PLANSPONSOR Weekend Newsdash
Week ending August 30th, 2019

Legislation, regulations and industry trends help retirement plan sponsors in designing their plans. However, even the most well-intentioned plan designs may have unintended consequences. And, if participants don’t understand how retirement plans work, it could adversely affect their savings behaviors. In this edition of PLANSPONSOR Weekend, we share 10 key design principles for defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors. For defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors, there are strategies to reduce Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) premiums. And for public DB plan sponsors, a case study from Maine reveals how to turn around a troubled public pension system. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Editor's choice
Administration
Plan Sponsors Should Watch for Unintended Consequences of Defaults
A research paper warns that changing to a default fund that is preferred by more employees may lead people to be less well-prepared for retirement. Read more >
Administration
Misunderstanding Retirement Plans Affects Participant Savings Behavior
Research reports find a large proportion of employees don’t understand their retirement benefits—with some not even realizing they are participating—and better communication is needed to help participants take the best savings actions. Read more >
Administration
A New Way of Thinking About Retirement ‘Plans’
Mike Sasso, with Portfolio Evaluations, and a professor at Boston University, explained a new way of thinking to get plan sponsors to focus on retirement income for participants. Read more >
Administration
Pragmatic Strategies to Reduce PBGC Premiums This Year
Pension plan sponsors have taken various actions to reduce their PBGC premiums in the last year, resulting in a decline in premiums paid in 2018 of $1.2 billion. Read more >
Administration
MainePERS Has Some Suggestions for Struggling Public Pensions
The plan’s history offers a case study for how to turn around a troubled public pension system after years of neglect; the system at one point was no better than 20% funded. Read more >
MOST POPULAR STORIES
Study Suggests Reasons Most Physical Wellness Programs Don’t Work

For one thing, many wellness program incentives are geared to those who are already healthy.

Employer Health Benefit Costs to Rise 6.5% in 2020

A focus on managing chronic conditions, and education to improve health care utilization can help employers manage cost increases.

Avoid Pitfalls to Properly Replacing DC Plan Investments

An analysis found monitoring DC plan investment menus and making necessary changes results in better performance, and researchers have followed up with four pitfalls to avoid when making investment changes.

Schwab Arbitration Ruling Leaves Unanswered Questions
The effect of the 9th Circuit decision on ERISA lawsuits is uncertain, and arbitration is not the perfect option plan sponsors may think.
Sidecar Savings Accounts Create Current and Future Financial Security
As corporate America considers its practical and moral obligations to employees, a logical place for it to focus is on helping each one become more financially secure—both now and post-employment.

Editorial: Alison Cooke Mintzer alison.mintzer@strategic-i.com

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