Retirement plan analysis suggests rampant fiduciary breaches
Nearly 84% of U.S.-based plans have an ERISA violation, spotlighting a need for independent benchmarking audits.
401(k) fees
Benefits Think The institutionalization of portability is key to reducing cash-out leakage
The lack of seamless plan-to-plan asset portability prevents participants from easily moving and consolidating their 401(k) savings, leaving them open to the temptation to prematurely cash out their 401(k) accounts from prior employers’ plans.
Spencer Williams
Portability Services Network and Retirement Clearinghouse
Benefits Think To show participants you care, help them avoid 401(k) cash outs
The CARES Act waiver of penalties for premature 401(k) withdrawals may hurt the very American workers and families the Act is supposed to help.
Spencer Williams
Portability Services Network and Retirement Clearinghouse
Benefits Think Why using a 401(k) to pay for emergencies is hurting employers and employees
An increasing number of employers are tapping into their 401(k) to pay for emergency expenses. Financial education and flexible benefits are key to helping employees refrain from this practice.
Rob Whalen
PTO Exchange
Benefits Think What to do when your state says you need a retirement plan
Employers operating in location where legislation has been proposed need to think critically about the plans they offer workers.
Allison Brecher
Vestwell
Benefits Think What’s missing from pending retirement legislation? A provision to plug cash-out leakage
Without measures to help workers avoid the decision to withdraw their savings, the proposed law is less likely to achieve the stated goals of its supporters.
Spencer Williams
Portability Services Network and Retirement Clearinghouse
What to do if you have to retire early
Seniors in this position may face a tax bill and possibly a penalty if they dip into their 401(k) prematurely, says an expert.
Can the government help you save for retirement?
Lawmakers this year are expected to pursue measures that will help Americans enhance their retirement prospects.
Less is more: Use a minimalist approach for 401(k) investing
Investors have an average of 25 funds to choose from in their 401(k) plans, but some financial advisors suggest that the best approach is to pick a small number of very broad funds.
Retiree tax tip: Tally taxes on Social Security
Retirees will owe taxes for up to 85% of their Social Security benefits if their adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest exceed a certain threshold.
Hundreds of companies now help employees pay student loans
Experts are expecting more companies to offer student loan assistance, but a lack of tax benefits could stall the growing popularity of this benefit.
The real reason why your 401(k) fees are falling
Mutual fund costs have fallen to 48 basis points in 2016 from 77 basis points in 2000 for plan participants, according to data from Investment Company Institute.
Benefits Think Guiding employees before they take hardship distributions from 401(k) plans
New rules to employer retirement plans will impact how your workers face a financial crisis.
B. David Joffe
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
Benefits Think Guiding employees before they take hardship distributions from 401(k) plans
New rules to employer retirement plans will impact how your workers face a financial crisis.
B. David Joffe
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
The biggest risk retirees face right now
Retiring at a time when the market is down is the biggest risk that employees will face. Here’s how to minimize the impact of a market slowdown.
9 ways 401(k) investors can profit from an aging bull market
In a bull market's later stages, some types of investments work better than others. Find out which ones they are.
Benefits Think 7 ways plan sponsors can monitor 401(k) fees
Using lowest-cost share classes, performing an annual investment fund review and distributing required fee notices are among best practices.
Robert C. Lawton
Lawton Retirement Plan Consultants
Fidelity, Vanguard fee arrangement causes stir in the 401(k) industry
Plan sponsors worry record keepers will follow suit, limiting the investment options employers are able to offer employees through their workplace 401(k) plans.
Hold tight or splurge? Booming retirement accounts prompt tough questions
Savers are starting to take money out of their 401(k) accounts—despite taxes and penalties involved—assuming it will be replaced as markets continue to surge upward.
Fidelity, Vanguard fee arrangement causes stir in the 401(k) industry
Plan sponsors worry record keepers will follow suit, limiting the investment options employers are able to offer employees through their workplace 401(k) plans.
