Rethinking Wealth And Inclusion In Financial Planning

Forbes

a day ago

How Empathy and Innovation Can Close the Retirement Gap, Breaking Barriers to Retirement Security for Every American
A picture taken on December 7, 2021 in Istanbul shows US dollars banknotes. - Turkey's annual ... More inflation rate jumped over 20 percent in November, official data showed on December 3, 2021, after a currency crisis last month in which the Turkish lira hit record lows against the dollar. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)When it comes to building wealth and security in America, too many families — especially those living paycheck to paycheck — are left out of the conversation. For low-income households, retirement planning often feels like a distant luxury, and the pathways to financial empowerment can seem inaccessible. In this candid Forbes Q&A, I speak to Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA and one of just two Black women to helm a Fortune 500 company currently, to discuss the systemic barriers that keep millions from building a secure future and to share actionable strategies for closing the retirement gap. Our conversation offers insights and practical advice for individuals, organizations, and policymakers committed to making retirement security a reality for all Americans.
Q: In my work with low-income families through the Magnolia Mother's Trust, I often hear that retirement planning feels like a luxury they can't afford. How do we change this mindset and make retirement security accessible for all income levels?
A: When we talk about retirement security for low-income families, particularly those living in poverty, we have to acknowledge a fundamental challenge: our retirement system is built around earned income and workplace benefits. The majority of low-income Americans lack access to workplace retirement plans. So this isn't just about saving more — it's about addressing systemic barriers. We need innovative policy solutions that help all Americans build financial security, whether through expanded access to retirement plans for small businesses, state-sponsored programs or other approaches that recognize different economic realities.
Q: Financial know-how has traditionally been a privilege of those who are in higher income brackets. From your perspective, what role should financial education play in closing economic gaps, and how early should it start?"
A: Financial education isn't just for those with wealth — today's technology helps make it more accessible to everyone. What matters is starting early with practical moments: discussing grocery prices with children or opening their first savings account, which research shows correlates with college attendance. 29 states now require financial education for graduation. But education alone isn't enough. We also need policies that make saving easier and more accessible.
Q: When I speak with young people, especially those just graduating college, retirement often feels too far away to prioritize. You've spoken about the power of compounding — can you break down why starting to save early is so crucial, even if it's just a small amount?
A: Your first paycheck is your first opportunity to invest in your future self. I tell young people one word they need to know: compounding. When you start that first job, you're making more than you did before — so start saving before you get used to spending that money. And if you are working at a company that offers a retirement match, take full advantage. Because otherwise, that's free money you're leaving on the table.
Q: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities that your clients face in the current economic climate, especially regarding inflation and retirement security?
A: Today's economic headwinds — from inflation to market volatility — create real challenges for retirement savers. But here's what's most important and where I see the opportunity for our clients: stay the course with your retirement contributions and ensure part of your allocation includes protection through guaranteed lifetime income. This is a good time to meet with your financial advisor, review your portfolio, and reaffirm your long-term strategy. Because while market volatility isn't new — it's how you respond that matters. It's important to maintain a long-term perspective and stay invested.
Q: What specific strategies is TIAA using to promote financial inclusion and close the wealth gap, particularly for underserved communities?
A: Let me share what we're doing to make retirement security accessible to everyone. With 57 million Americans lacking access to workplace retirement plans, we're advocating for policies that help more employers offer these benefits. We're working to make saving automatic through features like auto-enrollment, which can increase participation rates from 60% to over 90%. And crucially, we're ensuring guaranteed lifetime income is available in retirement plans. Because this isn't just about saving — it's about making sure people can retire with dignity and not outlive their savings.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: President/CEO of TIAA Thasunda Brown Duckett speaks onstage ... More during the 'My Leadership Journey' discussion during The Range Rover Leadership Summit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor Jaguar Land Rover)
Q: As a champion of financial empowerment, what initiatives are you most proud of, and what impact have you seen so far?
A: What I'm most proud of is seeing the retirement security movement gain real momentum at scale, with unprecedented bipartisan support and public-private partnerships driving change. That's why we launched our Retirement Bill of Rights initiative — because solving the retirement crisis requires all of us working together. We're seeing concrete progress: more employers offering workplace plans, increased adoption of auto-enrollment features, and growing recognition that guaranteed lifetime income is essential. This isn't about individual programs — it's about transforming the retirement system to work for all Americans.
Q: Can you share actionable advice for organizations seeking to build more equitable and inclusive cultures?
A: Building inclusive organizations isn't just about initiatives — it's about creating environments where people can thrive long-term. Research shows companies with inclusive cultures see higher retention rates and stronger employee engagement. When people feel they can bring their authentic selves to work and share diverse perspectives, they're more likely to stay, grow, and build financial security. That's why at TIAA our Business Resource Groups — which are employee networks organized around shared identities or experiences — are so powerful. They're not just support systems; they foster intellectual curiosity and innovation while creating pathways for career growth and long-term success.
Q: How did your upbringing and early career experiences influence your leadership style and vision?
A: Growing up, my family was long on love but short on money. My parents taught me grit and perseverance — showing me that obstacles are opportunities to grow stronger. But what truly shaped my leadership style was seeing my parents and our community working incredibly hard, sometimes still coming up short. That taught me real empathy — not the soft kind, but the kind that drives you to truly see people, connect with their potential, and fight on their behalf. For me, leadership isn't just about personal success — it's about creating connections that help others unlock their own potential.
Q: What does 'human capital transformation' mean to you, and how is TIAA preparing for the future of work?
A: Human capital transformation means creating a workplace ready for tomorrow's opportunities. It's about being at the forefront of meeting our clients' needs while taking our culture forward. At TIAA, we're transforming how we operate with a focus on modernization that excites and engages our people. I'm particularly proud of our Guild Network, where thousands of employees are embracing new skills and technologies. Because true transformation happens when mindset and technology work together to fuel curiosity, growth, and opportunity. This is how we prepare our employees for today while building for tomorrow.
Q: Beyond your executive roles, you serve on several influential boards. How do these experiences inform your leadership at TIAA and your broader vision for social impact?
A: Board service, from public companies to startups to nonprofits, fuels my intellectual curiosity about how different people and organizations solve complex challenges. I'm constantly learning from diverse thinkers and different approaches to problem-solving. These varied perspectives and conversations strengthen my leadership muscle daily, depositing new insights into my skill set that make me a better CEO at TIAA.
Q: How do you advise individuals who do not have a culture of planning for retirement to get started? How can you make planning and saving for the future seem possible when you barely get by financially?
A: When you're living paycheck to paycheck, the message 'just save more' isn't helpful. Money is emotional, and retirement planning can feel overwhelming when you're focused on getting by today. But let's take the judgment out of it and just get started. Maybe it's asking your HR department about retirement benefits you might not know about. Maybe it's learning about budgeting from free online resources. Maybe it's setting up a small automatic transfer each payday. Start where you are — even small amounts matter. Small steps today can create meaningful security tomorrow. The key is taking that first step.
Q: I did a TED Talk about redefining wealth to come up with a more inclusive version that applies to communities often left out of the conversation. So I'd like to ask you, how do you define wealth?
A: Wealth isn't just about money or hitting a certain number. True wealth is about joy — enriching your life in meaningful ways. It's about security — having confidence in your future. Most importantly, it's about legacy — not just the financial assets you pass on, but the knowledge you've accumulated, the lessons you've learned, and how you use them to impact others. Just like financial wealth requires both accumulation and distribution, life's wealth comes from gathering experiences and sharing them forward.