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A few years ago, I was working with a company who offered a lucrative early retirement package. The CEO was shocked when only five of the 80 eligible employees signed up. Why wouldn’t more eligible employees sign up? Money, it turned out, wasn’t an effective motivator for employees who had “enough” money (whatever “enough” happened […]
When 401(k) plans first hit the scene in the early to mid-80s, financial advisors focused primarily on investment lineups, and that was OK with plan sponsors. However, as assets grew and the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution plans accelerated, employers began to realize they needed more help in this fast-changing retirement landscape. They […]
Employer-sponsored private-sector defined benefit (DB) plans have been on the decline for many years as U.S. employers have shifted to defined contribution (DC) retirement plans. Just 17% of private-sector employees had only a DB plan or both a DB and DC plan as of March 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, […]
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is proposing a mechanism to help small businesses offer retirement plans to their employees, but although the proposal may ease the way for some employers, it doesn’t eliminate all complications.
Retirement decisions cannot be divorced from a person’s age. When asking questions about retirement, employers should be cognizant of age discrimination laws and the implications of making such inquiries. Applicable laws Age discrimination is governed by both federal law and the laws in most states. The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) applies to […]
By Larry Karle, Longfellow Benefits While the market crash of 2008 is in the rearview mirror for many participants and plan sponsors alike, the bitter taste that was left due to many people suffering significant hits to the values of their retirement savings and their 401(k) balances remains to this day. In some instances, participants […]
by Douglas R. Chamberlain When facing financial difficulties, employees often look to their retirement plans as a possible source of needed funds. Many plans offer participant loans or permanent withdrawals, the latter generally on a hardship basis. However, plan loans and withdrawals can jeopardize the employee’s retirement benefits, and both are subject to complex rules […]
by Gary Jiles Q. How do I go about starting a 401(k) plan for my employees, and what are some of the general requirements? Keep up with the latest changes in laws regarding employee benefits with the Benefits and Compensation Law Alert. A. Choosing to offer a 401(k) retirement savings plan for your employees is […]