Benefits & ERISA Law

Boston College Creates Online Interactive Retirement Game

By Suzanne Wynn

The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College has created an interactive retirement game, and posted it on their website. The game is called Get Rich Slow, and follows a fictional couple through several decades starting when they are in their 40’s. For each decade, the game asks retirement-related questions about such topics as portfolio diversification and maximizing matching contributions. For each question answered correctly, the couple gains $1,000 in their hypothetical retirement account.

As you make decisions about Sally and Norm, such as whether they should contribute to their 401(k) account or pay for their twins’ college education, the game shows how their 401(k) balances change. The game also throws in some twists, such as an unexpected illness, in an attempt to replicate real life.

The game plays a little slow but is entertaining enough to recommend. Take a few minutes during this Memorial Day weekend to see how you do. We played this game over lunch today at my office, and were very surprised that only one person was able to answer every question correctly. (hat tip to BenefitsLink.com)

Technorati Tags: Pension Protection Act, ppa, Boston College, Center for Retirement Research, Get Rich Slow, fun, online game, ERISA

Full post as published by Pension Protection Act Blog on May 23, 2008 (boomark / email).