Spencer Look

More From Spencer U. Look

A Child’s Trump Account Could Grow to $5.5 Million—or Just $39,000

We ran the numbers on the wealth-building potential of Trump Accounts for kids, and the biggest factor isn’t the $1,000 seed money.

Spencer Look Jul 9, 2026

The Factor That Could Make or Break a Federal Retirement Plan

Plus, which groups would benefit the most from expanded access to the retirement system.

Spencer Look May 15, 2026

Annuities Unveiled: A Guide to the Different Types of Annuities

Breaking down income annuities and savings annuities.

Spencer Look Mar 17, 2026

The Key to a Winning 401(k)

Private markets aren’t necessary, but smart savings habits are.

Jason Kephart Sep 11, 2025

A Federal Backstop for Long-Term Services and Supports Could Change Retirement Outcomes

Our research shows the WISH Act could boost rates of retirement-income adequacy by over 30% for those who qualify.

Spencer Look Aug 21, 2025

The Federal Program That Could Help Generate $2 Trillion in Retirement Wealth

Our model shows what the Saver’s Match could mean for Americans’ nest eggs.

Spencer Look Jul 30, 2025

How Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits Work

GLWBs provide lifetime annuity income, while allowing you to control your assets.

Spencer Look Jun 10, 2025

How the Cost of Long-Term Services and Supports Shapes Retirement Readiness

Omitting LTSS costs distorts retirement outcome projections.

Spencer Look May 15, 2025

Is the Saver’s Match the Key to Closing the Retirement Savings Gap?

Our projections show the new program can significantly boost retirement wealth.

Spencer Look Jan 28, 2025

Will the Retirement Savings for Americans Act Save Retirement?

Morningstar’s analysis shows that most Americans would be better off under the status quo.

Spencer Look Nov 7, 2024

50 Years Later, Was Erisa Worth It?

Our analysis reveals how the landmark law has affected workers’ retirement income.

Spencer Look Sep 10, 2024

Trump Wants to End Taxes on Social Security Benefits. Who Would This Stand to Help?

Most of the benefits would flow to people who are already well-prepared for retirement.

Spencer Look Sep 9, 2024

Is There a Retirement Crisis?

Potentially, if you don’t (or can’t) participate in a defined-contribution plan.

Spencer Look Jul 30, 2024

The Final DOL Fiduciary Rule Has Arrived. Here’s What It Means for Investors

We see the most benefits for participants in small retirement plans and investors rolling into fixed index annuities.

Spencer Look Apr 26, 2024

Be Wary of Fixed Indexed Annuity Illustrations

If illustrated returns seem too good to be true, they probably are.

Spencer Look Aug 2, 2023

The Fixed Indexed Annuities That Can Boost Retirement Outcomes

FIAs with lifetime benefits are best suited to financially savvy investors.

Spencer Look Jun 13, 2023

Have an Annuity? Consider Investing More Aggressively

Annuitizing is just the first step in seeking the potential benefits of guaranteed lifetime income.

Spencer Look Dec 14, 2022

Will the Bridge Strategy Weather Social Security Reform?

The government’s shaky fiscal footing could change the math on the best way to increase inflation-protected retirement income.

Spencer Look Oct 17, 2022

Annuities Are Not Alchemy

But they can be good medicine for some investors.

Spencer Look Sep 27, 2022

Spencer Look is an associate director, retirement studies for Morningstar. He conducts research across many topics, but primarily focuses on annuity and life insurance products and lifetime income solutions. Before joining Morningstar in 2022, Spencer held roles as a life actuarial manager and a life-cycle advice senior analyst, specializing in goals-based financial planning, lifetime asset allocation, and retirement income.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science and finance from Drake University in Des Moines. Spencer is also a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.