Benefits Think

President Obama recently hit the road to gain support for his new economic stimulus proposals, including billions in aid to small businesses — calling small businesses "the places where most new jobs begin."

If you ever meet Tracy Watts, a consultant in Mercer’s Washington, D.C., office, ask her to read your palm or pick your lottery numbers.

Sometimes, double dips are nice. Like, when they involve caramel apples or anything to do with fondue. Others are awful, like when you’re at a party and witness someone double dip their chip in the salsa.

We’ve all heard — and are starting to see — some of the dramatic effects the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is destined to wreak on our nation’s health care system. Honestly, if there were a movie based on health care reform, it easily could be a remake of “Titanic.” …

Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always believed the primary consideration for employees in whether to accept, keep or leave a job is money. It’s not the only consideration, of course, but it’s the top one. Right?

For those of you out there offering supplemental disability coverage, watch your carrier’s language, one adviser cautions.

Last week, I shared some of the supportive e-mails I’ve received about my less-than-supportive position on the dependent eligibility extension provided under health care reform.

In all the mail I’ve received over the years, never have I had a reader tell me, “You go, girl!” However, I’ve been fortunate enough to hear it several times in the last few weeks, since my EBN August editorial hit your mailboxes.

After some pretty dour retirement news last Friday, I’m afraid I have more Gloomy Gus news today — this time related to health care.

When you can’t pay your bills or feed your family, there’s only so much that retirement communication can do.