EBU
Showing 81–96 of 395 results
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
October / November 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 125
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for October and November.
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New IRS preapproved plan regime takes effect
October / November 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: Last year, in Revenue Procedure 2017-41, the IRS announced a new regulatory regime for defined contribution plans. The regime was issued to encourage employers with individually designed plans to convert to the preapproved format. This article discusses what employers should know going forward to meet the October 1, 2018, deadline for prospective submitters of “preapproved” defined contribution plan documents.
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Investing in HSAs for long-term retirement goals
October / November 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 405
Abstract: Retirement plans are about saving for the cost of living in ― retirement. And typically one significant expense for retirees is medical bills. Actuaries at Fidelity Investments estimate that a typical 65-year-old couple retiring in 2018 will incur $280,000 in combined out-of-pocket health expenses during their retirement, excluding the cost of long-term care. This brief article discusses Health Savings Accounts, when employers can offer them to participants and why participants may be interested in them.
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Investment option overload? A cautionary tale from Yale University
October / November 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: When it comes to defined contribution plan investment options, giving participants an abundance of choices can backfire. Yale University recently dodged a bullet in this regard when it beat back — at least initially — a class action lawsuit accusing the institution of an ERISA breach. This article discusses why the case is instructive for plan sponsors. Vellali et al v. Yale, Civil No. 3:16–cv–1345 (AWT), 03/30/2018
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Why target date fund oversight matters
October / November 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 870
Abstract: Money management giant Vanguard began tracking the popularity of funds with professionally managed allocations — primarily target date funds (TDFs) — in 2003. Over the years, the organization has reported a steady growth of their prevalence in defined contribution retirement plans. As of the end of 2017, 58% of participants invested in a TDF, and Vanguard projects that number will hit 77% by 2022. This article discusses the reasons behind the TDF explosion, and a short sidebar covers some tips from the Department of Labor.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
August / September 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 87
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for September.
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Do you know what to do with an SOC report?
August / September 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 402
Abstract: Service organization control (SOC) reports come in several varieties. They generally pertain to service organizations, like retirement plan recordkeepers or third party administrators (TPAs). The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) determines the scope of each SOC report. This short article reviews the types of SOCs and the reason for their use.
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New rules affect disability benefit claim denials in retirement plans
August / September 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 447
Abstract: Retirement plans (or other ERISA-regulated benefits, including nonqualified “top hat” plans) containing a disability benefit are affected by the new DOL rules that took effect in April 2018. The new regulations, in the works since 2015, pertain to disability claims and the processes governing appeals of a denial of disability benefits. This article reminds sponsors of 401(k) plans and defined benefit pension plans with disability benefits that they have until the end of this year to amend their plans to reflect the new rules.
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Keep your eye on the ball – Plan forfeitures must match plan document
August / September 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: It’s a routine matter for employees to forfeit retirement plan benefits. Even so, plan sponsors can’t afford to become blasé about it; ERISA demands more than an “easy come, easy go” attitude about the matter. This article reviews how plans can forfeit benefits and when benefits are forfeited. A short sidebar covers what plans can do with forfeited funds.
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Charging plan expenses to participants correctly
August / September 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 852
Abstract: Shaving a few basis points off plan participants’ annual returns on their retirement plan accounts can put a significant dent in their asset accumulations by the time they’re ready to retire. For that reason, the question of which plan expenses are charged to participants, and which must be borne by the plan sponsor, is a critical issue to resolve correctly. Improperly allocating expenses to participants could be a serious fiduciary breach. This article summarizes the difference between administrative and settlor functions and which can be charged as plan expenses.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
June / July 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 135
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for June and July.
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Using targeted education to narrow the gender gap in retirement savings
June / July 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 296
Abstract: In employment settings in which women save less for retirement than men, an aggressive educational program can help to narrow the gap. This short article highlights a recent study from the Center for Retirement Research that looked at an initiative in Wisconsin to close a retirement saving gender gap among state employees.
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Stem plan leakage by upgrading your 401(k) loan rules and practices
June / July 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 726
Abstract: “Plan leakage” refers to participants allowing their account balances to shrink, because of either loans or hardship withdrawals. Plan loans don’t always result in permanent leakage when they’re repaid, but they still can have adverse long-term consequences for participants. This article reviews how plan loans cause leakage, why plans allow loans, and how employers can help plug the leaks.
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Plan documents: Be proactive to defuse possible landmines
June / July 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 459
Abstract: Sometimes overseeing a retirement plan might feel like navigating a minefield. With proper precautions, however, plan sponsors can get through safely. Case in point: making sure plans operate consistently with their plan documents. This article discusses ERISA requirements and various applicable documents that can be considered plan documents.
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Is your retirement plan successful? Which criteria tell the real story
June / July 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 863
Abstract: Do retirement plans do the job of preparing participants for retirement? And how do employers benchmark their plan’s performance? This article takes a closer look at what criteria to use when benchmarking a plan’s performance, and ways to communicate with participants and keep them on track toward retirement. A short sidebar summarizes a recent report on participants’ retirement readiness.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
April / May 2018
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 133
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for April and May.