Alternatives in 401(k)s Are a Solution in Search of a Problem Meanwhile, serious 401(k) pain points are hiding in plain sight. Christine Benz Apr 6, 2026
Private Investments in 401(k)s: We Still Have Questions As private markets and lifetime income strategies enter defined-contribution plans, careful oversight will matter more than ever. Jason Kephart and Janet Yang Rohr, CFA Apr 1, 2026
Annuities Unveiled: A Guide to the Different Types of Annuities Breaking down income annuities and savings annuities. Spencer Look Mar 17, 2026
What You Need to Know About Annuities Annuities come in many forms. Understand what you’re getting from these products. Christine Benz and Margaret Giles Mar 16, 2026
How to Buy an Annuity If you’ve decided to purchase an annuity, you’ll need to think through where to hold it, how much to annuitize, and when to make the buy. Christine Benz Mar 16, 2026
Jamie Hopkins and Bonnie Treichel: Why You Can’t Set and Forget a Retirement Plan Two retirement specialists discuss best practices in retirement-income planning, harnessing mental accounting for the good, and the role of annuities and alternative assets in defined-contribution plans. Christine Benz and Amy C. Arnott, CFA Mar 10, 2026
Roth Employer Contributions Come With a 1099-R Surprise Electing Roth treatment for employer contributions can trigger unexpected income—and a tax-timing risk advisors can’t afford to miss. Denise Appleby Mar 10, 2026
Should Higher Earners Still Make 401(k) Catch‑Up Contributions? Even without the upfront tax break, Roth 401(k) catch‑ups may offer long‑term tax advantages. Amy C. Arnott, CFA Feb 13, 2026
Investors First: The New Rules of Retirement Morningstar’s CEO explores the trends redefining retirement planning and how investors can approach it with confidence. Kunal Kapoor, CFA, Brock Johnson, and Christine Benz Feb 9, 2026
Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Income Annuity? Retirees looking for income may find the most straightforward annuities attractive now, but there are caveats. Jason Kephart Feb 3, 2026
6 Retirement Must-Knows for 2026 Higher retirement plan contribution limits, changes to Social Security benefits, a new senior deduction, and more. Christine Benz and Margaret Giles Jan 29, 2026
5 Smart New Year’s Resolutions for the Purposeful Investor: Optimize, Don’t Just Accumulate As 2026 begins, shift your focus from saving to fine-tuning. Sheryl Rowling Dec 30, 2025
As a Higher Earner, Should You Still Make Catch-Up Contributions to Your 401(k)? There’s no upfront tax break, but a Roth 401(k) has other tax benefits down the road. Amy C. Arnott, CFA Dec 30, 2025
What You Need to Know About Higher 401(k) and IRA Caps in 2026 Americans can save more than ever for retirement in 2026, but new IRS rules add fresh planning opportunities and potential pitfalls. Denise Appleby Dec 17, 2025
A Hidden Trend Is Changing 401(k) Plans. Here’s What It Means for Investors New revenue-sharing models are making costs lower, but they are affecting how your target-date fund is managed. Jason Kephart Dec 17, 2025
3 Big Changes for Retirement Planning in 2026 Provisions in Secure 2.0, OBBBA affect retirement savers and retirees. Christine Benz Dec 8, 2025
Vanguard Unveils First New Target-Date Series Since 2003 Vanguard Target Retirement Lifetime Income will offer retirement savers access to an annuity. Jason Kephart Dec 3, 2025
These Are the Funds in Morningstar’s 401(k) Low-cost funds for the long haul. Russel Kinnel Nov 12, 2025
As 401(k) Plans Add Private Assets, What Are Investors Really Buying? New retirement products aimed at small investors may not live up to industry hype. Alexander Davis Oct 28, 2025
How to Roll Over an Old 401(k) Is deciding what to do with an orphan 401(k) on your to-do list? Here are seven steps for getting it done. Christine Benz Oct 22, 2025