Fidelity Investments recently reported that the average 401(k) account balance it managed reached a 10-year high of $71,500 at the end of 2010, and for those who had consistently contributed to their plan, $183,100.

Assets in 529 college savings plans have grown 56% in the past 24 months, beating industry estimates by 30%, Financial Research Corp. told the College Savings Foundation at its annual conference in San Diego yesterday.

Retirement plan participants using an online tool save at an average rate of 39% higher than other plan participants, according to a study by Principal Financial Group of its clients.

These top producers sat down with their recruiters in a wide-ranging interview to explain the decision-making behind their jump.

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Male and female participants in MassMutual’s retirement savings plans had about the same among of their retirement assets in asset allocation options in the fourth quarter of 2010—24.3% for women and 24.0% for men. However, nearly all of the women’s allocation was to target-date funds, while the men had half their assets in target-date funds and half in risk-based options.

Fidelity Investments reported Wednesday that the average 401(k) account balance held with it hit a 10-year high of $71,500 at the end of 2010. For participants who continuously contributed to their 401(k) the average balance increased to $183,100 from $59,100 a decade ago.

MassMutual’s retirement services division is launching an interactive seminar series for participants on Feb. 23 called RetireSmart. The first session, on “Understanding What’s Driving the Economy,” will be presented by the firm’s Chief Economist Jerry Webman.

With regulatory reform bringing a wave of changes to defined contribution plans, advisers need to be even more conversant in the ins and outs of legislative requirements and other complexities. Which is why BlackRock is beefing up its commitment to advisors who work with these retirement plans.

Advisors and regulators expect one rather odd twist for college savings plans.

Three years ago, just before the credit crisis, many Americans were using home equity lines of credit like cash machines. And at that time, Bank One, now part of JPMorgan Chase, proposed allowing individuals to withdraw small sums from their 401(k) retirement plans through debit cards.

Training new advisors is at the top of the list for firms like Wells Fargo.

A recruiter acknowledges those financial advisors who wish they never left the comfort of the traditional big firm world.

The Hartford has launched a new marketing campaign,” Two for Tomorrow,” advising Americans to take the 2% reduction in Social Security payroll taxes and use the money to boost their retirement savings.

While Americans have remain committed to saving for retirement through their 401(k)s, a significant portion of households owning financial investments, 37%, have become more conservative in their saving, asset allocation and choice of retirement age, according to a survey of 3,000 households at the end of 2010 by the Investment Company Institute.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has censured and fined Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. $500,000 for failing to establish and maintain written supervisory procedures to ensure that its representatives considered customers’ state income-tax benefits in their suitability analyses of 529 college saving plans.

While regulators have focused on target-date funds since the financial crisis, most investors understand the funds’ basic design and are aware of their risks, a Vanguard survey of 4,700 investors shows.

Putnam Investments has promoted Robert E. Alan to head of North American consultant relations and Keith E. Thomas to head of international consultant relations. The two will work with the consultants who advise institutional investors on investment strategy and the selection of managers.

Employers are clearly more optimistic about the economy, for another 40% that had suspended 401(k) contributions will resume them by mid-2011, doubling the 40% that already have resumed suspended or reduced matches, the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America announced.

Interest in boutique firms has accelerated because they offer creativity and a known brand.