403(b) Plans Improving Governance Practices
Even among 403(b) plans not governed by ERISA, PLANSPONSOR DC Survey results show improvement in certain governance practices.
Administration
Fourth Quarter Returns Derail Better Year for Pension Funded Status
While the pension deficit for the Fortune 1000 plans Willis Towers Watson tracks is projected to be only slightly lower than the deficit at the end of 2017,...
Evaluating Financial Wellness in 2018
A review of how financial wellness has increased in the past year, and clues on what to expect in 2019.
Progressive Sponsors Will Push Custom Designs, Fee Transparency in 2019
Year-end conversations with recordkeepers suggest plan sponsors are highly focused on improving fee transparency, exploring custom default solutions and strengthening fiduciary processes.
Cash Balance Plans Need Different Administration Systems Than Traditional DB Plans
The characteristics of cash balance plans that are similar to defined contribution plans create a need for different technology than traditional defined benefit plans.
Mercer Sets Goals for DC Plans for the Coming Year
They are centered around three key themes: 1) Secure your foundation, 2) Achieve greater prosperity and 3) Inspire confidence.
Mercer Encourages DB Sponsors to Act on Funded Status Improvements
Mercer recommends 10 areas of focus for defined benefit plans in 2019.
Yale Changes 403(b) Plan Investment Options
A university spokesperson told Yale News that the changes to the retirement plan were not in response to ongoing litigation.
DB Plan Glide Paths Should Be Dynamic
When a glide path is established, it needs to be revisited at least once a year to ensure that the goals for the pension plan are achievable.
Employers Struggling to Understand Retirement Patterns of Employees
Most organizations appear to underestimate the financial challenges facing older workers, and thus the likely timing of retirements, Willis Towers Watson says.
Participant Behaviors Can Inform Better Plan Design
J.P. Morgan makes recommendations for plan design and TDFs based on savings and withdrawal behaviors it analyzed.
Financial Professionals Improve Retirement Results for K-12 Educators
The median account balance for K-12 educators surveyed who work with a financial professional is $40,000 versus $21,000 for those who do not work with a financial professional,...
Market Volatility Didn’t Bring Down DB Plan Funded Status in November
Firms that monitor defined benefit (DB) plan funded status reported slight gains for the month.
Small Plans Can See Big Results
Sponsors of small DC plans are adopting creative strategies similar to larger plans.
Janus Henderson Outlines Next-Generation Automatic Plan Features
Now that automatic and default features have gained widespread acceptance in DC retirement plans, it may be time to consider additional steps to further enhance participant retirement preparedness.
Steps to Prepare for a DB Plan Termination
There are goals and deadlines during the termination process, so a plan sponsor doesn’t want to hit a roadblock and have to start the process all over again.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Pension Risk Transfer
The firm is terminating its pension plan via a combination of lump-sum distributions and an annuity purchase.
Strategies for DC Plans to Mitigate Risks in 2019
Willis Towers Watson offers nine actions for DC plan sponsors to mitigate risks in 2019.
2019 Planning for DB Plan Sponsors
Willis Towers Watson offers 10 investment actions for DB plans in 2019.
Proposals Could Further Erode Perceived Health of Public Pensions
Reporting proposals from the Actuarial Standards Board and Congress, as well as new proposed mortality tables from the Society of Actuaries could result in a higher valuation of...