Products May 16, 2011

Principal Develops Tools for Small-Business Needs

The Principal Financial Group has introduced benchmarking tools and a tax credit calculator for small businesses.
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The offerings, unveiled during National Small Business Week (May 16-20), include a benchmarking tool that shows benefits offered by award-winning small businesses and national averages so employers can see how they compare. The tool, which includes other considerations for brokers, allows owners to assess benefits beyond insurance and includes ways to better manage benefits.  

Other features include:  

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  • Guide to benefits best practices  
  • Benefits best practices checklists for voluntary, retirement, wellness and health care  
  • Best practices in communication and education  
  • Best practices in building and managing benefits  

“Small business owners recognize a strong employee benefits package usually pays off for the business as well as for employees,” said Amy Friedrich, vice president specialty benefits for the Principal Financial Group. “But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why we work with advisers and their small-business customers to find innovative ways to offer affordable benefits.”  

Through additional tools like a tax calculator, owners can determine if they are eligible for a tax credit on their group health insurance premiums as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Many small businesses are eligible, yet only a quarter of small business owners realize they may qualify for credit, according to Principal.  

Data & Research May 16, 2011

Flows into 529 Plans Growing Rapidly

The Financial Research Corporation (FRC) found that net flows into 529 college savings plans have increased by 75% over the past two years.
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The report, “529 Plans and Distribution Analysis,” reveals that investors are continuing to invest more money into 529 plans and at faster rates.

“Contributions into 529 plans have increased by more than 35% annually over the past two years,” said Paul Curley, author of the study and Director of 529 College Savings Research at FRC. “New account openings have increased by 15%, and total account openings have also increased by 5%. We expect that college savings plans will continue to gather assets as outflows of money markets persist. Since 2008, investors have transitioned nearly $1 trillion in assets from money market mutual funds into long-term investment products.”

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The study examines drivers of this surge, including investor behavior trends, innovations occurring with 529 plan products, and new marketing and distribution strategies. The report also provides actionable suggestions for 529 program managers and state agencies seeking to take advantage of the popularity of 529 plans.

The study’s authors concluded that since 529 plans have a complex product structure, advisers should focus on easy access to education and product knowledge, which the report discusses in further detail. The report also highlights the effect exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are having on 529 plans; FRC expects more plans to leverage the ETF portfolio structure as they tend to provide well-priced index exposure.

The report findings are based on recent interviews FRC conducted with 529 plan managers and financial advisers, a survey of investors, and quantitative analysis of FRC’s proprietary 529 college savings data. To purchase the report, contact the FRC sales department at 866-532-8009.

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