Actuary

Policy turmoil, fiscal uncertainty cause retirement hesitation. by jonathan delozier march 30, 2026 02:09 PM. Policy uncertainty is pushing older Americans to delay retirement, shift to conservative investments and boost their emergency savings, according to a new survey. The findings published last week by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College show 21% of respondents who've yet to retire are postponing retirement while 33% are moving to safer portfolios. The survey of 1,443 people ages 45 to 79 with more than $100,000 in investable assets was conducted between July 7 and July 31, 2025, by Greenwald Research in partnership with Jackson National Life Insurance. Researchers explored how participants perceived risks related to Social Security, Medicare and fiscal policy - and how they might act to hedge these risks. "To be clear, 'policy uncertainty' is not about policy change, per se, but rather about the unpredictability of future policy," the report said. "Even without any change to current policy, for example, a tight and polarized election forces households to consider a wider range of policies than if the election outcome were certain or the policy positions of the candidates were similar." Uncertainty depresses economic activity, increases stock market volatility and reduces returns. Unemployment tends to rise with greater uncertainty, while consumption and investment tend to fall. Households' attempts to protect themselves against specific risks - such as a cut in Social Security benefits - can also backfire, the report added. By July 2025, policy had changed dramatically on taxation, tariffs, federal debt and Medicaid due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the report explained. Long-term trends in Medicare and Social Security financing have become more concerning, respondents said. Majorities reported seeing worrying news stories on Social Security's financial pressures (55%), the cost of Medicare (52%), the size of the federal debt (75%) and tariffs (89%). Among all respondents, 28% increased the amounts in their emergency funds. "Overall, the risk that policy uncertainty poses to near-retirees and retirees seems substantial, imposing considerable costs on households as they take precautionary actions, as well as harming the economy," the report said. "As noted, this survey was undertaken during what now seems to have been a relatively tranquil period in the last 18 months. "Clearly, an updated survey would show more anxiety and more individuals planning to take actions to protect themselves. These actions have real costs." 26 Mar, 30

Matt Maeson headlines Voices for Children benefit concert at Historic Franklin Theatre, presented by Jackson(R). Home " News " Matt Maeson headlines Voices for Children benefit concert at Historic Franklin Theatre, presented by Jackson(R). An intimate evening of music and community on May 7th, 6:30-9:30 PM, with ticket sales benefiting court-appointed advocates for abused and neglected children in Williamson County FRANKLIN, TN - March 4, 2026 - Williamson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) has announced that its annual Voices for Children fundraiser, presented by Jackson Financial Inc. (Jackson(R), will return to the Historic Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The evening will feature a live performance by Matt Maeson - the Virginia-born, Nashville-based multiplatinum singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose two Platinum-certified singles, "Cringe" and "Hallucinogenics" featuring Lana Del Rey, each climbed to #1 at Alternative radio, making him the first male solo artist to log two #1 Alternative hits from a full-length debut. Ticket sales from the evening will directly support Williamson County CASA's mission of ensuring every child in its community navigating the juvenile court system has a trained volunteer advocate in their corner - a consistent, caring presence working toward a safe and permanent home. Maeson's latest album, A Quiet and Harmless Living (Atlantic Records), finds the artist processing marriage, fatherhood, and the search for balance with his most vulnerable and vital work yet. And the connection to this cause goes one step deeper: Maeson's wife currently serves as a volunteer advocate for Williamson County CASA. "My wife has worked with CASA for some time now and what I've learned from that is there are so, so many children in need of what this organization offers. The amount of kids that endure abuse and neglect on a daily basis is staggering. It's a beautiful thing that they are doing in the midst of such heartbreaking situations and I'm grateful to play any part in helping them succeed in providing their services for as many children and families as they can." - Matt Maeson The evening will be held at the intimate, 300-seat Historic Franklin Theatre at 419 Main Street in the heart of downtown Franklin - offering guests an up-close experience with one of alternative music's most distinctive voices, all in service of children right here in the community. "Every day, our CASA advocates walk alongside vulnerable children right here in our own backyard, " said Stuart Tutler, Executive Director of Williamson County CASA. "Last year alone 330 kids in Williamson County were paired with a volunteer advocate - someone appointed by a judge to be a consistent, caring presence as they navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. Voices for Children is our chance to come together and make a big difference close to home, and we couldn't be more grateful to have an artist whose music speaks to the depths of human experience our community shares. Be for the Child." This year's event carries a fundraising goal of $160,000. The evening, which will take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m., will also feature a live auction and VIP experiences. Tickets are available at williamsoncountycasa.org or the Franklin Theatre website. Voices for Children is made possible with the generous support of its sponsors. Presenting Sponsor - Champion: Jackson(R). Protector Sponsors: Craig Morrison, Southern Joint Replacement Institute, Curo Financial Management LLC,. Hero Sponsors: Ben and Jennifer Rooke, Thompson Burton PLLC., Walter and Gayle Aertker, Matt and Macey Benton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Danielle McMorran at 323-646-1002 or [email protected]. Williamson County CASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.williamsoncountycasa.org. About Williamson County CASA Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported. Williamson County CASA recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates - ensuring that children navigating the juvenile court system have a consistent, caring adult in their corner and a voice in the courtroom. Its vision is simple: every child in a safe and permanent home. To learn more or get involved, visit www.williamsoncountycasa.org. Be for the Child. About Matt Maeson Matt Maeson is a Virginia-born, Nashville-based multiplatinum singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His debut LP Bank on the Funeral produced two Platinum-certified #1 Alternative singles - "Cringe" and "Hallucinogenics" featuring Lana Del Rey. His most recent album, A Quiet and Harmless Living, is out now on Atlantic Records. About Jackson(R) Jackson(R) is a financial services company focused on helping Americans grow and protect their retirement savings and income to enable them to pursue financial freedom for life. Jackson(R) is dedicated to corporate philanthropy and supports nonprofits that help strengthen families and create economic opportunities in communities where its employees live and work. Visit jackson.com to learn more.