Practice management

At my company, VEBA, the most important information that clients want to know about is enrollment data. Who's participating? Are they young? Are they old? What's their average income? What's the male/female participation ratio? What products are they purchasing?

There is a movement afoot to put state governments in the business of offering retirement plans to private citizens, which would ultimately eliminate opportunities and siphon business away from financial professionals. Lawmakers in several states have proposed that states create government-run plans for private sector workers. While the details differ from state to state, every proposal this year would require employers who do not currently offer a plan to adopt a state-run plan, either in…

Businesses in the U.S. won more freedom to charge higher insurance premiums to workers who don’t meet health goals, or reward those who shape up, under rules released by the Obama administration.

With the ongoing shift in the business spurred by health reform, change itself is not enough to survive, said the head of a networking organization for independent benefit brokerages and consulting firms Wednesday in New Orleans.

American International Group Inc. and MetLife Inc. are among insurers asked by a New York regulator to show how they protect against computer attacks.

Three reasons why all benefit consultants need to get into the retirement business by The Guardian’s Stephen Davis.

EBA editor Elizabeth Galentine on how the Affordable Care Act may actually have some positives for brokers, advisers

Most advisers have their own way of organizing and measuring their daily activities for their business. New York Life’s Gabe Markley says a little effort could go a long way.

John Lamb on how brokers should analyze their portfolio and determine the maturity level of products they offer.

Craig Davidson on how cutting employee hours due to health reform may infringe upon federal law.

Jack Kwicien on how brokers can monetize relationships they already have by unveiling a new action plan.

Nelson Griswold on how brokers need to move from transactional to consultative selling due to changes brought upon by the Affordable Care Act.

John Ludwig on the hidden plan costs of lost participants in retirement plans due to fee disclosure and Q2 to-do list

Mel Schlesinger on how insurance brokers can make up lost income by correctly using fees.

High-deductible health plans are one route on the path to health plan cost reduction.

Gen Yers share how to find success with their peers as clients, employees.

The number of employers using social media and social networking websites to recruit job candidates continues to rise, according to research from the Society for Human Resource Management, with 77% of employers surveyed saying they currently use social networking for recruitment purposes.

EBA blogger Mark S. Gaunya says there are some important strategies small employers need to know while heading into 2014.

Building your own business, even with a team of experts behind you, requires tough decisions regarding resources, clients and employees. But most of all it requires leadership. Shirl Penney launched Dynasty Financial Partners more than two years ago and here are some of his tips on continuing to build a business. Penney blogs for Financial Planning, a SourceMedia publication.

While the rise of social media hasn’t been embraced by all employers, especially when it comes to internal communications, it could be on the rise and provide a competitive edge.