Strong End to 2020 Puts DB Plan Funded Status Back to Where It Started the Year
Defined benefit plans that use an LDI strategy faced less volatility over the year, and funded status improvements were helped by gains in risk assets.
Administration
Sponsors Have Many Considerations as PEPs Hit the Market
Retirement plan experts offer advice to employers that are considering whether they should move to a pooled employer plan or stick with their single-employer plan.
Reducing DC Plan Costs During Financially Challenging Times
There are several options for changing benefits and shifting costs, and proper communications can help avoid participant backlash.
GE Transfers Some Pension Obligations to Insurer
Approximately 70,000 retirees will receive their monthly benefit checks from one of Athene’s subsidiaries.
COVID-19 Having Major Impact on Pensions
Many terminated or furloughed employees have taken early retirement, curtailing contributions and raising payout obligations.
Establishing a Retirement Plan Committee
Why plan sponsors need a committee, what committees do and who to appoint to a committee.
DB Funded Status Nearly Back to Level From Beginning of Year
A strong equity market rally in November gave defined benefit plan funded status a boost, but long-duration fixed income also performed well.
Kroger Takes More Action to Secure Retirement Benefits for Employees
The grocer has withdrawn from a multiemployer pension plan, and a new variable annuity pension plan will provide benefits for future service of Kroger and Stop & Shop...
Recordkeeper Consolidation Can Be a Good Thing
The pool of options may be shrinking, but recordkeepers have to focus on meeting participant and plan sponsor needs to keep business going.
COVID-19 and Biden Policy Could Intertwine to Affect DB Plan Funding
The future health and political landscape could make a big difference on assumptions used for calculations and defined benefit plan funding policy.
Rules for Retaining Benefit Plan Records
Electronic filing is popular, but benefit plan sponsors need to know the rules about what documents can be stored digitally and how.
The Difference Between Fee-Based and Fee-Only Advisers
It’s important to know how advisers get paid, as well as whether those sources of income could cause a problem for retirement plan sponsors or participants.
Refocusing on Retirement Plan Initiatives in 2021
Plan sponsors need education about SECURE Act provisions and should increase their focus on employee financial well-being, webinar presenters said.
Teaching Employees About Taxes in Retirement
Understanding how taxation works can help with making the right savings decision and establishing the right distribution strategy.
Increasing Participant Trust in Retirement Plans and Sponsors
Plan sponsors should tout the ways they are helping participants with their plan designs and good governance processes.
Continued Volatility Signals Poor Year for DB Plan Funded Status
Higher contributions can be expected in the future and asset allocation makes a difference, according to firms that track defined benefit plan funded status.
Solutions for Missing Participants and Uncashed Checks
Until guidance is issued about transferring amounts to state unclaimed property funds, plan sponsors will have to rely on the limited guidance already given.
Offering the Benefit of Guaranteed Income in DC Plans
Lifetime income projections, offering more control over assets and education about annuity pricing will help participants be more receptive to in-plan annuities.
Emphasizing Retirement Savings for Young Part-Time Workers
Part-time employees that will be entering retirement plans under SECURE Act provisions might not have had any experience in saving and planning for retirement.
A Look at Hospital and Health Care System Pensions
Health care organizations face an uphill battle financially, but the right strategies for investing and controlling PBGC premiums can help them get to the other side.