A coalition of large retirement industry players, including the AARP, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, Service Employees International Union and Pension Rights Center, have banded together to find new ways to build retirement security for even the lowest-income workers.

A growing number of employers are making plans to "de-risk" their pension plans. That's jargon for reducing the financial risk posed to corporate balance sheets by pension plans - but if you have a defined-benefit pension and you start hearing that term tossed around, pay careful attention. Less risk for employers can mean more risk for you.

If you are among the few who still have a traditional defined-benefit pension plan we wish you luck. In the coming months your employer—as part of an effort to “de-risk” the plan—is likely going to offer you a lump-sum payout, an annuity, or freeze the plan.