In the Media: Guiding Participants Through Volatility

OneDigital's Keith Huber Featured in Nuveen's nextAdvisor

OneDigital continues to build its reputation as a thought leader in the retirement benefits space. Keith Huber, Vice President, Financial Advisor at OneDigital, was recently spotlighted in Nuveen's nextAdvisor publication (issue no. 4), where he shared professional guidance on retirement strategies through market volatility.

In the piece, titled "Guiding Participants Through Volatility," industry professionals explored strategies for supporting both plan sponsors and participants during turbulent market conditions. Huber's commentary offers valuable recommendations for plan sponsors as they work to keep participants focused on long-term retirement success despite market uncertainty.

Key Insights

• Using Volatility as a Teaching Moment: Huber emphasized that market downturns present critical opportunities for participant education. While the traditional advice to "stay the course" remains sound, especially when paired with dollar-cost averaging strategies, he notes there's more to the conversation. Referencing the market volatility of Q2 2025, Huber explained how advisors can use real-world examples to demonstrate market resilience and help participants avoid emotional reactions that could undermine their long-term outcomes.

• Proactive Education and Communication: Rather than waiting for market turbulence to begin participant outreach, Huber stresses the importance of laying groundwork well in advance. His team runs comprehensive education campaigns at both national and local levels, offering monthly webinars covering topics from budgeting and debt management to 529 plans, HSAs, and general retirement planning reviews. This evergreen content helps participants build healthy financial habits before volatility strikes.

• The Psychology of Guaranteed Income Solutions: Huber highlighted the psychological comfort that guaranteed income solutions can provide during periods of market uncertainty:

During a period of market volatility, when we talk to participants, they're not worried necessarily about what they've lost on paper, they're worried that it's not over. They want to know how to invest knowing that they're going to be living off those savings. When we're crafting a portfolio, we're talking about risk. And guaranteed income solutions are a way to help manage that risk.
—Keith Huber, Vice President, Financial Advisor, OneDigital

 

• Data-Driven Participant Support: Huber's approach includes careful monitoring of participant behavior through recordkeeper data. His team watches for concerning trends, such as increased movement to cash equivalents during market downturns. When problematic patterns emerge, they view it as an opportunity for targeted education about staying invested and the value of dollar-cost averaging. This proactive monitoring helps prevent impulsive decisions that could derail retirement savings.

What This Means for Plan Sponsors

Huber's insights come at a time when market volatility continues to test participant confidence. The article underscores a critical reality: the best preparation for volatile markets happens well before turbulence arrives. Plan sponsors who invest in robust participant education programs, work closely with advisors to monitor concerning behaviors, and ensure their plan design includes appropriate safeguards are better positioned to help participants weather market storms.

The retirement plan environment grows more complex each year, and OneDigital is committed to helping employers stay ahead of emerging trends while protecting their fiduciary interests. Looking for more resources to help you prepare? Explore our Financial Academy for professional insights, or connect with an advisor for personalized support.

Read the full Nuveen nextAdvisor publication here: [Guiding participants through volatility - Issue No. 4]

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Investment advice offered through OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC.

All investments are subject to risk of loss, and any investment strategy may lose value. The commentary is merely opinion, and any referenced performance data is historical.  

Insurance products are available through OneDigital Insurance LLC., an affiliate of OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC. (“ODIA”), or by Investment Advisor Representatives of ODIA in their separate capacities as independent insurance agents. Any insurance benefits advertised are subject to the claims paying ability of the insurer.