Defined Contribution Plans

The Fall 2016 issue of Plan Consultant is now online. The issue focuses on the most important matters facing the industry, including the DOL’s fiduciary rule, legislation that would eliminate obstacles to MEPs, and the new overtime rules, as well as expert perspectives on best practices. And you’ll... READ MORE

Delegates to the recent NAPA DC Fly-In Forum were treated to a discussion about a proposal touted as “rescuing retirement.” But the math (still) doesn’t seem to work. And it’s likely to kill the 401(k) (or at least its tax benefits). Here’s how.The proposal itself isn’t new — it’s the Guaranteed... READ MORE

The Senate Finance Committee announced Sept. 19 that it will meet on Sept. 21 to consider two retirement policy bills — but the real story might be what’s not in those proposals.The first bill — called the Miners Protection Act of 2016 — will address the funding shortfalls in the United Mine... READ MORE

Another major employer has been charged in an excessive fee lawsuit that not only contests the fees paid by the plan, but administrative fees paid by the plan to the plan sponsor as well.The suit claims that Northrop Grumman employees were “motivated to, and did, charge time and expenses to the... READ MORE

A new plan sponsor survey offers insights into the issues regarding retirement income adoption by workplace retirement plans. Service providers may find it instructive in anticipating and meeting plan needs.More than a third of 212 plan sponsor respondents (37%) agree that solvency determination (i... READ MORE

The IRS on Aug. 30 announced a significant relaxation in the restrictions that normally apply to plan loans and hardship distributions to Louisiana flood victims and members of their families.In Announcement 2016-30, the IRS says that the following individuals may be eligible to take advantage of... READ MORE

A plan trustee and recordkeeper — and a couple of large employers — have been sued for allegedly misusing the float income generated by their plans.The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, challenges the plan fiduciaries of the Hewlett-Packard Company 401(... READ MORE

There’s good news in a recent report on retirement saving and consumer attitudes toward it. But at the same time, it also provides fresh proof of changes in the retirement sphere as well as challenges to be faced.Two reports by LIMRA, “For-Profit Sector Employees: 2016 Consumer Survey Update” and “... READ MORE

Earlier this year I wrote a post about ERISA litigation going “off the rails.” Alas, it feels like we've gone from bad to worse since then.In the past week, a whole new round of lawsuits involving academic institution 403(b) plans has hit the news. Despite the “newness” of the targets (large... READ MORE