How Regulation Best Interest Could Impact Non-ERISA 403(b) Plans

How Regulation Best Interest Could Impact Non-ERISA 403(b) Plans

Posted on by Editorial TeamLeave a comment

In April of this year, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a new set of guidelines to better govern relationships between professional financial advisers and broker-dealers and those of their individual clients. These suggestions, collectively dubbed Regulation Best Interest, could reshape the relationships between individual investors and the professionals who advise them by ensuring that a broader swath of those relationships requires the broker-dealer to act in the best interests of the client.

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Pop Quiz: Can You Spot the Common Retirement Plan Misconceptions?

Pop Quiz: Can You Spot the Common Retirement Plan Misconceptions?

Posted on by Mark OlsenLeave a comment

The laws and regulations surrounding retirement plans are complex and confusing. It isn’t any wonder, then, that there are a lot of misconceptions floating around. From fiduciary liability to required disclosures, there are a lot of common beliefs that aren’t necessarily true. Are the following statements fact or fiction? Read on to find out how much (or little) you really know about retirement plans.

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The Five Biggest Mistakes Plan Sponsors Make

The Five Biggest Mistakes Plan Sponsors Make

Posted on by Mark OlsenLeave a comment

Plan sponsors know that there are more liabilities and regulations to worry about than ever before. There are constant concerns about IRS rules, fiduciary responsibilities, and tax law changes. Failure to comply with regulations can be an expensive disaster, with the ever-looming threat of losing your plan’s qualified status.

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Five Qualifications to Evaluate When Selecting a Retirement Plan Consultant

Five Qualifications to Evaluate When Selecting a Plan Consultant

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Previously, we’ve discussed when a plan sponsor may seek the guidance of a retirement plan consultant and what services consultants can offer. When you’ve decided to seek assistance from a consultant, the next focus should be finding an appropriate consultant that can provide the specific services you need. The search for a retirement plan consultant shouldn’t be rushed. There are thousands of consultants and many offer unique or varying levels of service. These guidelines are designed to help clarify the process and what to look for when selecting a plan consultant.

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Providing Socially Responsible Investing Options in Defined Contribution Plans

Providing Socially Responsible Investing Options in Defined Contribution Plans

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Offering a retirement plan to your employees is a great way to offer a competitive benefits package. But what about the investment options your plan provides? As a plan sponsor, you may often assess new investment options for your participants, largely considering the demographics of your participants, such as age, financial literacy, and other types of quantifiable data. Have you ever considered their societal values? Over the past few years, more plan sponsors are considering their participants’ societal values when developing investment menus to craft a strong array of options for their employees. This focus on environmental, social, and government issues within investing is typically known as Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and is a great way for participants to “put their money where their mouths are” by making a societal impact as they save for retirement.

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