The term nationwide retirement solutions is gaining wide attention now that multiple advancements are reshaping how millions prepare for retirement. From new advisor tools to growing longevity risks, this article covers the latest moves and trends from Nationwide affecting retirement planning today.
Key Points Summary
A reader-friendly snapshot:
- New advisory tools: Nationwide’s RetireAssist platform launched with Core and Flex options for small and mid-sized 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
- Longevity risk spotlighted: More people are expected to live into their 90s and 100s, stressing the need for lifetime income solutions.
- Plan administration scale: Nationwide now manages nearly 32,000 plans and about $200 billion in assets across 2.7 million participants.
- Legislative edge: The firm supports SECURE 2.0 implementation and evolving bill provisions to broaden access and flexibility.
- Growing retirement anxiety: Surveys show many pre-retirees have delayed or altered their retirement dreams, reinforcing the need for better guidance.
RetireAssist Launch Puts Nationwide at the Forefront
Nationwide Retirement Solutions has introduced a new platform called RetireAssist, aimed at helping plan advisors better serve diverse clients.
- RetireAssist Core℠ offers an easy, turnkey solution with over 300 funds—focused on plans under $10 million in assets.
- RetireAssist Flex℠ provides customizable design with an open fund lineup of more than 2,000 funds—ideal for plans between $10–25 million.
- Both versions include high-touch support: dedicated relationship managers, implementation teams, U.S.-based assistance, and participant guidance at no extra cost.
This suite acknowledges that one size doesn’t fit all—giving advisors tailored tools for better implementation and participant engagement.
Scale and Reach: Nationwide’s Growing Presence
Nationwide Retirement Solutions now administers almost 32,000 retirement plans, safeguarding nearly $200 billion in assets and serving more than 2.7 million participants. This level of scale underscores its role as a key retirement infrastructure provider for companies and savers alike.
Addressing Longevity Risk: Planning for a 100-Year Life
With more Americans expected to live into their 90s—and even reach age 100—retirement income must last longer than ever.
- Retirement income planners now consider the chance of outliving savings up to 300% higher when factoring in non-guaranteed returns.
- Innovations like in-plan lifetime income funds—which mimic a pension-style monthly paycheck—help bridge the gap between accumulation and consistent income delivery.
- These “auto-income” solutions pair accumulation features (like auto-enrollment) with longevity protection for greater financial confidence.
Nationwide is spotlighting these solutions to help savers avoid exhausting their funds in extended retirements.
Supporting SECURE 2.0 Implementation
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, new retirement provisions are taking effect—such as expanded auto-enrollment, saver’s matches, higher RMD ages, and more flexible withdrawal types.
Nationwide Retirement Solutions provides comprehensive assistance with implementing these mandates and optional features. A dedicated SECURE 2.0 Program Team guides plan sponsors through rollout stages, ensuring legal and operational readiness.
Pre-Retiree Sentiment: Dreams Postponed or Canceled
Surveys from Nationwide’s advisors reveal that over 40% of pre-retirees say their retirement plans have been delayed, altered, or outright canceled.
This reflects growing concerns over affordability, market volatility, and uncertain income streams. The emotional impact reinforces the need for adaptable retirement design and stronger plan communication.
Why This Matters Now
This blend of product innovation, legislative alignment, and scale makes nationwide retirement solutions more relevant than ever:
- Employers and advisors gain flexibility to craft tailored retirement plans.
- Savers can access products that align with today’s extended lifespans.
- Consistent support helps ensure smooth implementation and participant outcomes.
- Awareness of delayed dreams underscores the importance of planning and access.
In today’s environment, reliable retirement infrastructure is not just supportive—it’s essential.
FAQ
1. What is RetireAssist and who is it for?
RetireAssist is Nationwide’s advisor-focused platform offering Core and Flex options designed for small to mid-sized 401(k) or 403(b) plans. Core is turnkey for simpler needs; Flex provides customization and wide fund access.
2. How does Nationwide handle longevity risk for retirees?
They offer protected income solutions—like in-plan lifetime income funds—that convert retirement savings into steady, pension-like monthly income to help mitigate the risk of outlasting savings.
3. How does Nationwide support SECURE 2.0 compliance?
A dedicated program team assists plan sponsors with implementing mandatory and optional provisions, such as auto-enrollment, higher RMD ages, saver’s match, and expanded withdrawal flexibility.