Retirement benefits

Employers and trade groups are monitoring congressional talk reexamining the tax-favored standing of workplace savings plans.

Employers can help workers by offering classes and workshops, providing free credit monitoring and adding a 529 plan benefit.

It’s not just fees that are eroding retirement nest eggs. It has more to do with bad employee behaviors.

Employers can help target specific ethnic groups, including African Americans and Hispanics, and the fiscal challenges they face, finds a new Financial Finesse study.

With the regulation now in effect, there are a number of things plan sponsors should do, including knowing if their adviser is a fiduciary or has conflicts of interest.

Doing so allows HR managers, employees and brokers to map out the best course of action for workplace benefits, related employee communications and engagement goals.

With the regulation now in effect, there are a number of things plan sponsors should do, including knowing if their adviser is a fiduciary or has conflicts of interest.

Fiduciary obligations are making access to up-to-date information and analytics from recordkeepers and service providers increasingly important.

Retirement specialists are likely to increasingly turn to recordkeepers to provide data that justifies adviser fees through strong plan performance.

Keep in mind that there is no fee structure free of conflict, cheaper doesn’t mean better and recommendations don’t come in a vacuum, says investment strategist Jess DeGabriele.

Higher compliance requirements, and their associated costs, may drive firms to look for partners.

Lawsuits against Cigna self-insured plans for alleged fraudulent behavior is a warning for employers that there will be more, says attorney Brenna A. Davenport.

It’s not just fees that are eroding retirement nest eggs. It has more to do with bad employee behaviors.

Stressed out over finances, more employees are looking for guidance from their employers.

More employers are developing programs to help employees plan for retirement.

Employers should embrace a number of methods — from wearables and high-tech tools to phone calls and printed materials — to meet workers “where they are."

Seniors who have remarried may still qualify for a Social Security divorced spousal benefit on their ex-spouse's record.

Plan sponsors should limit loans to hardship criteria, allow just one at a time and refer potential borrowers to an employee assistance program for financial counseling.

Participants can make the most out of their plan by taking advantage of their employer's matching contribution.

Employers should embrace a number of methods — from wearables and high-tech tools to phone calls and printed materials — to meet workers “where they are."