Financial Education and Planning Services unit launches education programs for new retirement savings options

MINNEAPOLIS, February 1, 2006 - Ameriprise Retirement Services´ Financial Education and Planning Services group today announced a new series of seminars and tools to educate investors on the Roth 401(k) option now available. The widely publicized Roth 401(k), established with the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and effective January 1 of this year, is a retirement plan feature that lets retirement plan participants designate a portion of their 401(k) contributions as "after-tax," allowing them to withdraw these same dollars tax-free in retirement.

While Ameriprise Retirement Services has long been ready for the Roth option from a retirement plan recordkeeping services perspective, its concern has been making sure plan sponsors are supported and plan participant informed about how to integrate this new alternative into their retirement plan picture.

"As the Roth 401(k) feature is made available in more plans and more widely used, it presents challenges to providers and plan sponsors alike regarding employee retirement plan savings decisions," said Rusty Field, vice president Ameriprise Financial Planning and Education Services. "While Roth presents another way in which retirement plan savings can be diversified from a tax standpoint, it adds even more complexity to an already complex decision-making process for workers. Our education approach is designed to de-mystify this new option and provide people with tools to make a sound decision."

The Roth 401(k) seminars consist of three main focus areas:

- New seminar introducing the Roth 401(k) feature - introduces the new plan feature and discusses the Roth within the context of overall retirement planning. 

- 401(k) plan enrollment seminar, enhanced for plans with the Roth 401(k) feature - introduces the new plan and encourages plan participation for those eligible for the Roth 401(k) feature.

- Roth 401(k)s for highly compensated employees - introduces executives to the Roth 401(k) opportunity and discusses the pre vs. post tax deferral decisions that impact high net worth employees.

Other educational material that may be of special interest to employees includes a general participant article and handouts with basic Roth 401(k) information. In addition, an online calculator will help employees with the Roth versus regular 401(k) decision.

Organizations that implement the Roth 401(k) educational programs also are provided with additional tools to help employees find out more about the program. Posters and seminar invitations will be provided along with enrollment forms and templates.

About Ameriprise Retirement Services

Ameriprise Retirement Services, a service group of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. and Ameriprise Trust Company, provides employers with an extensive package of financial education, recordkeeping, investments and directed trustee services for their retirement plans, as well as workplace financial education programs. For more information on Ameriprise Retirement Services, visit www.ameriprise.com/sponsors.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. is a leading financial planning and services company that provides solutions for clients´ asset accumulation, income management and insurance protection needs. Through a nationwide network of more than 10,000 financial advisors, Ameriprise Financial delivers tailored solutions to clients through a comprehensive and personalized financial planning approach built on a long-term relationship with a knowledgeable advisor. The Company specializes in meeting the retirement-related financial needs of the mass affluent. Financial advisory services and investments are available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Member NASD and SIPC. For more information, visit www.ameriprise.com.

Ameriprise Retirement Services is a service group of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. and Ameriprise Trust Company. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member NASD, offers registered investments and financial planning services. Ameriprise Trust Company offers retirement plan related services and provides collective funds.