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Latest News & Insights from Defined Plan Advisors
Participant Corner: Market Turbulence: What History Tells Us
When global crises affect financial markets, it can be tempting to rethink your savings strategy. But history indicates that pulling money out of the markets during such times could mean missing out on any rebounds that follow.
Read MoreSurvey: Knowledge Gap Drives Retirement Plan Nonparticipation
Among people who choose not to participate in their employer-sponsored retirement plan, many cite a lack of understanding as the primary reason, according to recent surveys.
Read MoreAI Used Widely (Though Not Always Wisely) for Retirement Planning
AI is now a copilot for everyday tasks, helping people with emails, meal planning, workout routines, and more. It's also impacting how participants approach retirement planning.
Read More“Retirement Security Rule” – Latest Developments
With the Department of Labor (DOL) declining to challenge industry groups’ motions for final judgment, the 2024 version of the fiduciary rule known as the Retirement Security Rule has been vacated.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Enhance Your Savings Strategy by Visualizing Your Ideal Future
Thinking about your savings in terms of future experiences, like travel or time with family, rather than material purchases, can help you start saving sooner, stay committed, and stick with your plan over time.
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DOL Backs Employers in Forfeiture Litigation
The U.S. Department of Labor is backing employers in a key court case, signaling that using plan forfeitures to reduce future employer contributions, instead of covering plan expenses, can be a valid and compliant approach under ERISA.
Read MoreLawmakers Move to Ease Form 5500 Filing Burdens
A new bill introduced in Congress, the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act, could extend the Form 5500 deadline for calendar-year plans from July 31 to October 15.
Read MoreStudy: Confidence Higher Among Target Date Fund Investors
A new survey by Voya Investment Management finds that participants who invest in target date funds (TDFs) feel significantly more confident about their retirement savings than their peers who are not invested in TDFs. When asked...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: 401(k) Check-in Can Help You Stay on Track
Automatic enrollment, auto-escalating contributions, and target date funds can make saving feel almost effortless by quietly adjusting your contributions and investments over time.
Read MoreIRS Issues New Guidance on Plan Distribution Safe Harbors
When employees leave an organization, they face an important decision about their retirement savings. Do they leave them in their former employer’s plan? Roll them into an IRA or into their new employer’s plan? Or cash out? The...
Read MoreEmployer-Supported Emergency Savings Features: Plan Sponsor Considerations
Employees, particularly those early in their careers, are worried about their ability to handle major, unexpected expenses.
Read MoreHow Are Plan Sponsors Measuring Participant Success?
The ultimate proof of retirement plan participant success is in the results: whether the participant achieves a financially secure retirement.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Sticky Saving Goals to Suit Your Personality
Research shows people are more likely to stick with savings goals when those goals align with their personality traits, making “person-goal fit” a key driver of long-term financial follow-through.
Read MoreHousehold Spending Data Reveals Participant Borrowing Patterns
New research shows 401(k) loans are primarily driven by cash-flow stress and major expenses like healthcare and housing, not discretionary spending.
Read MoreThe Unique Retirement Planning Considerations of “Single Savers”
Divorced, widowed, or never partnered singles can face retirement planning challenges that differ from their married or partnered peers. Findings from Nationwide’s latest Advisor Authority study highlight some of these potential challenges.
Read MoreIndustry Experts Debate ERISA Litigation Reform in Recent Hearing
A House hearing highlighted sharp disagreement over whether increased ERISA litigation deters fiduciary innovation and mainly benefits trial lawyers or remains a critical tool for protecting workers’ retirement plans.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: You Can Now Save More in Your 401(k). See Why That Matters.
Most people don’t look forward to annual IRS announcements the same way they do the next season of their favorite Netflix show, but this one’s worth a look.
Read MoreThe $100 Billion Swing Era | Managing Headline Overload
In 2025, there were only 42 such instances, and in 2020 there were fewer than 10. These dramatic single-day moves have captured headlines and contributed to a sense that markets are becoming more unpredictable.
Read MoreSavings Inertia | Moving Beyond the Default
New research has revealed some telling patterns in employee retirement plan contribution rates. According to PLANSPONSOR’s 2025 Participant Survey, nearly 4 in 10 participants said that – when choosing their rate – they simply stayed with t
Read MoreOMB Poised to Review Proposed Rule on Paper Statements and E-disclosures
The regulatory follow-through on SECURE 2.0’s paper-statement mandate is now entering its next stage. The 2022 law includes provisions affecting how benefit statements must be delivered.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Six Retirement Plan Benefits You Might Not Know About
When you think of the benefits of your retirement plan, tax-deferred savings and matching contributions are probably top of mind. But there’s more to your workplace retirement plan than meets the eye.
Read MoreAuto Portability | Helping Reduce 401(k) Leakage After Job Changes
The Problem: Cash Out Leakage and Lost Accounts American workers now hold an average of more than 12 jobs over the course of their careers. During job changes, many end up cashing out small 401(k) balances and not rolling them into...
Read MoreAdvisor Support is Key to Driving Confidence and Outcomes Among Younger Participants
Access to an advisor tends to improve retirement confidence, according to a recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). The Retirement Confidence Survey found that 83% of workers with advisory access feel confident...
Read MoreCybersecurity | A Top Plan Sponsor Concern
According to Escalent’s 2025 Retirement Planscape study, more than half of plan sponsors rank cybersecurity as their No. 1 “plan fear,” ahead of poor investment performance (45%) and insufficient participant savings (43%). That concern...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Staying Financially Grounded This Season
As the year winds down it’s easy for spending to ramp up. From travel and celebrations to those endless online deals that pop up in your feed.
Read MoreThe New Reality of Retirement | When Competing Priorities Take Over
According to the 2025 Goldman Sachs Retirement Survey, 42% of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X are living paycheck to paycheck.
Read MoreIRS Issues Final Regs on Roth Mandatory Catch-ups for High Earners
The IRS has finalized regulations under SECURE 2.0 that will impact how certain participants save for retirement.
Read MoreSponsors and Advisors | Aligning to Meet Today’s Challenges
New research from Fidelity highlights the increasing pressures many employers face as they work to guide employees toward a secure retirement.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Retirement May Be Your Next Adventure
Retirement could often be seen as the “end of the road,” but that idea may not fit everyone. Your retirement could be a new chapter than a closing one.
Read MoreOther Benefits Developments
Prescription drug costs remain one of the biggest challenges for both employers and employees. The executive orders call for greater transparency and accountability in drug pricing.
Read MorePEPs Gaining Ground, But One Size May Not Fit All
The Department of Labor (DOL) is asking for public input on how to support small businesses that want to adopt pooled employer plans (PEPs), a signal that regulators see these arrangements as one way to help close the coverage gap.
Read MoreRising Markets Don’t Lift All Participants
Markets have been flirting with record highs on a regular basis, but not all employees are riding the wave toward retirement readiness.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Should You Borrow or Keep Driving?
Your retirement plan may allow you to borrow from your account—but before you do, it’s important to understand how it can impact your future savings.
Read MoreSupreme Court Lowers Bar for ERISA Lawsuits
A recent Supreme Court ruling has changed the rules of the game for retirement plan lawsuits — and it could make life more challenging for plan sponsors.
Read MoreOpening the Door Wider to PE
According to the 2024 DC PLANSPONSOR Benchmarking Report, only 2.2% of plan sponsors include any alternative investments whatsoever within their 401(k)s. That number may soon begin to shift.
Read MoreMoving Target Dates | Delayed Retirement Realities
For many Americans over 50, retirement timelines have become a moving target, with increasing numbers now planning to stay employed longer due to economic uncertainties.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: 3 Ways to Retire with Confidence
Things may not be as bleak as they are often painted. Retirement plan consultants suggest three ways that anyone can use to help them retire.
Read MoreTalking Retirement Across Generations
To understand how to change communication strategies, look first at the generational preferences for each age group and then how a plan sponsor can adjust messaging.
Read MoreHow Legislation, Location, and Longevity Are Shaping Retirement Readiness
Plan sponsors have an opportunity to support more informed, context-aware decision-making by helping to address outside contextual forces.
Read MoreGuiding 60-Somethings Through the Final Stretch of Retirement Planning
Plan sponsors have a critical opportunity to support late-career workers’ retirement planning efforts by providing relevant tools and communication strategies that help them make more informed choices.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Don’t Leave Your Retirement Behind
Starting a brand-new new job is exciting and full of a lot of new benefits, but don’t forget about the retirement plan you left behind.
Read MoreStretching the Match
One way to adjust your plan design is by “stretching the match.” This is a high-impact, low-cost tool that can boost contribution rates among your organization.
Read MoreRethinking Pension Surplus Dollars: Avoiding the Termination Trap
As rising interest rates have reshaped pension funding dynamics post-COVID, many corporate defined benefit (DB) plans are now experiencing significant surpluses.
Read MoreEngaging the TikTok Generation on Retirement
Here are ways plan sponsors can help prevent their youngest workers from experiencing financial FOMO by sitting on the sidelines of their employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Saving in Your 20s, 30s, 40s and Up… What Changes?
Each decade comes with different goals, but understanding the difference can help you be prepared for when your retirement comes around.
Read MoreBasic Fiduciary Obligations for New Plan Sponsors
Threats of financial penalties and legal liabilities heighten the need for proper compliance. Let’s go over the basics of what it means to be a fiduciary in an organization’s retirement plan.
Read MoreDon’t Take Forfeitures for Granted
Several law firms have recently challenged vesting schedules, arguing that using forfeitures to offset employer contributions is not in the best interests of participants or beneficiaries.
Read MoreManaged Accounts Offer a More Personalized Approach
TDF glide paths have traditionally been based on a single consideration: the participant’s projected date of retirement. Managed accounts may be more beneficial in the long run for participants.
Read MoreEarly Retirement: Dream or Dilemma?
For many workers, early retirement is the ultimate goal — carefree days filled with road trips, golf, or time spent with friends and family. Yet, reality often tells a different story.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Four Basic Steps for a Successful Retirement
Achieving a successful retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few basic steps, you could set yourself up for long-term financial security.
Read MoreMarket Turmoil Spurs Trading, but Staying Put Pays Off
Despite the market turbulence, financial experts continue to advise retirement plan investors to “stay the course” rather than react impulsively.
Read MoreRising Hardship Withdrawals Putting Retirement at Risk
A growing number of workers are raiding their employer-sponsored retirement plans to cover emergency expenses, highlighting an alarming trend in employee retirement security.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Five Key Strategies for a Successful Retirement
Achieving a comfortable and secure retirement requires careful planning and disciplined financial habits.
Read MoreRetirees Take the Gold Watch, But Keep Their 401k Assets In-Plan
A recent Fidelity report reveals that over 80% of plan sponsors prefer to allow employees to keep their assets in-plan and withdraw them over time.
Read MoreThe Retirement Planning Gap Affecting Two in Three Investors
A vast majority of investors fail to take even small steps toward securing their financial future. For plan sponsors, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Read MoreThe Power of Small Data for Retirement Plan Sponsors
How well are you leveraging small data available right within your own organization?
Read MoreParticipant Corner | The Ultimate Guide to Tax Savings
As tax laws evolve and personal financial situations change, it's essential to stay informed about strategies that can help minimize your tax burden.
Read MoreAmazon Faces Allegations of Mismanaged Funds
Amazon and the administrative committee overseeing its 401(k) savings plan have been hit with a class-action lawsuit alleging improper management of employee forfeiture funds.
Read MoreThe Part-time Participant
Understanding the unique challenges of improving part-time participants’ retirement readiness, and how their needs may differ from those of full-time employees, is essential for sponsors.
Read MoreHelping Gen Xers Weather a Perfect Storm
Providing tools and resources tailored to this generation’s needs can play a crucial role in helping them take meaningful and measurable steps toward retirement readiness
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Maximize Your Employer Match in 2025
Leveraging a plan match is one of the easiest ways to boost financial wellness. With over 50% of employers offering some level of matching, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Read MorePBGC Updates Premium Deadlines for 2025 Plan Years and Beyond
A technical update on the deadlines for premium payments for pension plans with plan years beginning in 2025 and later was issued by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).
Read MoreWhy Workers Leave Matching Dollars on the Table
Understanding cognitive biases can help explain why workers forfeit free money — and highlight strategies to help.
Read MoreGAO on Crypto in 401(k)s | Risks and Oversight Challenges
The GAO report emphasizes that while cryptocurrency assets remain a small portion of the 401(k) landscape, they carry significant risk.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Your Guide to a Financially Healthy New Year
The following actions will assist you in reaching financial success in 2025 and beyond.
Read MorePortability Services Network Expands Impact
According to a recent release, the Portability Services Network (PSN) has now grown to include three additional providers, covering over 15,000 retirement plans and 5 million members.
Read MoreSupreme Court Arbitration Case | Key Insights for Plan Sponsors
The Supreme Court has again declined to address whether ERISA disputes can be resolved through arbitration, leaving plan sponsors with more questions than answers.
Read MoreDOL and IRS Provide Hurricane Relief Guidance
The DOL and IRS released a statement in detailing disaster relief measures for employee benefit plans, participants and sponsors affected by hurricanes.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Winter Word Search
For a fun retirement related activity to give to participants during this winter season, send them this word search!
Read MoreNew 401k Rules: Balancing Access and Savings
While some see hardship withdrawals as a risk to retirement balances, a recent study found that participant contribution rates tend to remain stable before and after taking loans or withdrawals.
Read MoreWhat the DOL’s AI Guidance Means for Plan Sponsors
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently released voluntary guidance emphasizing the importance of ethical and transparent use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
Read MoreWhat Retirement Planning Isn’t
Employees can easily latch onto media-hyped, generalized one-size-fits-all numbers without a clear understanding of whether those figures align with their personal financial circumstances.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Harvesting Financial Lessons
Here are a handful of tips that can alleviate any financial burdens you may face during the upcoming holiday season.
Read MoreProtecting Benefit Plans from Cybersecurity Threats
Many plan sponsors focus on external cybersecurity threats, such as hackers attempting to breach their systems, but disgruntled employees can also pose a risk.
Read MoreRate Cuts and Retirement: Navigating Change
Employers can play a critical role in helping to guide their workforce through changing economic conditions by providing tools and personalizing communications.
Read MoreIncreasing 401(k) Balances Can Bring Increased Risk
Increased 401(k) balances may cause financial overconfidence, leading some to misuse them for emergencies instead of seeking other cash flow solutions.
Read MoreThe Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy
With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what happens on November 5 impact my finances?” As financial...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Retirement Plan Crossword
Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out this crossword puzzle to help you learn important terms and concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Read MoreNavigating Higher Fees and Opportunities for Smaller 401(k) Plans
Smaller 401(k) plans pay more per participant due to fixed costs, while larger plans benefit from economies of scale even with greater total costs.
Read MoreIRS Issues Guidance on Student Loan Matching
To help ease the financial burden of student loans, employers are increasingly offering a match toward student loan repayments as an employee benefit.
Read MoreHelping Employees Avoid Retirement Health Cost Shock
Healthcare expenses are unpredictable, underestimated — and this wild card can disrupt an otherwise carefully planned retirement, leaving many seniors vulnerable.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Employer Matching – How to Make the Most of Your Plan
Employers use a variety of match formulas to determine contribution, but we have highlighted 4 common scenarios that show the importance of knowing the facets of your retirement plan.
Read MoreOvercoming Challenges in HR and Benefits Departments
It is crucial for plan sponsors to understand the difficulties that HR and benefit departments encounter daily, and to avoid compromising their fiduciary duties to these workers.
Read MoreThe High Cost of Financial Stress in the Workplace
Alarming mental health statistics underscore the critical need for employers to prioritize financial wellness programs as part of a holistic benefits offering.
Read MoreIRS Issues Guidance on Withdrawals for Domestic Abuse Victims
SECURE 2.0 includes significant provisions for individuals experiencing domestic violence, an issue that has affected millions across the U.S.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: How Much Do You Know About Target Date Funds?
The average person is likely unfamiliar with the term “TDF” however it is the most utilized and fastest-growing investment option in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Read MoreThe Arrival of TDFs with Annuities
With participants thinking erroneously that there is a guaranteed paycheck built into their retirement plan, the production of an “Income Target Date Fund” has grown exponentially.
Read MoreThe Road to 15% | Helping Participants Navigate Toward Retirement Readiness
Many advisors recommend saving 15% of pre-tax earnings, including any employer match, to prepare for a secure retirement — but to accomplish this, timing is crucial.
Read MoreClosing the Financial Wellness Engagement Gap
A recent survey from market intelligence firm Cerulli Associates highlights a striking disparity in the financial wellness space.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: How Much Do You Know About Your Retirement Plan?
Many people often find that they know far less about their retirement plan than they thought. Test yourself and see how much you know about your financial future.
Read MoreCybersecurity and How to Deal with Data Breaches as a Plan Sponsor
Retirement funds are a target for cybersecurity attacks and identity fraud more than ever before. For most people, their retirement account is one of their biggest assets and they rarely check it. This makes these accounts a prime...
Read MoreThe Magic Number Gap: Bridging the Gap Between Expectations and Reality
A troubling trend has emerged in the retirement planning space: The “magic number” — or amount of money Americans believe they need to retire comfortably — has surged to an all-time high, even as actual retirement savings have declined...
Read More401k Beneficiaries: Where There’s a Will There Isn't Necessarily a Way
Beneficiary designations are a critical yet often neglected aspect of retirement plans. Many participants mistakenly believe that their retirement plan assets will be distributed according to their will or trust. However, retirement...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Estimating Your Financial Needs for Retirement
How do you know if you’re saving enough right now if you don’t know how much you’ll need in your retirement?
Read MoreWomen Call for Pension Reinstatement and Care Solutions
Many women support reinstating pension programs and government aid to reduce long-term care costs in retirement due to their heightened financial challenges.
Read MoreBoomer or Bust | Charting a Path Toward Retirement Security
Plan sponsors have the opportunity to implement strategies to increase financial security for Peak Boomers beginning to enter retirement.
Read MoreHow Employers Can Help Close the Racial Retirement Wealth Gap
To help address racial disparities in retirement readiness, there are several strategies sponsors can implement.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Navigating Health Savings: Your HSA Guide
Health savings accounts (HSAs) have surged in popularity over the years. You may have encountered them, possibly as part of the benefits offered by your workplace.
Read MoreMillennials Redefining Retirement
While some Millennials hope to retire at age 65, many see retirement as a stage of greater freedom in their lives rather than a total absence from the workforce.
Read MoreTurning the Tide on Employee Engagement
A company’s retirement plan can be leveraged as a powerful tool to help increase engagement and combat many of the negative sentiments among today’s workers.
Read MoreCashing Out on Tomorrow: When Personal and Market Economies Diverge
For plan sponsors, current market and economic conditions present a pressing imperative to educate participants on alternative strategies to help effectively manage debt and budgeting challenges.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Tax Tips to Maximize Retirement Savings
Regardless of this new chapter in life, there's the looming presence of taxes. If you’ve followed the advice of advisors, participants should be saving in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Read MoreThe Resurgence of the Automatic IRA Act
The Automatic IRA Act of 2024 requires companies with more than ten workers to automatically enroll their workers in automatic contribution plans if they do not currently offer a retirement plan.
Read MoreBeyond Compliance: Make Every Comm Count
Effective, empathic communications help build a foundation of trust and confidence in the plan benefits — and the employer.
Read MoreHelp Participants Avoid These TDF Missteps
Given the popularity of TDFs, plan sponsors should help ensure participants understand how they work to maximize their potential benefits and avoid common missteps.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: 7 Tips to Prepare You for Retirement
A secure and happy retirement requires careful planning and is a well-constructed process. Here are seven things you should know to strengthen your retirement strategy.
Read MoreHelping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of that committee, introduced the Helping Young Americans Save for...
Read MoreThe Graying of the American Workforce
The Silver Tsunami is headed ashore, as “Peak 65” is expected to usher in an average of 11,000 retirement age Americans daily through the end of 2024 — the highest ever recorded. And a lot of them plan to keep working...
Read MoreAvoiding Social Media Pitfalls in Retirement Planning
Americans are increasingly getting financial and retirement planning guidance from social media, risking exposure to misinformation, harmful advice and outright scams. Alarmingly, this includes almost eight in 10 millennials and Gen...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Strategies for Maximizing Workplace Retirement Benefits
Before enrolling in a company's retirement plan, it's essential to understand how to optimize its benefits.
Read MoreBalancing Competitive Benefits Among Budget Constraints
It is crucial for companies to regularly benchmark and compare their benefits packages to their peers within the industry in order to maintain their competitive advantage and status. Offering a competitive benefits package, however,...
Read MoreSteering Participants Through Market Mania
It’s important to acknowledge that market volatility has two faces, and each carry their own psychological challenges for investors.
Read MoreThe Gen X Savings Crisis: How Plan Sponsors Can Help
Nearly half of non-retired Gen Xers have not done any retirement planning whatsoever. So how can employers help their MTV Generation workers save?
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Navigating Retirement's New Horizons
As we embrace the dawn of a new year, contemplating the departure of a loved one may not be the most festive topic, yet it's an essential consideration for any forward-thinking planner.
Read MorePEPs Demonstrate Benefits for University Plan Sponsors
For higher education institutions, pooled retirement plan structures offer a plethora of benefits, such as exposure, fewer administrative functions and additional opportunities to provide educational resources, according to new...
Read MoreSecuring Retirement Readiness Despite Credit Card Debt
With U.S. credit card debt recently soaring to a record high of $1.08 trillion, retirement plan sponsors face a pivotal moment. This staggering amount, a $48 billion escalation since the second quarter and a $154 billion increase...
Read MoreProposed Legislation Aims to Help Young Workers Put Time on Their Side
Retirement planning often directs attention toward mid-career 401(k) participants and those nearing retirement — and understandably so, given their tighter timeline to secure post-retirement financial stability. But what about...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Financial Frost Checkup
As the winter season blankets our surroundings, it's the perfect time to conduct a comprehensive review of your financial situation.
Read MoreBoosting Lower Wage Earners’ Retirement Readiness
A recent Vanguard report sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by retirees across different income brackets. The findings reveal that lower income workers allocate a significantly larger portion of their pre-retirement income to...
Read MoreNavigating the Complexity of EBSA Investigations
Members of the House of Representatives recently raised concerns regarding the Department of Labor’s EBSA investigations into plan sponsors, citing them as lengthy and burdensome, and called for reform. In a Sept. 19 letter to...
Read MoreIRS and Security Summit Offer Online Safety Tips
As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up and tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service and the Security Summit partners today reminded taxpayers, including families with children, to remain vigilant against...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Gobbling Up Good Financial Habits
Holidays are all about spreading cheer and giving, but sometimes people tend to go a bit overboard, which can later result in financial stress.
Read MoreThe Top Three Reasons to Outsource Fiduciary Services
Many companies are outsourcing more and more activities, mainly because outsourcing can provide cost savings and increase productivity. Outsourcing allows companies to focus more on their core businesses, rather than spending time on...
Read MoreFed Rate Decision: Implications for Sponsors
In September, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it would hold interest rates steady for now but signaled at least one more hike may lie ahead before the end of the year. Moreover, rates are likely to stay elevated, as the Fed also...
Read More401(k) Fears: What’s a Plan Sponsor to Do?
Sound investment decisions are rarely made under the weight of worry. The field of behavioral finance points to a number of cognitive distortions that feed on investor fear and can plague participants’ decision-making while...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Smart Portfolio Stress Testing
Are you prepared for life's uncertainties? Your retirement plan relies on assumptions: savings, investment duration, inflation, and returns.
Read MoreEmpowering Employees through Financial Literacy
In the modern era of numerous investment options and economic challenges, understanding the concept of money, known as financial literacy, holds significant importance.
Read MoreSponsors Aid Early Birds in Building Retirement Nest Egg
Sponsors can assist by helping employees plan ahead and tailor their strategies with an early benefits election in mind.
Read MoreHardship Distributions Surge: Strategies for a Troubling Trend
In this challenging environment, how can plan sponsors support participants who may be struggling with high debt and help them avoid raiding their retirement savings to stay afloat?
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Are You Over Age 50?
If you contribute $7,500 each year from age 50 to age 67 (17 years), you can make a big impact on your future.
Read MoreHow Resuming Student Loan Payments Affects Sponsors
As employees prepare to deal with the financial burden of student loans, sponsors have an opportunity to help lessen the load and ensure retirement contributions don’t fall to the wayside.
Read MoreEmpowering Gen Z: Setting Your Youngest Participants up for Success
The value of early contributions to retirement readiness means employers should focus on getting their youngest workers enrolled to their workplace retirement plan as soon as possible.
Read MoreThe Retirement Savings Glass Is Only Half Full for Women
According to recent data, nearly half of women ages 25 and older lack access to a tax-advantaged, employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Read MoreParticipant Distributions: Navigating SECURE 2.0 Changes
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning, staying informed about regulations is crucial. The SECURE 2.0 Act brings significant changes to participant distribution rules, impacting various aspects of retirement accounts....
Read MoreA Crisis of Confidence
2023 Retirement Confidence Survey reveals waning retirement savings confidence. Strategies: enhance financial literacy, raise employer match, implement auto-features, promote catch-up contributions, offer one-on-one consultations, provide h
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Risk-proofing Your Future
Are you prepared for a secure financial future? Discover some key aspects of a comprehensive risk management strategy.
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: Key Changes for 2024
There are a few mandatory changes from SECURE 2.0 taking effect in 2024 that plan sponsors will need to comply with.
Read MoreRetirement Planning Assistance: A Must-Have Benefit
More than half of workers identify professional retirement planning assistance as a key focus in terms of benefits they sought from their employer.
Read MoreEmployees Want Financial Planning Support — and Aren’t Afraid to Ask for It
As financial pressures continue to impact work and personal lives, employers who offer professional financial planning assistance may gain an advantage in the competitive labor market.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Build a Bright Retirement Future
Clear, achievable, and meaningful goals can lay the foundation for success. Vague aspirations may have limited worth without a well-defined plan.
Read MoreSEC Unveils “Swing Pricing” Proposal for Open-End Funds
At a recent conference held by the Investment Company Institute, the SEC proposed the policy of swing pricing to combat the adverse effects of fluctuations in buying/selling activity within the market.
Read MoreBeyond the Benchmark: Uncovering Additional Value in RFPs
When conducting three- to five-year live-bids, it can be tempting to hyper-focus on fees. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when assembling — and evaluating — your next RFP.
Read MoreConnection to Future Self Is Key to Retirement Readiness
Research revealed that subjects with a stronger connection to their future selves were more likely to delay gratification and make more prudent financial choices. How can plan sponsors help employees make the connection?
Read MoreParticipant Corner: How Much is Enough
There are many formulas for figuring out how much money you need to retire. While thinking seriously about retirement finances is useful, for most people, these formulas may not come close to what your retirement actually looks like...
Read MoreThe Six Types of Fiduciaries in Retirement Plans You Need to Know
A retirement plan may have one or more fiduciaries who have distinct responsibilities, though many individuals and committees may serve in multiple fiduciary roles. Here is a brief overview of the categories of fiduciaries:Named...
Read MoreClosing the Auto-escalation Gap
High participation rates don't always translate to high deferral rates. According to the 2022 Callan Defined Contributions Trend Survey, three-quarters of DC plans offer auto-enrollment, while only two-thirds provide an auto-escalation...
Read MoreCustomized Content Is Good Medicine for Retirement Readiness
From recent college grads struggling with student debt to seasoned professionals planning an imminent retirement, participants’ financial needs and goals are as diverse as the workforce they’re part of. In response, many...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: The Advantage of Saving Early
The early bird really could get the worm! In our chart you will find no secret tips or tricks to investing that cite prior market events: just plain old math.
Read MoreDear Prudence: What is Prudence Anyway?
When it comes to monitoring and selecting investments, the responsibility lies with the ERISA fiduciary for managing your company’s 401(k) plan, and this means the fiduciary is subject to ERISA’s prudent man rule.
Read MoreLeveraging ChatGPT in Retirement Plan Management: Opportunities, Concerns and Best Practices
Generative AI like ChatGPT can revolutionize retirement plan onboarding & communication. But limits & safeguards are needed for legal compliance, transparency, data security & oversight.
Read MoreIs Your Retirement Plan "Catchy?"
Employers can improve retirement readiness by promoting catch-up contributions, with 15% of participants using them. Strategies include matching contributions, education, and online tools. SECURE 2.0 law offers a short-term catch-up "burst
Read MoreBenefits of Omnichannel Financial Wellness
An effective omnichannel strategy can help plan sponsors engage more employees, regardless of their level of investing experience or financial literacy.
Read MoreA More Nuanced 4% Rule?
In December 2022, Morningstar adjusted its recommended starting annual withdrawal rate for balanced retirement portfolios upward from 3.3% to 3.8%. Learn how plan sponsors can help retirees optimize their withdrawal strategies.
Read MoreYour Plan Fiduciary Must-Do and Should-Do Lists
Here are some tasks to remember that you must do and some related things to consider whether you could do as a plan fiduciary and the reasons we think they are worth considering.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Need a Tax Break?
You may be eligible for a valuable incentive, which could reduce your federal income tax liability, for contributing to your company’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Planning Financial Futures
Personal financial planning is an ongoing, lifelong process. If we break it down into small, achievable tasks, it’s a lot less daunting and can pay huge dividends to you and your family.
Read MoreWhat’s in a Benchmark?
The designated benchmarks used within the Scorecard System were selected because they are the most appropriate and/or most commonly used indices in the marketplace (Russell 1000, MSCI EAFE, BC US Aggregate Bond, etc.). While both the...
Read MoreHow Many Retirement Plan Committees Does Your Organization Need?
Retirement plan committees can help plans function more efficiently and effectively. They aren’t a requirement under ERISA, though many organizations choose to establish committees for the many advantages they offer.A Host of...
Read MoreThe Retirement Reshuffle Is Impacting Plan Sponsors
Across the nation, more and more workers are expecting to postpone retirement. In fact, a survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute shows that 40% of older employees plan to retire later than anticipated because of inflation.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: The Importance of Naming a Beneficiary
Do you know what will happen to your retirement savings if you were to pass away? Here are some things you should know about naming beneficiaries that could save your loved ones’ time, money and frustration.
Read MoreFour Plan Design Features to Help You Attract and Retain Talent
According to Morgan Stanley at Work’s September Plan Sponsor Research Results, plan design is a fast-rising differentiator that’s driving employee enrollment and supporting talent strategy in many companies.401(k) plans...
Read MoreThree Risk Considerations for Utilizing Retirement Assets
Various solutions exist to reinforce retirees’ ability to manage the drawdown of the wealth and effectively use their assets and maintain a comfortable standard of living. The portfolio management can be guided and informed by...
Read MoreOffboarding Employees from Your 401(k) Plan
A full two-thirds of employees don’t receive guidance on managing their retirement plan benefit while offboarding. Leaving 401(k) or 403(b) balances behind can result in orphaned accounts that sit unmonitored and unmanaged by...
Read MoreSpeaking of One Percent
Since the contribution limits were recently raised by 10% 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans (to $22,500), we thought now might be a good time to share creative ways to communicate to your participants the benefits of increasing...
Read MoreWorkers Are Turning to Employers for Inflation Help
With inflation at its highest levels in more than four decades, it’s not surprising that nearly three in four American workers report they’re experiencing increased stress concerning their personal finances. According to a...
Read MoreIPS Can Still Add Value for Plans Despite Goldman Sachs Dismissal
Investment policy statements (IPSs) are commonplace among retirement plans — with around 83% providing one. And that number tends to be even higher among bigger plans. Financial powerhouse Goldman Sachs is one of the larger...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Retirement Word Scramble
Investing your money into retirement savings early is important to setting yourself on the path to your ideal retirement.
Read MoreFour Things to Know About Plan Limit Hikes
In October, the Internal Revenue Service significantly raised the contribution limits for 401(k)s and other plans effective in 2023. As plan sponsors begin to think about how to communicate these changes to employees, it’s...
Read MoreProvider Consolidation in the Retirement Plan Market: Impacts for Sponsors
Following in the footsteps of many banks and big accounting firms, there’s been a growing trend toward consolidation among retirement plan service providers. But for the most part, less competition hasn’t translated into...
Read MoreHow to End the Year on a Bright Note
December brings with it an expectation of cheer, hope, and festivities. What your employees do not expect (and, frankly, don’t want) are grumpy nudges about enrollment. With the anxiety of the pandemic and lockdowns close behind...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: ‘Tis the Season for Investing
Many of us are worried this season about what the economy will be doing the next few months and how it will affect their investments. As a reminder, markets are cyclical, they go up and down in what seems like a never-ending cycle.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Are You Thankful for Your Health?
The holidays are upon us! Staying healthy just might make you wealthy. With small lifestyle changes and healthy choices (especially with all the shared yummy foods), you may reduce your annual healthcare costs and increase your income.
Read MoreDocumenting Fiduciary Plan Management Responsibilities
ERISA states that every plan document must identify a “Named Fiduciary” to be the individual or entity serving as the primary fiduciary responsible for all plan management activities (e.g., President, Plan Administrator,...
Read MoreDoes Your Retirement Plan Stand out From the Crowd?
With more than two-thirds of American workers having access to a retirement plan, employees and job seekers have come to expect one as part of their benefits package. That means it’s more important than ever to make sure your...
Read MoreDOL Updates Guidance on Auditor Independence for Retirement Plan Engagements
In September, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released an Interpretive Bulletin that updates guidance on audits of benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The updated guidelines are intended to help...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Market Tricks and Treats
With the recent market volatility, it’s understandable that you may be concerned about your investments. Don’t let the market volatility spook you! Consider the following tips...
Read MoreDOL Brokerage Window Guidance and Cryptocurrency Accounts
Recently, the U.S. Labor Department issued new 2022 guidance regarding 401(k) retirement plans that offer, or are considering offering, investments in cryptocurrency and/or self-directed brokerage accounts in their plan menu. Most...
Read MoreWhat Is a Recession and What Does That Mean for the Markets?
As the seasons change and the days start to get chillier, market trends are calling for doom and gloom in the economy. Some argue that a recession is inevitable if not already here. What exactly does this mean and what should Americans...
Read MoreCybersecurity Must Be a Priority for Plan Fiduciaries
Most 401(k) plans have access to a large pool of funds, making them an attractive target for cybertheft. And while stolen funds are devastating, unauthorized transactions aren’t the only goal of cybercriminals. 401(k) accounts...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Retirement Readiness: How will you prepare?
Much has been made of the current state of the American worker as it pertains to their retirement savings. According to a recent study by the General Accountability Office, 29% of Americans 55 and older do not have any retirement savings
Read MoreWho is the “Zillennial” workforce and what do they want?
“Zillennials” are people who were born between 1993 and 1998. According to a recent Met Life survey (“The Rise of the Whole Employee: 20 Years of Change in Employer-Employee Dynamics.”) they are expecting a more...
Read MoreFinancial Stress in the Workplace
As the global economy continues to gyrate on an uncertain path, many are feeling increased stress regarding their finances. As of March, for example, total U.S. household debt was up more than 8% year over year, according to a study by...
Read MoreHow to Design a Differentiating Benefits Package
Over the past couple of years, the so-called “Great Resignation” has led to an unprecedented number of career changes. At the same time, the boom in remote and gig work means that skilled employees have more choices than...
Read MoreFinancial Hypochondria: When Investment Vigilance Becomes a Problem
Plan sponsors invest much time and effort in improving employee financial literacy. They offer educational content, provide opportunities for group and individual consultation, and encourage participants to approach retirement planning...
Read MoreThe Auditors Are Coming — Are You Ready?
No one wants to be caught flat-footed when the auditors come calling. And with a new standard issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), both the auditors and plan sponsors will be subject to new...
Read MoreRevenue Sharing Decisions
As a result of the significant rise in revenue sharing litigation it behooves plan fiduciaries to confirm and document the prudence and appropriateness of any revenue sharing arrangement.Revenue sharing is the sharing of fees from one...
Read MoreHelping Employees Pay Down Student Debt
The ever-growing burden of student loan debt looms menacingly over many Americans, crippling their ability to save for retirement and other financial goals. According to Bankrate, around 60% of Americans who have student debt have...
Read MoreKeeping Retirees In Your Retirement Plan
According to T. Rowe Price, some sponsors may anticipate that their relationship with participants — as well as their responsibilities toward them — will naturally wind down at retirement, even though only about one in five...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Have You Done Your Homework on Retirement?
Each month we provide our plan sponsor clients with a participant ready communication piece. All participant corner documents are saved to your Fiduciary Briefcase. Once logged into your account, click on Briefcase > Participant...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: We know you are ready for summer! But how’s your retirement plan doing?
Protect your loved ones and ensure you are keeping up to date with your retirement plan with our summer homework assignments!
Read MoreHave You Met Your Match?
In an especially tight labor market, employers need to do all they can to attract top talent to their organizations. 401k matching is top of mind for employees, according to Principal’s 2021 Retirement Security Survey.
Read More5 Ways You Can Benefit from Partnering with a Retirement Plan Advisor
Some business owners are forgoing offering a 401(k) to their employees because they fear they don’t have the time or expertise to manage a plan, but partnering with a retirement plan advisor can help your business thrive.
Read MoreSafe Harbor Options
Safeguards on 401k plans are in place to make sure that employee benefits are allocated equitably and that companies don't fail IRS nondiscrimination tests.
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Beneficiary Designations – Who will get your money?
Each month we provide our plan sponsor clients with a participant ready communication piece. All participant corner documents are saved to your Fiduciary Briefcase. Once logged into your account, click on Briefcase > Participant...
Read MoreIs Participant Choice a “Get Out of ERISA Court Free Card”?
Finally, something everyone could agree on — at least on the Supreme Court of the United States. The question before the court in Hughes v. Northwestern University was the plausibility of a breach of fiduciary duty claim stated...
Read MorePEPs Revisited with Reproposed IRS Rule
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019 enables two or more businesses to form a pooled employer plan (PEP) regardless of whether they’re related by industry, location or other association....
Read MoreBehavioral Finance and Plan Design: Four Ways to Boost Participation
Though many employees are aware that behaviors such as enrolling in and contributing sufficiently to their company 401(k) can help them prepare for a successful retirement, too often they fail to develop the necessary saving and...
Read MoreParticipant Corner: Millennials - The Time to Start Saving is Now!
Each month we provide our plan sponsor clients with a participant ready communication piece. All participant corner documents are saved to your Fiduciary Briefcase. Once logged into your account, click on Briefcase > Participant...
Read MoreFee Litigation with an Odd “Twist”
A recent class action lawsuit highlights an often neglected but important item of fiduciary concern. The plaintiffs in this case have asserted claims for breach of the fiduciary duties of prudence and failure to monitor...
Read MoreEarly Withdrawals Can Lead to Tardy Retirements and Problems for Everyone: How to Help
Albert Einstein may not be remembered as a finance expert, but he seems to have had a bead on the power of smart investing. When asked what mankind’s greatest invention was, he’s reputed to have answered “compound...
Read MoreWhy Retirement Plan Sponsors Should Care About Employee Student Loan Debt
According to the College Board, the cost of a four-year education increased more than 200% (after inflation) from 1988 to 2018. This has placed a tremendous burden on graduates, with national student loan debt now topping a...
Read MoreIRS Third Cycle Restatement - Required IRS Restatement of Plan Documents
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