Opinions

Helen Calvin, with Jellyvision, discusses how to create an open benefits communication strategy that results in more engaged employees.

Each week, Carol Buckmann, with Cohen & Buckmann P.C., will explain legislative provisions or official guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic that affect retirement plan sponsors.

Michael Barry, president of O3 Plan Advisory Services LLC, discusses repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic that will affect retirement for Baby Boomers.

Plan sponsors are urged to consider factors other than the short-term financial needs of their employees before adopting new loan or distribution provisions.

Cory Clark, with DALBAR, discusses how to evaluate retirement plan fees with an eye toward success-based compensation.

Nancy Ryerson, with Fern Health, offers predictions about how benefits strategies will need to change to reflect how we operate in a post-COVID-19 world.

Alison Borland, with Alight Solutions, discusses why the firm determined the CARES Act provision allowing larger loans is sub-optimal when compared to the more flexible distribution option.

Plan sponsors that already have an LDI strategy in place may be able to better capture opportunities in the current environment, and for those that don’t, it’s never...

Reminders about the long-term effects of plan leakage on retirement savings could protect retirement plan participants from making harmful decisions.

Michael Barry, president of O3 Plan Advisory Services LLC, contemplates change in the markets and infrastructure brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and what may not—or should not—change...

George White, with Custodia Financial, discusses how retirement plan loan defaults can throw a wrench in retirement savings and what plan sponsors can do to prevent them.

Kate Winget, senior vice president, Gradifi, discusses the data that can empower employers to support solutions for women’s financial wellness.

John Lowell, with October Three Consulting, discusses how a market-based cash balance plan design provides for a less complicated way to hedge liabilities.

Michael Barry, president of O3 Plan Advisory Services LLC, discusses the significance of interest rate risk for 401(k) plan participants and how fund menu options might be enhanced.

Peg Knox, Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA) discusses the “retirement tier,” which allows a DC plan sponsor to broaden the plan’s goal from accumulation to decumulation.

Megan Yost, with Segal Benz, discusses how keeping employees engaged with their retirement benefits helps them get the most out of benefits and feel more financially secure.

Erica K. Johnson, BOK Financial, discusses why Roth retirement plan contributions may be beneficial to a wider group of employees than previously thought.

Michael Barry, president of O3 Plan Advisory Services LLC, discusses policy issues he hopes to see addressed—most not in the SECURE Act.

James Denison, HealthSavings, discusses how an investment-focused HSA can relieve employees’ stress about future finances, as well as help them save for future medical expenses.

David Levine and Kevin Walsh, with Groom Law Group, Chartered, discuss opportunities—some created by recent legislation—for small business employers to offer retirement plans.