Withdrawing funds from a retirement account prior to retirement is generally frowned upon, and with good reason. Withdrawals are a form of “leakage” that not only limit the long-term growth of account funds, but also come with potential tax penalties. State facilitated retirement savings programs use Roth IRAs, which allow for withdrawal of contributions without taxation or penalties - but is this good? Grant Boyken explores.

OK People, it’s Women’s History Month! Do you think it’s possible to do an all-female-cast version of the RSM newsletter? We’re going to give it a shot. Hang on to your seat:

• Starting us off, Treasurer Sarah Godlewski spills it on Wisconsin’s five-point report and recommendations, and then
• Our own Angela Antonelli of Georgetown’s Center for Retirement Innovation shares insights from early days of the retirement security movement – and new forward-leaning ideas
• The latest state metrics – did you know many of these programs are led by women, and/or sponsored by female Treasurers and legislators?
• Grant’s Go To’s: Just for this edition, Grant wears a wig. OK, we’re kidding. And we appreciate Grant. States Take Aim at TDFs. Check it out.
• Some Cool Stuff to read and watch – Cicely Tyson, anyone?
• And, some, Pix of the Week!

Alison Shelton of the Pew Charitable Trusts has researched and spoken about retirement security for two decades. Here we talk about fresh research on employer experience and attitudes related to the OregonSaves program specifically and Auto IRAs generally.