care insurance, including eligibility and timing [1] Resources & Support - The Alzheimer's Association is mentioned as a resource, providing a helpline at (800) 272-3900 and online information [1] - Fidelity Investments provides resources on hybrid life insurance with long-term care benefits [1] - Fidelity Investments encourages engagement through various social media platforms [1]

Core Insights - The primary concern for both active (34%) and retired (35%) 401(k) plan participants is the risk of outliving their retirement assets [1] - Inflation is a significant worry for 17% of active participants, while 19% of retired participants cite economic downturns as their top concern [2] - A majority of Gen Z (58%) and millennials (58%) expect their 401(k) accounts to be their main source of retirement income, aligning with 49% of all age groups [4][5] Group 1: Participant Concerns - 34% of active and 35% of retired participants are most concerned about their retirement assets lasting [1] - 18% of active and 32% of retired participants worry about health changes [1] - 17% of active participants identify inflation as their top financial worry, while 19% of retired participants cite economic downturns [2] Group 2: Generational Perspectives - 5% of Gen Z and 16% of millennials plan to rely on Social Security as their primary income source in retirement [3] - 33% of Gen Z feel "very confident" about maintaining their standard of living in retirement, compared to lower confidence levels in older generations [3] Group 3: Financial Advice Sources - 38% of active participants without a financial advisor rely on their retirement savings account provider for advice [6] - 24% seek guidance from their current or former employer, while 13% do not seek outside advice [6] Group 4: Spending and Loans - 58.5% of households taking out loans from their defined contribution plans saw healthcare spending rise by 10% or more [9] - 10.9% of DC plan participants took out a loan during the year of interest, with the highest prevalence among those aged 40-59 [11] - Participants with higher credit card debt are more likely to take out loans, with 20% of those with a high credit card debt/limit ratio doing so [12]