ARA Executive Interview

What Real Support Looks Like for Plan Advisors: Morningstar Retirement

The National Association of Plan Advisors is joined by Chris Weirath, Head of Client Success with Morningstar Retirement. We discuss what real support looks like for plan advisors at every step of the retirement journey. We’ll do it by defining support and what it really means, and of course, the role that personalization plays.  When plan advisors hear the word “support,” what do they usually picture, and how does Morningstar retirement think about it differently? Weirath explains ©2026 Morningstar Investment Management LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Morningstar name and logo are registered marks of Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar Retirement offers research- and technology-driven products and services to individuals, workplace retirement plans, and other industry players. Associated advisory services are provided by Morningstar Investment Management LLC, a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc.

Beyond Participation: Why Retirement Readiness Is Still at Risk

Financial technology company IRALOGIX recently released its Retirement Readiness Index for 2025. The national benchmark found an Elevated Risk for the country, which, in practical terms, means Americans are engaged, but their retirement readiness is “fragile.” So, what does this mean, and, more importantly, what can be done about it? We’re joined by the firm’s CEO, Peter de Silva, to answer these questions, and more.

Empowering Employee Financial Wellness: Guidance for Plan Advisors

Pete Welsh, Managing Director of Retirement and Wealth at Inspira Financial, joins American Retirement Association Chief Content Officer John Sullivan to discuss how plan advisors can help their clients develop a financial wellness program for their employees. Financial wellness is the ability to manage money and meet basic financial needs throughout life. But only about half of U.S. adults have a general understanding of what financial wellness is, which means that attaining it remains elusive for many. Welsh tells us how advisors can help.

A Major Retirement Disconnect: What Sponsors Miss About Participant Priorities

Today, we’re joined by Glenn Dial, Senior Retirement Strategist with American Century Investments. Dial explains some fascinating findings from “The Retirement Disconnect: What Sponsors Miss About Participant Priorities,” the firm’s 12th annual survey of retirement plan participants and sponsors, which can be found at americancentury.com. He covers retirement income, common misconceptions, and the always-important income replacement rate, among other high-profile topics. Source: 12th Annual American Century Retirement Survey Methodology: The participant survey was conducted between June 3, 2025, and June 23, 2025.  The survey included 1,500 full-time workers between the ages of 25 and 70 saving through their employer’s retirement plan. The data were weighted to reflect key demographics (gender, income, and education) among all American private sector participants between 25 and 70. The sponsor survey was conducted between May 20, 2025, and June 16, 2025. Survey included 500 plan sponsor representatives holding a job title of Director or higher and having considerable influence when it comes to making decisions about their company’s retirement plan (either 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plans). The data were weighted to reflect the makeup of the total defined contribution population by plan asset size. Percentages in the tables and charts may not total 100 due to rounding and/or missing categories. Greenwald Research of Washington, D.C., completed data collection and analysis. This material has been prepared for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Investment return and principal value of security investments will fluctuate. The value at the time of redemption may be more or less than the original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Unpacking Participant Behavior in the Digital World

Jessica Drake joins the Executive Interview to delve into plan participant attitudes, behaviors, and evolving expectations in a digital world. It comes as no surprise that our lives are increasingly linked to the digital realm — mobile phones now make up 63% of all web traffic worldwide, a figure that has more than doubled in the past decade, according to Statista. This digital reality has drastically reshaped consumer expectations for interacting with various services, including financial platforms. Drake, Head of Operations for the Employer Markets team at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, will share valuable insights into how individuals engage with their retirement plans in this digital age. Disclosure Sources: * (2025, February 5). Mobile internet usage worldwide – statistics & facts. * Defined Contribution Plan Participant Experience Survey, conducted by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement in July 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 1,805 respondents aged 18+ who are currently contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. * The State of Lifetime Income: Participant Survey, conducted by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement in November 2024 with a nationally representative sample of 2,488 respondents aged 18+ who are currently contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Fixed index annuities are designed to meet long-term needs for retirement income. They provide guarantees against the loss of principal and credited interest, tax deferred accumulation potential, and the reassurance of a death benefit for beneficiaries. This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz), its affiliated companies, and their representatives and employees do not give fiduciary, tax, or legal advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Clients are encouraged to consult their tax advisor or attorney, or Social Security Administration (SSA) office, for their particular situation.  Allianz does not provide financial planning services or advice. ad space Annuity guarantees are backed solely by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Product and feature availability may vary by state and retirement plan. This content does not apply in the state of New York. • Not FDIC insured • May lose value • No bank or credit union guarantee• Not a deposit • Not insured by any federal government agency or NCUA/NCUSIF For institutional use only – not for use with the public.