Design Firm Management & Administration Report

Today’s participants in your firm’s 401(k) plan expect more from their statements than simply beginning and ending balances and a summary of activity in each account. That’s because 401(k) plans are much more complex than they once were, with a wider selection of investments from which to choose and numerous occasions to change contribution levels and investment choices. On top of that, increasingly savvy employee-investors realize that a growing percentage of their retirement income will depend on their own decisions rather than the firm’s, according to Patrick Walsh, senior vice president and director of Merrill Lynch’s Group Employee Services (Princeton, N.J.; 606- 282-4089). To do this, he says, your architects, engineers, and staff want guidance in tackling the big question: Will I have enough money for retirement?