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Monday, October 11, 2021

As we begin to say goodbye to 2021, let’s look forward to the new year by addressing employee financial habits after COVID, how a K-shape economy is impacting your workplace and how your retirement plan committee plays an...

 

Monday, October 11, 2021

Talking about money is tricky, especially at work. While it may seem too personal for work and easier to avoid the conversation, the effects can have a lasting effect on a company. More and more forward-thinking employers are starting...

 

Thursday, September 23, 2021

When was the last time you reviewed your retirement plan - 5 years ago, 3 years ago? If it has been over a year, it may be time to benchmark your retirement plan, but it doesn’t have to be a chore this time around. After your...

 

Monday, September 6, 2021

Your employees may have questions about one of the first decisions they will need to make – do they want to contribute to a Roth 401(k) or Traditional 401(k)? No matter how you slice it, taxes, income brackets and contribution...

 

Monday, August 23, 2021

For the millions of business owners that offer a workplace retirement plan, the COVID-19 pandemic created many financial difficulties. However, as the economic climate improves, there is an opportunity for employers to refresh their...

 

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Monday, August 2, 2021

Just ask anyone: Uncle Sam and the retirement industry love acronyms. Another was added in December 2020—PEP—which conveniently rhymes with MEP and SEP. The three plan types are 401(k) cousins[1] meaning they share many...

 

Monday, July 26, 2021

The CARES Act gave plan participants quick access to funds during the COVID crisis, although only about 6% of participants took advantage of the options offered.[1] However, as a plan sponsor you must understand your own obligations...

 

Monday, July 12, 2021

As the first half of the year phases out, it’s time to focus on measuring and begin strategic planning for your retirement plan. There’s a lot of new items on the agenda this year, from the CARES Act rules for repayment of...

 

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Help your employees save with a plan that fits your unique organization! Each type of retirement plan comes with its own set of features and tax advantage strategies for employees and employers. Knowing the different types of workplace...

 

Monday, June 21, 2021

Each of your employees is unique with their own individual lifestyle path. That said, your employees need guidance to make smarter decisions about their money so they can learn not only how to save today but how to build wealth for the...

 

Monday, June 7, 2021

30% of Americans don’t have a budget. In fact, 3 in 5 don’t know how much they spend last month, and the median household retirement account balance in America is $50,000.One if not all of these statistics could exist in your workplace...

 

Monday, May 24, 2021

The global pandemic has had a staggering effect on the economic lives of millions, driving them to actions that could have long-lasting effects on their retirement savings.Facing unprecedented strain caused by the COVID-19 crisis,...

 

Monday, May 17, 2021

When employees are financially stressed, they spend three or more hours a week – approximately 150 hours per year – worrying about personal finances or dealing with them at work.[1]A financial wellness program is a soft benefit, so if...

 

Monday, May 17, 2021

When employees are financially stressed, they spend three or more hours a week – approximately 150 hours per year – worrying about personal finances or dealing with them at work.[1]A financial wellness program is a soft benefit, so if...

 

Monday, May 3, 2021

Many American workers struggled financially before the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that this crisis could greatly hinder their ability to reach their retirement income goals.Indeed, more than three-quarters of...

 

Monday, April 26, 2021

Employees are worried about their finances. They worry about them in the evenings, on weekends and during working hours. Plus, with the increased stress caused by the pandemic, it’s no secret your workforce could use some help.More...

 

Monday, April 12, 2021

We are excited to welcome Q2 with the theme of Financial Wellness! This quarter, we are going to touch on some important topics that impact your bottom line and the financial health of your employees.Read the NewsletterMATTHEW C....

 

Monday, March 22, 2021

Your company retirement plan should be a valued benefit, not an open door for lawsuits! How can you reduce your fiduciary liability, protect yourself and your participants? Here are four straightforward actions to take to help reduce...

 

Monday, March 15, 2021

As the seasons change, employees may need a check-up from their employers to make sure they are in good health! Wellness and self-care during the winter months are especially important. The mental, physical and financial wellness of...

 

Monday, March 1, 2021

Retirement plans are complex and have many moving parts; as such, many plan sponsors create retirement plan committees to help keep them running smoothly. They may be called “investment” or “administrative”...

 

Monday, February 22, 2021

As a plan sponsor, you are responsible for keeping your plan in compliance with government regulations. One of the important areas of compliance involves the many documents that are part of plan administration. These documents must be...

 

Monday, February 8, 2021

Anyone who has received stacks of mailed booklets, leaflets or other paper 401(k) disclosure materials might be cheering about the Department of Labor’s (DOL) recent rule that expands employer options for delivering retirement...

 

Monday, February 1, 2021

If navigating a worldwide pandemic weren’t enough, the world of employee benefits continues to throw curve balls at employers and plan sponsors who must constantly keep up. Below are 5 big changes that retirement plan...

 

Monday, January 18, 2021

Does fiduciary plan governance look different in 2021? Our quarterly newsletter touches on fiduciary plan governance topics to help you stay informed on what has changed or requires action this year: The Importance of a retirement plan...

 

Monday, January 4, 2021

Everyone loves the compliance deadlines that should be met every year. To help you stay ahead of the curve with important deadlines and filings, please find attached our complementary 2021 Compliance Calendar. If you have any questions...

 

Monday, December 14, 2020

Turbulent times can bring turbulent stock markets, leaving your employees worried! Market downturns, as we know, are a part of any investing life cycle and experts agree it is best to stay invested. Encouraging your participants to...

 

Monday, November 30, 2020

The average person has 12 jobs during the course of their career.[1] That’s a lot of jobs — and a lot of 401(k) accounts! Around 25 million Americans have left money behind in an old 401(k) when leaving a job.[2] It’s...

 

Monday, November 16, 2020

You likely recognize the importance of seeing your doctor for an annual physical to keep your health in tip-top shape, or taking your car in for routine maintenance to keep it running like new. But what about checking the health of...

 

Monday, November 9, 2020

As a plan fiduciary, you are responsible for your keeping track of former employees with account balances, a.k.a. missing participants. The DOL and IRS are paying more attention to plan sponsors’ efforts to identify and locate...

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

The IRS has announced cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2020. For company retirement plans, the most recognized highlights include: The following...

 

Monday, October 26, 2020

If you have terminated participants with balances in your 401(k) plan, some of whom you can’t locate, you’re not alone; missing participants are an industry-wide problem. What is a missing participant? A missing participant...

 

Monday, October 19, 2020

Turbulent times can bring turbulent markets. Many factors cause chaotic swings in the investing world including housing bubbles, political elections, international instability, and as we have seen recently, a global health pandemic....

 

Monday, October 5, 2020

With 2021 approaching fast, it’s time to start thinking about end-of-year initiatives to thrive in the “new normal” and keep your company’s retirement plan on track. Our newsletter covers strategic topics such...

 

Monday, September 21, 2020

COVID-19 has brought many updates, changes, and challenges, and we know the stress this can place on a plan sponsor. While things are constantly changing, one thing remains the same – your status as a fiduciary. Your...

 

Monday, September 7, 2020

It is normal for working Americans to experience some form of financial hardship. When employees have proper financial wellness education, they can develop the mindset to see the long-term impact of their savings decisions. It all...

 

Monday, August 24, 2020

By choosing to offer your employees a 401(k) plan, you’re sending a powerful message — that you’re invested in their future and committed to helping them work towards financial security in their retirement. As a...

 

Monday, August 17, 2020

Offering a retirement plan shows your employees that you are committed to helping them save for their future. A matching formula is a great way to give a little bit more to your employees and increase contributions! There are many...

 

Monday, August 3, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly shaken our economy to the core. Many businesses have struggled to keep their doors open which has caused unemployment claims to soar. Record unemployment, coupled with a U.S. society that has an...

 

Monday, July 27, 2020

A good total rewards program helps you attract and retain the best possible talent for your organization. Add a great workplace culture and environment and you could be on your way to becoming an employer of choice among job-seekers....

 

Monday, July 13, 2020

The first half of this year has been like nothing we have ever seen before --from record high employment to record unemployment, stimulus packages, the CARES Act, and of course the pandemic itself! As a plan sponsor, you have been...

 

Thursday, May 28, 2020

If you’re having difficulty with all of the changes and to-dos regarding COVID-19 and how you manage your plan, you’re not alone! Nearly half of plan sponsors say they are still deciding which CARES Act provisions to...

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

If your employees are drowning in debt, they could be looking to you, the employer, to throw them a lifeline! Luckily, there are a few ways to help your employees pay down debt so they can save a little bit more. How can you help?...

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

We’ve all heard the golden rule of personal finance, “Pay yourself first.” It means putting money into savings before you do anything else. Your plan participants often need a light nudge to go the extra mile to save,...

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

In today’s economy, Americans are worried about their finances, and it spills over into every aspect of their lives, even their work. Let’s look at this for a minute and you’ll see why having a financial wellness...

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

Employers recognize that financial stress is taking a toll on their workforce — and their bottom line. Financial wellness can help improve employees’ fiscal well-being and reduce stress by providing the education and tools...

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

If you think financial wellness programs are a fad, think again. The industry consensus is that financial wellness not only produces results for employees, but it positively influences company bottom lines. That’s good news for a...

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

Employee financial stress is a hot topic. So much so, that nearly 60% of employees cite finances as their primary stressor. [1] Their financial worries surpass other top stressors, and it’s impacting their job performance....

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

The link between stress and employee productivity is real. Experts estimate that it costs companies $500 billion or more per year due to “health costs, absenteeism and poor performance”. [1] And with finances being the...

 

Friday, April 3, 2020

Coronavirus, COVID-19, CARES Act, these topics have without a doubt overtaken your media feeds and with a valid reason. However, in this time of turmoil, we wanted to take a moment to explain what some of this means in hopes of...

 

Friday, April 3, 2020

Signed into effect on March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a robust economic stimulus package designed to help small business owners and hardworking American families during these unprecedented...

 

Thursday, March 26, 2020

It’s easy to say “stay calm” but harder to actually walk the walk. Keeping emotions out of investment strategies can be challenging even on a normal day. Add a dose of a health pandemic, in this case the worldwide...

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

DOL audits can be stressful, complicated and expensive! The best way to handle one is to avoid it in the first place. Through our experience, we’ve outlined three hot button issues that are major red flags for the DOL. Watch our...

 

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

While we firmly believe life is meant to be lived, we also know that it’s important to have peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Your employees might be in the dark about the most important documents they would need if...

 

Monday, February 10, 2020

Your plan data and private information are valuable, but unfortunately, cybersecurity is a critical but often overlooked aspect of a plan sponsor’s fiduciary responsibility. Given the risk of cyberattacks targeting plan data and...

 

Monday, January 20, 2020

Everyone loves the compliance deadlines that should be met every year. To help you stay ahead of the curve with important deadlines and filings, please find attached our complementary 2020 Compliance Calendar. If you have any questions...

 

Monday, January 13, 2020

The start of a new year is a great time to review your fiduciary governance process and confirm that your fiduciary priorities have been set. Preparing for the unexpected can be a delicate balancing act, but it is vital for the...

 

Friday, December 20, 2019

*BREAKING NEWS* SECURE Act and What 401(k) Plan Sponsors Need to Know On 20 December, one of the largest changing legislative acts to impact America’s retirement system was signed into effect. The Setting Every Community Up for...

 

Sunday, October 6, 2019

As we approach the New Year, we look at the future trends of the retirement plan industry to better support plan design, plan administration, participant outcomes, and fiduciary plan governance. Download and enjoy our quarterly Lift...

 

Sunday, July 7, 2019

As we close the first half of 2019, we urge plan sponsors to spend a bit of time reflecting on Measurement and Strategic Planning for your retirement plans. Before you know it, you will be sending annual notices and making plan...

 

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Financial wellness has many components that can affect and benefit your workplace. This quarter, our newsletter highlights three engaging topics with insights on the many ways you can incorporate financial wellness into your workplace...

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Share Class ABCs: Choose Wisely Choosing mutual funds for your retirement plan’s investment lineup can feel like wading through a sea of alphabet soup. Fund companies typically offer multiple share classes, each sporting its own...

 

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Four Tips to Boost Your Employees’ Retirement Outlook As many employees look ahead to retirement, 47% of workers feel somewhat confident that they’ll have enough money saved to retire on time and then live comfortably.1...

 

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Risky Business: Why Plan Governance Matters Participant-driven lawsuits are on the rise, and employers are facing heightened scrutiny of the way they manage their retirement plans. In today’s continually-evolving regulatory and...

 

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

For the majority of future retirees, medical expenses pose significant risk to any retirement plan, and they are only projected to rise. Medical cost estimates for couples throughout their full retirement, assuming both partners are 65...

 

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

A Marathon for Everyone Recently, I went to cheer on a friend running in her first marathon. The excitement of watching thousands of people accomplish such an amazing goal was an experience like no other. I waited at the last bend...

 

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Locating missing plan participants can be a headache for any employer, but simply ignoring them is not an effective solution. Regulatory agencies in previous years have published guidance on this topic relating to missing...

 

Thursday, June 14, 2018

With tax season fresh on our minds, many hear the word refund and begin running down their imagery wish list of ways to spend this extra money. However, when it comes to 401(k) refunds, or corrective distributions, the excitement...

 

Thursday, May 10, 2018

If you are an employer or employee who has decision-making authority over your company’s retirement plan, there is a strong chance that you are a 401(k) plan fiduciary. You have a legal obligation to operate the plan solely in...

 

Monday, April 9, 2018

Benchmarking is a retirement plan best practice that allows plan sponsors the opportunity to “take a peak under the hood” of their 401(k). The process allows you to compare your plan to similar plans, measuring key metrics...

 

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle? Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization...

 

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Social Security: Two Benefit Strategies Eliminated With the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, two strategies to potentially maximize Social Security benefit payments were eliminated. AN OVERVIEW Prior to the budget’s...