Retirement

We all know how markets have traded most of the time since the 2008 crash. One day everything is moving up in value, the next everything is falling. But things are changing.

Benefit plan documents should be reviewed regularly with the plan’s third-party administrator. While a plan’s TPA can assist employers in meeting regulatory requirements, it is important to define the roles and responsibilities of the plan sponsor, who is ultimately responsible for implementing plan policies and procedures.

Millennials, Gen Xers and single parents have different savings goals in mind that will require benefit advisers and employers hoping to increase retirement plan participation to target the needs of these differing employee populations.

The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company on Wednesday launched The Fiduciary Awareness Quiz, a first-of-its kind assessment to help plan sponsors better understand their fiduciary obligations and responsibilities.

The expanded role of target-date funds has contributed to increased participation in 401(k) plans, highlighting a retirement plan strategy benefit advisers should be sharing with their employer clients.

From fees and features to funds and fiduciaries, there's lots to consider when reviewing your 401(k) plan.

Commentary: Benefit advisers should help educate 403(b) plan sponsors about appropriate Form 5500 compliance before the DOL takes enforcement action, the Principal Financial Group's Aaron Friedman says.

As employers try to figure out how best to prepare their workforces for retirement, experts in the benefits and investment industries recommend that an individual retirement account – either the traditional or Roth version – can be a good complement or standalone option for an employee’s retirement path.

Globally, defined-benefit retirement plans are becoming a thing of the past and defined-contribution plans more widely accepted as the preferred alternative, a trend that could spur inquiries from international employer clients.

Making the choice between TPAs serving as 3(16) fiduciaries or going with retirement planning advice in a 3(21) or 3(38) can help make financial management of a 401(k) plan go more smoothly.