By Mark Olsen, Managing Director at PlanPILOT
Plan sponsors play a pivotal role in helping participants understand and pursue their ideal retirements. One crucial way they do that is through well-rounded and accessible education, especially in areas where the general public lacks awareness or understanding. However, there is a crucial aspect of participant education that has often been given less attention: risk literacy.
Although many plan sponsors excel in providing foundational knowledge about retirement plans, the critical role of comprehending the risks inherent in financial decision-making is often undervalued and overlooked. This doesn’t represent a setback but, rather, a significant opportunity. By integrating risk literacy into participant education, plan sponsors can arm their participants with the tools to make wiser, more comprehensive financial choices.
The Current State of Plan Sponsor Education Is Incomplete
For years, plan sponsors have conscientiously been imparting essential knowledge on retirement plans. This includes understanding the basics of retirement savings, the mechanics of contribution matching, the importance of consistent saving, and the variety of plan options available. They help keep participants well-versed on tax advantages, withdrawal rules, and the potential benefits of diversifying their investments.
However, these educational efforts, while undeniably important, fall short of providing a comprehensive understanding of retirement savings. The element that is frequently missing (and arguably as important as the rest) is risk literacy. This absence creates a blind spot for plan participants. They may be knowledgeable in how to save but lack the critical understanding of how to make informed decisions that take into account the inherent risks associated with financial investments. These risks run the gamut from volatility risk to inflation risk to interest rate risks—and all impact the unpredictable terrain of financial markets.
How Risk Literacy Aids Good Financial Decisions
Understanding risk literacy is not just an optional skill; it’s an essential part of making sound financial decisions. It helps participants distinguish between different types of investment risks, and equips them with the knowledge to assess the potential impact these risks might have on their retirement savings.
Yet according to TIAA in a personal finance study, comprehending risk is one of the lowest rated financial subjects, with only 35% of questions surrounding risk answered correctly. The benefits can be significant, according to Annamaria Lusardi, a George Washington University professor, who says, “Having higher risk knowledge is correlated with being less likely to be financially fragile.”
Furthermore, risk literacy encourages a deeper understanding of concepts like probability and uncertainty—critical components in financial decision-making. When participants can analyze the likelihood of different outcomes, they’re better prepared to handle fluctuations in the market. They can appropriately calibrate their investments, striking a balance between risk and return that matches their individual tolerance for risk and their long-term financial goals.
Risk literacy also fosters resilience in the face of financial upheaval. A risk-literate participant may not be easily swayed by market volatility, but can have the confidence to stay the course, understanding that short-term fluctuations are a normal part of the investment landscape. By promoting risk literacy, we empower plan participants with the tools to manage their retirement savings effectively, making them more financially stable in the long run.
How to Incorporate Risk Literacy Into Participant Education
Incorporating risk literacy into participant education may seem like a daunting task, but with a well-structured approach, it can be achieved. The first step involves expanding your educational material to include a module on the basic concepts of financial risk and uncertainty. This includes market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, and the risk-return tradeoff. To effectively teach these concepts, consider leveraging interactive tools, like risk simulators or scenario-based activities. Real-life examples and case studies also serve as powerful tools, offering participants the much-needed context to relate abstract concepts to their own financial decisions.
The next phase involves the evaluation and refinement of your approach. Regular assessments or quizzes can help gauge participants’ understanding and application of risk literacy, identifying areas that might need more attention. It’s crucial to cultivate an environment of open dialogue around financial risks, where participants feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and seeking additional help. Not only can this enhance understanding, but it can also empower participants to take control of their financial futures with greater confidence. With these strategies in place, your education program won’t just impart knowledge on retirement plans, but can also equip participants with the skills to navigate the financial landscape effectively.
Empower Plan Participants Through Risk Literacy
Introducing risk literacy into your curriculum is more than just adding another module—it’s about empowering your participants to make informed decisions for their financial future. By understanding risk and uncertainty, they’ll not only have the knowledge to make more prudent financial decisions, but also the confidence to navigate the complexities of the financial world.
At PlanPILOT, we help plan sponsors develop a well-rounded, customized educational program that helps meet your fiduciary duty and equips plan participants to make thoughtful financial decisions. If you’d like to risk literacy into your educational program for participants, call us at (312) 973-4913 or email mark.olsen@PlanPILOT.com.
About Mark
Mark Olsen is the managing director at PlanPILOT, an independent retirement plan consulting firm headquartered in Chicago. PlanPILOT delivers comprehensive retirement plan advisory services to 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plan sponsors. His specialties include plan governance, investment searches, investment monitoring, and plan oversight. Mark is recognized as a leader in the industry and speaks at national conferences, including those organized by Pensions & Investments, Stable Value Investment Association, and CUPA-HR.