July – August 2012

Target-date fund due diligence requires extra attention from plan sponsors and advisers

How do plan sponsors and participants address a lack of retirement savings?

How advisers can take advantage of the shifting retirement plan landscape

New products, highlights, announcements

As a kid, I thought that summer—synonymous with vacation—meant I didn’t have to keep up with things happening outside my small universe.

Five things to think through

Evaluating whether a target-date fund family is still the best solution

Five ways advisers can help sponsors comprehend the risks of these funds

Sponsor interest in third-party investment advice is on the rise.

Managed accounts can craft improved participant outcomes

Why every adviser needs insurance for fiduciary breaches

Advisers need support with fee disclosure and fiduciary status

What to keep in mind when working with TPAs

How recordkeepers and advisers can work together to form a “dream team”

The Department of Labor (DOL) participant fee disclosure requirements go into effect August 30, and the majority of plan sponsors surveyed are ready.

Tired of giving the same old presentations? Use these nuggets of information to spruce them up.

Working with a financial adviser is one of several steps participants can take to improve their readiness for retirement and become more confident in making financial decisions, according to the Putnam Lifetime Income Score.

Fidelity Investments reported its average 401(k) balance rose to $74,600 at the end of the first quarter, up 8% from the end of fourth-quarter 2011.

The U.S. House Financial Services Committee introduced legislation that would authorize one or more self-regulatory organizations (SROs) for advisers.

The Department of Labor (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued frequently asked questions about the requirements of new participant fee disclosure rules.

Eighty-seven percent of American workers of all ages say they find it “very” or “some-what” appealing to be able to turn at least a portion of their retirement savings into a guaranteed income, according to The Hartford’s Guaranteed Retirement Income study.

Ameriprise wins excessive fees case

Positive language critical in reaching older Americans

Concerns linger about DOL fee disclosure guidance

Target income-replacement ratios should be higher than the 70% to 75% conventionally accepted as a rule of thumb, the Retirement Advisor Council contends.

Advisers integrate iPads into practices

Health care costs could consume retirees’ income

Working with a sponsor who wants to switch out some mutual funds for collective trusts?

Interest in in-plan retirement-income options grows, but challenges remain

Making sense of the pros and cons of exchange-traded funds

Helping departing ­participants with their next steps

Considerations for selecting a plan benchmarking tool

How to benchmark advisory practices in light of fee disclosures