Coronavirus Creates Perfect Storm for DB Plan Funded Status Drop in February
What happened to interest rates is just as important as what happened to equity markets, and DB plan sponsors should implement portfolios that manage both.
Administration
Reasons NOT to Offload DB Plans
Before following the crowd, DB plan sponsors should look at the cost to maintain their plan relative to the company’s financial situation—and look at its value to employees.
What to Know About DB Plan Administration
Plan sponsors should understand the components of administration, the interplay of providers and on what duties sources say sponsors are falling behind.
Reasons Exist to Turn a Cold Shoulder to Company Stock in DC Plans
However, if plan sponsors choose to offer company stock, there are efforts they can take to mitigate a litigation or participant outcomes meltdown.
New Models Continue to Be Introduced for 403(b) Plans
K-12 and university 403(b) plan sponsors have turned to multiemployer plan solutions—the latest of which is launching in Indiana.
Why Nonprofits May Prefer a 403(b) Plan Over a 401(k)
It often comes down to nondiscrimination testing.
The Future for Annuities in DC Plans
The SECURE Act offered an annuity selection safe harbor for plan sponsors, but education will be the first step in getting this income protection to plan participants.
Low Interest Rates, Coronavirus Deal Blow to DB Plan Funded Status
Plans with the greatest exposure to equities will generally see the largest funded status declines, according to River and Mercantile.
Elements of Retirement Plan Committee Education
There are several elements to include for new retirement plan committee members, but ongoing education is also important.
State and Local Pensions Share Their Own Best Practices
Respondents to an NCPERS survey shared success stories, strategies for reducing liabilities and “other” investments they use.
Lockheed Martin Makes Pension Buyout Transaction
This is the third pension risk transfer action the company has implemented.
Getting SECURE Act’s Lifetime Income Provisions Right
Industry sources agree pains must be taken to ensure mandatory lifetime income projections to participants are accurate and contextual education is provided.
Phasing Out Retirement Jargon
Complex retirement planning terminology isn’t just tough for participants to understand. Plan sponsors are having difficulty, too.
Mechanics of DB Plan QDROs Differ From Those for DC Plans
There are different paths for getting the right benefits to the right people when a plan participant divorces.
Retirement Plan Features to Consider Pruning
Some features make administration unnecessarily difficult, while others could derail participants’ retirement readiness.
Components of Annuity Pricing
The costs of annuities depends on the type and the amount of flexibility.
What States Are Doing to Offset Lower Assumed Returns
Shifts in investments and changes to employer contributions are being used to mitigate the funded status effects of lower return assumptions.
Most DB Plans Saw Little Funded Improvement in 2019
Plan sponsors will need to consider whether in 2020, as in 2019, stock market returns will be great enough to offset rising liabilities from interest rate decreases.
McClatchy Cuts Back on Executive Benefits Due to Pension Distress
The media company has asked for legislative relief and is in discussions with the PBGC about a distress termination of its defined benefit (DB) plan.
A Background on Retirement Plan Cyber Crimes and How to Mitigate Them
Plan sponsors need to understand how vulnerable retirement plan and participant data is to cyberattacks, and know what they, providers and participants can do to mitigate the risk.