The Part-time Participant

We understand that most retirement savers aren’t financial experts, and that can make preparing for retirement feel overwhelming. The good news is that achieving a successful retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few basic steps, you could set yourself up for long-term financial security. Start Saving Now and Learn the Basics of Saving and Investing The earlier you begin saving, the better your chances of reaching your retirement goals. It’s also important to understand the foundational concepts of saving and investing. Familiarize yourself with the different types of investment products, such as stocks, bonds, and money market accounts. Each comes with its own set of risks and potential rewards, and knowing how they work—and how they fit into your overall portfolio—can help you make informed decisions. Take time to understand the details of your retirement plan and the benefits it offers so you can make the most of it. Avoid Common Mistakes Many retirement savers fall into the same traps: failing to diversify their investments, neglecting to rebalance their portfolios, making emotionally driven decisions, or not having a clear investment strategy at all. One of the best ways to avoid these mistakes is by focusing on that last item—developing an investment plan. Having a well-thought-out approach to investing can help you stay disciplined and better positioned for long-term success. Focus on Three Critical Components of an Investment Plan While you can’t control the ups and downs of the market, there are three key factors you can control: when you start saving, how much you save, and when you plan to retire. Starting early and contributing consistently often has a bigger impact on your retirement outcome than investment returns alone. Choosing when to retire is also critical. Delaying retirement, even by a few years, can give your investments more time to grow and provide greater financial stability. Monitor the Plan and Adjust as Necessary A strong retirement plan isn’t static—it should evolve with you. Major life events such as a new job, a growing family, changes in income, or unexpected financial challenges should all prompt a review of your retirement strategy. Regular check-ins can ensure your plan remains aligned with your goals and helps keep you on track for the future you envision. Looking for more information? Contact the IRPC Team at info@irpcsp.com to learn more about our fiduciary support, plan design consulting, participant education resources, or anything else you need to strengthen your retirement plan.

Plan sponsors, stay ahead of the curve! This issue covers key trends like early retirement, hardship withdrawals, and market volatility. Get practical tips to boost employee financial security, improve plan design, and enhance participant engagement.

EBRI research found that most Americans are confident about retiring, but 79% of retirees and 71% of workers expressed concern about changes to Social Security.

In times of volatility, timing the market may seem tempting. But doing so could cost you.

Did you know there's a tax credit designed to reward you for saving for retirement?

A new survey shows 67% of investors aren’t spending any time on retirement planning each month—including over half of those nearing retirement. This blog highlights the growing engagement gap and offers ideas for how plan sponsors can help participants get back on track.

More retirees are choosing to keep their 401(k) assets in their employer’s plan after retirement, according to a recent Fidelity report. This article explores the reasons behind this trend—such as lower fees, familiar investment options, and improved retirement income solutions—and what it means for plan sponsors looking to better support retirees.

In this month’s Retirement Times, we explore how plan sponsors can use internal data to drive smarter decisions and improve retirement outcomes. Plus, we take a closer look at the retirement planning engagement gap and offer strategies to help participants take meaningful action.

As tax laws evolve and personal financial situations change, it's essential to stay informed about strategies that can help minimize your tax burden. Here are several tips to consider.