The DOL’s Fiduciary Race Ahead of 2021
There is precious little time remaining for the proposal and adoption of any new advisory industry conflict of interest rules that the DOL hopes to make effective during this presidential administration.
Columnists
SEC Issues FAQs About Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative
If an adviser reduced their fee due to the receipt of 12b-1 fees, the SEC might not ask for any disgorgement; for instance, the SEC says, if an adviser regularly charges an annual management fee of 1.25% of assets but lowered that to 1% in light of the 12b-1 fees, the SEC says it is unlikely to ask for any disgorgement.
Don’t Run Out of Money, Have a Retirement Income Plan
In a guest article written for PLANADVISER, Thomas Dodd, executive director of Pavilion Advisory Group Inc., compares and contrasts common retirement income strategies—including the pros and cons of each method, as viewed from the perspective of participants.
Three Things Bond Fund Managers Say That Set Off Our Alarms
"In our experience, the way bond managers speak provides insight into their true thinking, underlying skills and biases," write Brett Wander and Jake Gilliam, two investing team leaders at Charles Schwab. "When we look for bond managers as sub-advisers, there are things we like to hear, but there are also things managers say that immediately trigger our alarms."
Ways and Means Democrat Introduces Long-Shot Bill Expanding MEPs
Almost any bill floated by a Democrat is going to be a long shot in the current political environment, but proposals submitted by Representative Richard Neal, ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, enjoy broad support among the investment business and lobbying community.
Open Architecture vs. All-Proprietary Target-Date Funds
The
diversity of investment options available for today’s 401(k) plans can be
overwhelming, so it is important for employers to understand the nuts and bolts
of the investments they’re choosing.
Considerations Before Investing in Socially Responsible Funds
Societal concerns are gaining more attention, and with that visibility, more companies and 401(k) participants are looking to invest their money in a cause they believe in.
Context—Knowledge—Belief
One of my fondest memories as a kid, and I remember it like it was yesterday, is lying next to my brother in the back of my dad’s Rambler station wagon.
The Health Effect
Promoting employees’ health and wealth
helps the bottom line.
Baby Boomers Need to Consider a Multi-Asset Approach
With the coming wave of retiring Baby Boomers, we’re reminded that investor demand for income will remain strong.
Staying Flexible: American Football and the Future of Employee Benefits
For four decades, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) has provided a durable federal framework for employers that sponsor health and retirement benefit plans for workers.
Industry Leaders Share Thoughts About ERISA
Forty years ago on September 2, in response to
failing companies resulting in workers losing pensions, sweeping legislation
designed to protect workers from losing their earned retirement income was
signed into law.
Target-Date Funds Decoded
Target-date funds (TDFs) have been the fastest growing area of the mutual fund industry over the last decade.
Healing Powers for Sick 401(k) Retirement Plans
Participation can be greatly improved through auto features.
Five Reasons to Consider Teaming with Local TPAs
Successful financial advisers who work primarily with employer-sponsored retirement plans, also known as specialist advisers, guide plan sponsors through the sometimes-complicated landscape of managing their company retirement plan.
Creating a Safe Harbor for Rollovers
Want to see industry insiders instantly
divide? Ask if a retirement plan adviser can assist participants in rolling
assets out of the plan and into an IRA.
Helping Clients Avoid Failed ADP Tests
Many plan sponsors find some of their employees cannot take full advantage of 401(k) plans because of failed ADP tests.
7 Steps for Social Media Engagement
The world of social media is constantly evolving, and to successfully market yourself to plan sponsors using social media, you must evolve with it.
Utilizing Technology in Networking
Technology can replicate the value of a good assistant.
The Need for Long-Term Care Insurance
When I was a youngster many years ago, my mother taught me to look both ways before crossing the street. I was precocious and told my mother that on a one-way street, I only had to look one way.