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Thomas Perez on Social Security |
Supporters say it would ensure that they act in the best interests of their clients. But critics, including in the investment industry, say the rule would raise costs and discourage those who need investment advice the most from seeking it.
The Labor Department proposed the rules in June 2015 but has yet to finalize them. Democrats are urging the administration to hurry as its rule-making clock ticks down.
Times have changed dramatically. We've gone from 78% of workers with defined benefit pension plans in 1975 to only 33% in 2012. 401ks and IRAs are vulnerable to market volatility, so when the nation experienced a Great Recession and a meltdown of the financial markets, a lot of people were forced to deplete their retirement savings accounts--paying steep fees in the process--just to keep a roof over their family's head.
It's clear that even though we live in a defined contribution world, all too frequently, we're clinging to a defined benefit mentality. Our habits and our outlook haven't caught up to the reality--Americans there are still behaving as if that check will automatically come in the mail when they're 65.