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At the peak of the economic collapse, it wasn't so far-fetched to predict that panicked consumers would make a run on banks, pulling all their money and stuffing it in their mattresses. Although fears of grand-scale bank collapes largely have faded, as the recession drags on, a new financial fear appears to have quietly taken hold. In a report in this month's EBN, Managing Editor Leah Carlson Shepherd details the rising number of consumers
June 24
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The retirement outlook for employees age 50 and older is well, it's pretty bleak. But the stock market collapse from last fall and earlier this year isn't all to blame. New research shows that near-retirees aren't taking advantage of open opportunities to claw back their retirement savings, and instead are slumping their shoulders and resigning themselves to working longer.
June 24 -
In an impromptu appearance at today's White House press briefing, President Obama said he knows reforming the nation's health care system will be "complicated," but that he's "optimistic" about the chances for a bill succeeding. I'm generally a "can-do" sort of person, but I definitely would feel more likely to share his optimism if the cost projections -- all of which are $1 trillion and upward -- weren't so prominent and payment proposals weren't
June 23 -
It's a five-in-one tip today, from EBN Contributing Editor Jill Hudgins, benefits communication director for The Home Depot. This month, Hudgins offers her five tips for engaging employees in wellness and moving the needle on health care costs. She knows of what she speaks, as she leads communication for the thousands of employees at Home Depot's more than 1,500 stores across North America.
June 23 -
A new issue brief from Employee Benefit Research Institute has shined a new light on the pitfalls that may await if lawmakers move forward with the idea of a health insurance exchange. When I asked EBRI's Paul Fronstin, who co-authored the brief with Murray Ross of the Kaiser Permanente Institute for Health Policy, what must-haves a successful exchange should contain, he said, 'I think in order to have a successful exchange, you need to
June 23 -
EBN has an intern for the summer, and although I'm tempted occasionally to ask her to take down my Starbucks order and forward my constantly ringing phone to her desk, I don't -- for two reasons. One, I've had that kind of internship experience and would never wish it on anyone -- let alone someone as nice and talented as our dear intern. I genuinely want her to have a rewarding and educational experience
June 22 -
EBN's sister title Money Management Executive reports that as Americans see their pay cut and 401(k) matches suspended, they are worried about their preparedness for retirement, according to a Hartford survey. Thirty-four percent are either 'extremely' or 'very' worried about their ability to save for retirement, and 56% fear they'llhave to cut back on their contributions. Tom Foster, Jr., retirement spokesman for The Hartford, says companies should do what they can to encourage workers
June 22 -
A sweet summer treat and helping a wonderful cause? Sounds like a great way to spend a weekend to me! This Father's Day weekend (June 20-21), Wendy's will donate 50 cents from the sale of every Frosty product to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national nonprofit public dedicated to increasing adoptions in North America. Also customers can stop by Wendy's and donate by purchasing a Frosty pin-up for $1 each.
June 19 -
Strength in numbers tends to be true of most pursuits, but according to new research from Fidelity, couples are, well ... awful at joint financial planning. So pros, you're definitely on the right track with offering financial education and retirement planning resources to spouses as well as employees. Among the somewhat startling findings:* Less than half of couples (45%) make decisions jointly regarding day-to-day financial decisions such as budgeting and bill payment.* Even fewer couples
June 19 -
Couple rising health care costs with the increased emphasis on consumerism and you've got more than enough reason to get familiar with Magnet Recognition facilities -- a distinction given to hospitals and other health care organizations providing high-quality nursing care. Although most quality data available -- what little there is, granted -- addresses physician quality, EBN Contributing Editor Betty Long (an RN herself) points out that "nurses render 95% of the care that a patient
June 18