403(b)

Commentary: How do we help employees get to the point they can feel they can retire, asks columnist John Ludwig.

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.

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.

Advisers are needed now more than ever to help individuals reach their retirement goals as employees assume the responsibility of managing their financial future.

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.

Commentary: Even though much has changed in the last 10 years, we may still describe the 403(b) market as “wild,” says The Principal’s Aaron Friedman.

Not only are 403(b) retirement plans diversified, but the average cost of offering them is slowly decreasing.

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.

Generalists and small-market plan sponsors are likely to be the most negatively affected, according to a retirement conference panel.

Low-cost lending and credit-establishment services emerge as a new benefit to help employees make better financial decisions.

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.

If your retirement plan provider hasn’t yet entered the mobile app market, you could be missing out on an important opportunity to educate your 401(k) plan members.

Commentary: The employer-based retirement plan model has been full of flaws for years, and this ruling is a step in the right direction.

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.

Commentary: Do loans and hardships really help solve what the plan was designed to do? Columnist John Ludwig doesn’t think so. In the end, they are a detriment to most participants’ retirement dreams, he says.

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.

More employers are moving to a holistic benefits education approach that addresses health care and retirement savings at the same time.

Generations X and Y prefer an adviser to give retirement information face-to-face rather than searching online, survey finds.

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.

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.