Blogs

Article | 5 min |
How Will You Embrace the Automatic Age? Since the beginning of time, there have been several ages that reflect society propelling itself forward in physical, intellectual and technological ways. First, there was the Stone Age. Then came the Iron and Bronze Ages (not to mention the Golden Age and the Age of Enlightenment). Welcome to the Automatic Age Section 101 of SECURE Act 2.0 requires new 401(k) and 403(b) plans to automatically enroll participants, with the initial automatic enrollment amount being at least 3% but not more than 10%. Each year, that amount must be automatically increased...
Article | 3 min |
Dealing with inflation’s negative effect on employee retirement planning An August 2022 survey from Nationwide Retirement Institute found that 40% of workers age 45 and older plan to delay their retirement due to inflation and rising living costs. That figure is double the percentage of workers who said they delayed retirement last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the current inflationary environment presents a host of retirement plan challenges for both employers and employees, tackling the trend with prudent and sensible solutions remains the best course of action. Inherent Costs to...
Article | 5 min |
The list of employee financial concerns includes stressful personal situations that distract employees’ attention from the work at hand. Thirty-nine percent of employers say that’s the item of most concern to employees, followed by increasing health care costs at 34% and the expenses and pressures of caring for family members (24%). Lackluster retirement savings come in sixth on the list, with 18% of employers choosing it as either the number one or number two issue for their employees. Reasons employers offer financial wellness programs To address these employee concerns, many employers — 70%...
Article | 5 min |
With its broad impact across qualified retirement plans, it is important for plan sponsors to become familiar with the Act’s changes, and to take appropriate action. The Act’s administrative changes will likely require plan amendments, and participant notification practices will also need to change. With that in mind, we gleaned a few key components of the SECURE Act for your review. This is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage you to seek the opinions of your plan’s counsel. Required Minimum Distributions If retired participants are allowed to maintain their accounts in the plan, the date...
Article | 3 min |
There is a lot of conversation lately reminding employees and participants of the fundamental reasons to contribute to their own retirement through their 401(k) plan, as well as why they should stay invested even during tough economic times. Times are tough for employers, too. With that in mind, here is our reminder for you about the importance of providing a 401(k) plan. Although the ride has been bumpy, these basics have not changed. Competition for talent. Employees expect to have a 401(k) plan. When the economy is in overdrive, that’s especially true; but even when it isn’t, the 401(k)...