Retirement Funds – The Big Picture

One of the factors employers consider when choosing a retirement plan provider is the fees which are charged. Of course this is important – but it should never be the only consideration.

How beneficial is it for you and  your employees to pay low fees for funds which are poorly managed and don’t perform?  It’s kind of like buying a car because it has the lowest price – and then finding out it has many problems which end up costing you more in the long run.

It’s true that past fund performance is not a predictor of future returns. However, funds which have historically been well-managed are generally more likely to continue along that same path.  At The Contractors Plan we are proud to offer funds managed by an advisor with a proven track record during challenging market conditions as well as robust economic times.

Many financial analysts have referred to the past ten years as a “lost decade” for stocks.  A report recently released by Manning & Napier Advisors shows that Manning & Napier Pro-Mix Collective Investment Trust Funds far outperformed a representative benchma rk and yielded double-digit positive returns, as compared to a negative return for the ma rk et (as represented by  the S&P).  A study of cumulative returns from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009 demonstrates how  Manning & Napier’s active asset allocation approach benefits investors regardless of whether the markets are in bull or bear phase.

At The Contractors Plan, we work hard to offer our clients quality choices within their prevailing wage benefit plans.  When evaluating potential benefits plan providers, be sure to look at the big picture.