Benefits Think Practical ways to reach the retirement goal
Commentary: How do we help employees get to the point they can feel they can retire, asks columnist John Ludwig.
John Ludwig
LHD Retirement
403(b)
Industry reps warn DOL fiduciary rule will gut retirement advice
Of the many industry critiques of the Department of Labor's fiduciary proposal, one of the most oft-repeated is the assertion that new regulations would cut off access to advice for low- and middle income investors precisely the segment of consumers the initiative aims to protect.
Fiduciary advocates, critics clash as DOL hearings kick off
Concerns about over-regulation and accusations of industry cynicism led the opening of the Labor Department's hearings on its proposal to impose fiduciary requirements on retirement advisers the latest phase of its contentious process to craft new rules on consumer protections.
State-run pension system is a ticking time bomb
Advisers are needed now more than ever to help individuals reach their retirement goals as employees assume the responsibility of managing their financial future.
Benefits Think Retirement communications beyond the boomers
Commentary: Adopting a new approach to participant communications that factors in the unique characteristics of each generation, as well as the specific needs and preferences of each individual, is key to building and sustaining business.
Benefits Think A look at how much 403(b) plans have changed
Commentary: Even though much has changed in the last 10 years, we may still describe the 403(b) market as wild, says The Principals Aaron Friedman.
Aaron Friedman
Principal Financial Group
403(b) plan sponsors committed to employer match
Not only are 403(b) retirement plans diversified, but the average cost of offering them is slowly decreasing.
DOL extends comment period on fiduciary proposal
The public has until July 21 to submit comments on the proposal that would expand the fiduciary standard to thousands of brokers and advisers who provide retirement investment advice.
By
Phil Albinus
Fiduciary rule could impact brokers the most
Generalists and small-market plan sponsors are likely to be the most negatively affected, according to a retirement conference panel.
New benefits help employees shed their debt weight
Low-cost lending and credit-establishment services emerge as a new benefit to help employees make better financial decisions.
Retirement-readiness focus of new provider ranking
Trust and education are some of the more favorable characteristics sought in retirement plan providers, as well as key drivers to increasing employee engagement. However, that education is lacking, as most employees have a poor understanding of retirement language.
Mobile apps keep retirement info top of mind
If your retirement plan provider hasnt yet entered the mobile app market, you could be missing out on an important opportunity to educate your 401(k) plan members.
Benefits Think Tibble vs. Edison ruling turns up the heat on plan sponsors
Commentary: The employer-based retirement plan model has been full of flaws for years, and this ruling is a step in the right direction.
401(k) plans must monitor investments, Supreme Court rules
The U.S. Supreme Court said 401(k) plans have a duty to monitor the investment options they offer, in a ruling that may help investors press lawsuits over underperforming funds and excessive fees.
Benefits Think Is the financial crisis over?
Commentary: Do loans and hardships really help solve what the plan was designed to do? Columnist John Ludwig doesnt think so. In the end, they are a detriment to most participants retirement dreams, he says.
John Ludwig
LHD Retirement
Providing a comprehensive total employee benefits package
It's important for employees — even those who've been with the same company for years — to reevaluate their needs and make sure they’re getting the most out of the benefits you're offering.
Health plan changes put added pressure on retirement savings
More employers are moving to a holistic benefits education approach that addresses health care and retirement savings at the same time.
Younger workers want in-person education
Generations X and Y prefer an adviser to give retirement information face-to-face rather than searching online, survey finds.
Voya Financial welcomes Charles Nelson as new CEO of retirement
Voya Financial, Inc. has hired a new CEO of retirement. Charles Nelson will join the company on May 1, overseeing tax-exempt and corporate markets and retail wealth management.
Benefits Think Overcoming retirement challenges in the non-profit sector
Anyone who works with people knows the positive effect offering high-quality employee benefits can have on a workforce. They attract the best potential candidates for new jobs and foster a sense of loyalty and support among current staff, in addition to other things.