Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

From revenue sharing to the effects of inflation on retirement readiness, guest blogger Robert C. Lawton outlines five areas plan sponsors need to pay attention to in 2014.

The odds may, at times, seem stacked against success for defined contribution retirement plans. But there is reason for optimism, according to a survey from Northern Trust.

Many organizations aren't taking advantage of the most effective tool to distribute and reinforce messages—benefits administration technology. Technology is extremely useful in automating many of the tactical components of benefits administration while it also enhances your education and communication strategy.

Many of us baby boomers have strayed a bit off the road to retirement readiness. We have become distracted, indulged ourselves and have forgotten to contribute. This Christmas, our Uncle Sam ought to consider improving our 401(k) plans, gifting us with these five items.

Although the Treasury Department recently announced it will allow employees enrolled in flexible spending accounts to roll over $500 of their balance into the next plan year, plan sponsors may want to think twice about allowing rollovers.

What does next year look like for retirement plan sponsors and participants? Here’s an early call on what many experts expect to see.

While carolers may chant joyfully about the holidays being “the most wonderful time of the year,” many workers find themselves singing the blues during the winter months. One in 10 people will experience depression at some time in their lives, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This not only inflicts suffering on individuals and families, it costs employers $44 billion annually in lost productivity.

Older employees with chronic conditions struggle to feel comfortable with health and wellness programs, often displaying an almost teenage-like rebellion against being asked to participate. The trick is to get past the skepticism and demonstrate the benefits of the programs.

Most employer plan sponsors use an investment adviser to help them with their 401(k) plans — a smart decision since most advisers are able to save plan sponsors at least as much as they charge in fees each year. Here's how to tell if you're working with a good one.

Starting January 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act will dramatically expand the ability of companies to penalize employees for lifestyle issues, including being overweight or smoking, in the name of “wellness incentives.” Overweight and obese employees may now face staggering financial penalties of up to 30% of the cost of their health plan, and up to 50% of the cost of their health plan if they smoke.