State-Run Retirement Plans Seeing Some Effects From Pandemic
Directors with state-run plans in California and Illinois discussed details of their programs and changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administration
Advancing DC Plan Design
Many features are working to help DC plan participants grow their savings, so it’s time to look at investments for the next element of design evolution.
Keeping Retiree Assets in DC Plans Benefits Sponsors and Participants
The benefits of keeping assets in the plan should be communicated to retirees, and plan sponsors should adjust design to accommodate income strategies.
COVID-19 Has Put Some PRTs Behind Schedule
DB plan sponsors are weighing their options for pension risk transfers and trying to balance what’s best not just for their finances, but for those of their participants.
Pandemic May Stall Implementation of Certain DC Plan Decisions
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have plan sponsors contemplating what to do about scheduled re-enrollments, the (RFP) process and fund mapping during recordkeeper conversions.
Plan Sponsor Due Diligence in a Demanding Time for Recordkeepers
Plan sponsors can show compassion for their recordkeepers, while at the same time ensuring their plans are operating smoothly.
Expect a Rise in Annuity Engagement
A different perspective post-COVID-19 will make guaranteed income more attractive to retirement plan sponsors and participants.
Cure Periods and Other Ways to Prevent Leakage From Coronavirus Relief Bill
Coupling more generous loan programs with robust educational resources is a good place to start.
Considerations for Public Pensions’ Response to COVID-19 Issues
Sources from CalPERS and NYCRS share discussions they've had and actions they've taken in response to the financial hit of COVID-19.
The Rug Has Been Pulled From Under Americans’ Retirement Security
The coronavirus pandemic has revealed the fragility of retirement security in our current landscape and sparked conversation about design and policy needs.
Some Employees Must Plan for a Retirement Without Social Security
Financial wellness programs and broader use of auto-enrollment in DC plans could help public sector employees who are missing out on a major source of retirement income.
Retirees Returning to the Public Sector Face Limitations
The growing need for public-sector employees has retirees willing to return to work, but limitations on public pensions and Social Security may deter them.
DB Plans Fall Victim to the Coronavirus
Firms that track DB plan funded status offer considerations for plan sponsors and note that how sponsors position themselves will determine future costs and contributions.
Few Plan Sponsors Planning Retirement Benefit Cuts Right Now
Experts say firms are focused on making sure their business survives, hopeful that the economy will bounce back when the coronavirus is eradicated.
Monitoring DC Plans’ Company Stock Investments During Market Volatility
Decisions for 401(k) plan sponsors with company stock on their investment menus are different than those for sponsors of true ESOPs.
Ensuring Cybersecurity in a Remote Work Environment
Extra measures need to be taken for HR and benefits staff working from home to keep employee and retirement plan data secure.
Communicating with Employees During COVID-19
Sources suggest topics to address with retirement plan participants and methods to do so in this environment of limited face-to-face contact.
Furloughs Vs. Layoffs: Which May Trigger a Partial Plan Termination?
‘Companies tend to use the terms interchangeably, which is why it can be confusing,’ says Lorie Maring, a partner at Fisher Phillips.
Administrative Considerations for CARES Act Transactions
Plan sponsors need to understand the details and ask themselves certain questions to make sure they are complying with the new law.
The Math Behind Plan Fee Evaluations
Determining whether fees are reasonable for participants requires an additional layer of calculation, and some fee elements and allocations make it more complicated than it should be.