The dog days of summer led me to think about the JAMs – the ‘just about managing’ group of the population – as some alarming statistics from the UK government-backed workplace pension plan NEST show that 26% of working-age adults in the UK have no rainy-day savings, and only 42% have £500 (around $660) or more on hand.[1]
Much research has also been done into the U.S. market, where evidence shows that many workers who were ‘nudged’ into 401k plans appear to be offsetting those savings by taking on more auto and mortgage debt than they otherwise would have. The picture is rather more nuanced than at first glance, as taking out loans from 401k plans has enabled many to get on the housing ladder and benefit from more favorable mortgage terms. It does, however, beg the question: is saving for retirement a wise and rational decision if an individual is shackled with elevated levels of personal debt?
A recent TED talk by Elizabeth White placed a startling focus on the predicament of many U.S. baby boomers who have lowered their living standards to take account of low or no retirement income, having under-saved during their most prosperous years.[2] Millennials are in an even shakier predicament with high levels of student debt, low home ownership and, in the U.S. in particular, rising health-care costs.
Given these stark facts, it is tempting to throw in the towel and give up on the prospect of retirement saving. However, against a backdrop of a government safety net that is wearing thin owing to demographic trends (we are all living longer), failing to make provisions for one’s long-term retirement is just not an option.
With individuals walking an ever more precarious financial tightrope as their debt burdens have grown, either through education-related costs or overstretched credit-card liabilities, it is all the more imperative for default investment options to be appropriate. While there is a place for growth assets in the early stages of the lifecycle, once the contributions have reached a reasonable size, a capital-preservation focus – through a diversified, low volatility portfolio of assets – is important. This can help to ensure that individuals do not become disenchanted to the point of opting out of their DC plan, thereby forgoing the valuable tax advantages that it may offer, not to mention the benefits of long-term compounding.
Pleasingly, the U.S. research alluded to earlier did conclude that, despite many having higher debt levels, generally 401k savers were in a better position than their pension-free counterparts and that their decision to climb on the housing ladder did not prove an irrational one as they benefited from rising property prices. While perhaps one could say that they were lucky in terms of timing, the fact that it did not undermine their financial security and that they did not choose to opt out of their 401k plans is indeed a small victory for the auto-enrolment project.
[1] http://www.nestinsight.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Liquidity-and-sidecar-savings.pdf
[2] https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_white_an_honest_look_at_the_personal_finance_crisis
Authors
Catherine Doyle
Investment specialist
This is a financial promotion. Material in this publication is for general information only. The opinions expressed in this document are those of Newton and should not be construed as investment advice or recommendations for any purchase or sale of any specific security or commodity. Certain information contained herein is based on outside sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. You should consult your advisor to determine whether any particular investment strategy is appropriate. This material is for institutional investors only. Any reference to a specific security, country or sector should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell this security, country or sector. Please note that strategy holdings and positioning are subject to change without notice.
Important information
This is a financial promotion. Issued by Newton Investment Management Limited, The Bank of New York Mellon Centre, 160 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4LA. Newton Investment Management Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN and is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. 'Newton' and/or 'Newton Investment Management' brand refers to Newton Investment Management Limited. Newton is registered in England No. 01371973. VAT registration number GB: 577 7181 95. Newton is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Newton's investment business is described in Form ADV, Part 1 and 2, which can be obtained from the SEC.gov website or obtained upon request. Material in this publication is for general information only. The opinions expressed in this document are those of Newton and should not be construed as investment advice or recommendations for any purchase or sale of any specific security or commodity. Certain information contained herein is based on outside sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. You should consult your advisor to determine whether any particular investment strategy is appropriate. This material is for institutional investors only.
Personnel of certain of our BNY Mellon affiliates may act as: (i) registered representatives of BNY Mellon Securities Corporation (in its capacity as a registered broker-dealer) to offer securities, (ii) officers of the Bank of New York Mellon (a New York chartered bank) to offer bank-maintained collective investment funds, and (iii) Associated Persons of BNY Mellon Securities Corporation (in its capacity as a registered investment adviser) to offer separately managed accounts managed by BNY Mellon Investment Management firms, including Newton and (iv) representatives of Newton Americas, a Division of BNY Mellon Securities Corporation, U.S. Distributor of Newton Investment Management Limited.
Unless you are notified to the contrary, the products and services mentioned are not insured by the FDIC (or by any governmental entity) and are not guaranteed by or obligations of The Bank of New York or any of its affiliates. The Bank of New York assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the above data and disclaims all expressed or implied warranties in connection therewith. © 2020 The Bank of New York Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
