The Online 401(k) Salutes the Champions of 401(k) Fee DisclosureAs part of its public crusade against hidden fees, The Online 401(k), (www.theonline401k.com), the nation’s leading provider of full-service Web-based 401(k) plans for small businesses, today recognized the top three champions for the full disclosure of hidden 401(k) fees.
Paul Baugher has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in its St. Louis officeBaugher joins Buck from Towers Perrin. His expertise covers the full range of retirement plan issues, including plan design, valuations, forecasting, and accounting standards.
Rob Goren has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in its Atlanta officeGoren joins Buck from CompBenefits Corporation, where he served as Vice President and Actuary, and was responsible for managing the company’s actuarial, dental underwriting, and vision underwriting departments.
Thomas Chuba has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in its Pittsburgh officeChuba joins Buck from Aetna Inc., where he served as Regional Sales Vice President of its Government and Labor Division.
Thompson’s Entire HR and Benefits Library -- Now Just a Click AwayThompson is launching an online version of their entire HR library. The site is fully searchable, hyperlinked and updated daily.
Adding Annuities May Be Next Frontier in 401(k) PlansFaced with the possibility that a growing number
of employees will outlive their income in retirement, companies will likely
consider offering annuities as a new investment option in their 401(k)
plans, say experts at Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting
firm.
401(k) MainThinking of Retiring on the Beach? Start Saving Now.Most U.S. employees know they should save more for retirement. However with the personal savings rate at negative 1.4 percent (www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm), individuals are spending more than they earn, depleting their savings and increasing debt.
ACS/Buck to Provide Lafarge Canada With Pension Plan Administration ServicesACS/Buck, one of Canada’s leading human resource and benefits consulting firms, today announced that it has been retained by Lafarge to continue providing administration services for Lafarge’s Canadian defined benefit pension plans. ACS/Buck has provided services to Lafarge since 1997.
New Consulting Service Launched at 59th Annual SHRM Conference to Help Human Resource ManagersNew Consulting Service Launched at 59th Annual SHRM Conference to Help Human Resource Managers and Benefit Consulting Firms Address Long Term Healthcare Planning in the Workforce
COMPANIES SEEK MORE CONSISTENCY IN GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, WATSON WYATT FINDS Regulatory Differences Pose Challenges to Broader Pension Governance
Retiring Baby Boomers Creating Workforce Talent ShortageSurvey by Buck Consultants, WorldatWork, and Corporate Voices Finds "Brain Drain" Effect Varies by Industry
Board of Director Pay on the RiseTotal cash compensation for members of the Board of Directors in the financial services industry grew by 18% (on average) in the past year according to a new study released today by Total Compensation Solutions (TCS) a human resources consulting firm.
EFFECT OF PENSION REFORM ON RETIREMENT PLAN SPONSORSHIP UNCLEARFifty-Eight Percent of FORTUNE 100 Offer Pension Plans,Watson Wyatt Analysis Finds
Consumer Association's Web Site Serves Needs of the Self-Employed and Small Business Owners for HealThe Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT), a not-for-profit consumer organization, has introduced a special series of small-business benefits on its Web site (www.usafact.org).
The 17th annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS)The survey, released today, is sponsored by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Mathew Greenwald & Associates, with underwriting support from Ameriprise Financial.
2007 Retirement Confidence Survey: Many Workers See, But Ignore, Retirement System ChangesRetirement savings inaction exposes a need for financial planning
HumCap Recognized as One of the Best Places to Work in Texas HumCap, a Dallas-based company that provides HR and recruiting services, has been named as one of the best places to work in Dallas, TX. The recognition is important because HumCap helps businesses hire, manage and retain their employees, and creating a great work environment is a definite competitive edge.
Confusing Technology Hampering Efforts to Change Employee Behavior, Watson Wyatt Says“Google Effect” Also in Play
Principal Financial Group Offers Added Protection For CustomersGroup term life customers have free access to will preparation and identity theft resources
CAI’s 2007 Annual Employment and Labor Law Update from May 23-24 in Raleigh A Two-Day Conference for Employers and Human Resource Professionals on the Latest NC and Federal Updates to Labor and Employment Laws
Accredited 401k Training for Retirement Professionals to be OfferedAccredited 401k Training for Retirement Professionals to be OfferedApril 24-25 in San Diego through Robert Morris University
401(k) Plan Participant Bill of Rights Announced by The Online 401(k)Web-based Retirement Plan Provider Makes a Stand against IndustryAbuses
Lincoln Employer Markets Announces Strategic Hires in the Group Insurance TeamLincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) recently named six new members of its Lincoln Employer Markets Group Insurance team in its Omaha and Atlanta offices.
Even High-Wage Earners Not Particiapting in 401(k) Plans, Watson Wyatt Analysis Finds Subject: Press Release: Even High-Wage Earners Not Particiapting in 401(k) Plans, Watson Wyatt Analysis Finds
Best-Selling Author Bill Byham to Present Human Capital Institute WebcastWhile organizations are focusing more efforts on talent management, The Human Capital Institute (HCI), a global professional association and educator in talent management strategies, announced today that William C. Byham, Ph.D., best-selling author and Chairman and CEO of Development Dimensions International (DDI), will host an HCI Masters Series Webcast on the untapped area of retirement management.
PENSION ACT REGULATIONS COULD MEAN SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FOR 401(K) SPONSORS, WATSON WYATT SAYSNearly Half of Surveyed Employers Would Have to Change Default Investment Programs
Number of Employers With Large Pension Risk Levels Declined Between 2003 and 2005Pension health will likely continue to improve due to the rise in interest rates
and strong stock market returns in 2006, coupled with new investment
strategies and increased employer funding.
Mercer's 2007 Guide to Social Security and Medicare now available35th edition provides simple explanations with easy-reference tables
Study Finds Most Respected U.S. Companies Make Widespread Use of Nonqualified Retirement PlansThe Todd Organization, Leading Nationwide Executive Benefits Consulting Firm, Reviews Practices at 276 Companies in Eight Broad Economic Sectors
Michael Pennell has joined Buck Consultants' Honolulu office as Director in its Retirement practice.For more information, contact Ed Gadowski at 201-902-2825.
Executive Summary: Retirement BenefitsThe world of retirement benefits is changing fast due to factors such as the evolving structure of pension plans, low workers' savings, and the aging of the workforce, to cite just some of the most high-profile issues.
Executive Summary: Benefit TrendsIn the United States, voluntary benefits are assuming a more important role, providing new ways to address workers' needs as well as opportunities for companies to boost retention and loyalty.
Executive Summary: Workforce TechnologyAs if they were some sort of evolving nervous system for organizations, HR information technologies continue to become more sophisticated and integrated into a variety of HR management duties. This evolution doesn't always go smoothly, as organizations struggle with everything from budget overruns to system incompatibilities, but HR technologies do seem to be gaining greater capabilities every year.
Executive Summary:Outsourcing Human Resources Outsourcing HR is still a relatively new frontier in business practices - it's been less than 10 years since its debut - and it's still growing rapidly in the U.S. Most analysts predict that the growth will continue at least through 2008. Many companies currently outsourcing HR say that they intend to continue and expand outsourcing in the coming three years to include leave management, training and development, payroll, recruitment, health and wellness program administration, and global mobility.
Jeff Gabrione appointed to head Americas Manager Research Appointment coincides with increased demand for alternative investment research
Clark Capital Management Group Introduces The Navigator Simplified401(k)First Managed Account Defined Contribution Plan to offerinstitutional protection strategies in conjunction with "Best ofBreed" money managers
Tidewater, VA HVAC Company Expands Offering More JobsLocal Tidewater, VA HVAC company has grown and is now hiring. Job openings include: installation mechanic, service technician, sales people and administrative people.
HR Outsourcing Firm Helps Employers Comply with Minimum Wage IncreaseNational PEO Addresses Arizona's Proposition 202 Mandate.
Pension Reform 2006 and the Impact on 401(k)s Web ConferenceThe recently enacted Pension Protection Act and its impact on benefit administration is the topic for discussion in this upcoming Xtalks web conference Pension Reform 2006 and the Impact on 401(k)s.
A Discussion of Industry Trends and Changes, and the Potential Impact on Business in 2007PRUDENTIAL RELOCATION TO HOLD FREE WEB SEMINAR ON PREPARING YOUR RELOCATION PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
Employers Report Difficulty Attracting, Retaining Critical-Skill EmployeesDISCONNECT BETWEEN EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEESTHREATENS LOSS OF KEY WORKERS, WATSON WYATT FINDS
Ameriprise Financial Survey Finds Increased Benefit Costs Continue to Drive Down Worker Retirement Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) today released the findings of its most recent study, Benefit Cost Increases: Impact on Worker Financial Health and Retirement Savings, to correspond with benefits open enrollment season for many employers.
Marie Augsberger Joins MassMutual as Chief Operating Officerfor Retirement Services DivisionMassMutual Retirement Services division has appointed Marie M. Augsberger its chief operating officer, a newly-created role that combines responsibility for all recordkeeping, plan administration and service operations including relationship management and call centers.
Live web seminar on the 2006 Pension Protection Act Signed into law on August 17, 2006. Many provisions effective immediately!
The Principal Financial Group Unveils New Tools to Help Navigate Pension Protection Act New Guides and Web Site for Financial Professionals and Plan Sponsors
Web site improvements offer employees and claimants faster, easier and more convenient access to personal benefits information.Lincoln Employer Markets today announced it has enhanced its Group Protection customer self-service Web site.
Customizable, Agency-Wide System Gives Insurance Brokers an Edge With the Industry´s Most Complete Management ToolVirtual Drive, ReportCenter Tool highlight launch of Zywave´s BrokerageBuilder 4.0 Agency-Wide CRM.
Group Retirement Savings: Desjardins Financial Security education program wins award of excellenceDesjardins Financial Security's Destination - Take Control of Your Retirement program for Group Retirement Savings participants approaching retirement won an award of excellence at the 2006 Insurance & Financial Communicators Association (IFCA) Awards Competition. The judges commented on the originality and effectiveness of the concept.
ERISA FIDUCIARY COMPLIANCE FROM ASPEN PUBLISHERS OFFERS DETAILED GUIDANCE, VALUABLE TOOLSNow there's a reliable resource for 401(k) and 403(b) plan administrators that shows them how to meet their fiduciary responsibilities and avoid fiduciary liability.
Consulting Careers Abound for Baby BoomersThe demand for consultants is growing rapidly in the work force as companies capitalize on the opportunity to hire expert opinions on an "as-needed" basis, rather than as full-time employees. Career experts believe companies' growing need for experienced, knowledgeable consultants offers baby boomers one of the best opportunities to have a flexible work schedule that allows them to make the most of their work history and skills.
SELIGMAN EXTENDS TARGETHORIZON ETF PORTFOLIOS SM TO 2035 AND 2045Seligman Advisors, Inc. today announced the addition of two new funds to Seligman TargetHorizon ETF PortfoliosSM, a series of mutual funds that offers a comprehensive product solution to plan sponsors and retirement plan participants.
Psichometrics InternationalNetPEO, the country´s leading HR outsourcing brokerage firm and network of national PEO providers, announces the re-launch of its website, www.NetPEO.com. The new site was redesigned to be easy to navigate and to help clients find the resources they need more quickly than ever before.
Jeffrey McKay has joined Buck Consultants as Chief Marketing Officer. He is located in the firm's Chicago office.McKay is responsible for Buck´s marketing strategy and execution. He has more than 20 years of marketing and sales experience.
MassMutual and Clients Win Highest Number of Signature Awards from Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of AmericaMassMutual Retirement Services and five of its clients were honored by the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America (PSCA)
- Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) announced that personalized stock plan education programs, have been shown to dramatically increase the value employees attribute about their employee stock optLincoln Financial Group Creates Employer Markets DivisionKey distribution leadership in place; focused on segment synergies.
MassMutual Earns Top Marks in Boston Research Group's DCP 2006 Retirement Advisor Satisfaction and Loyalty StudyMassMutual has scored well above the industry average in 10 categories in Boston Research Group's DCP 2006 Retirement Advisor Satisfaction and Loyalty Study.
MassMutual Earns Top Marks in Boston Research Group's DCP 2006 Retirement Advisor Satisfaction and Loyalty StudyMassMutual has scored well above the industry average in 10 categories in Boston Research Group's DCP 2006 Retirement Advisor Satisfaction and Loyalty Study.
MassMutual and Clients Win Highest Number of Signature Awards from Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of AmericaPSCA Signature Awards competition honors excellence in retirement plan communications and education
Save the Date: September 8 is National 401(k) DayThe Principal Reminds Employers to Help Workers Save For Their Future
The Principal Financial Group Introduces Principal Trust CompanyNew Trade Name Replaces Trustar Retirement Services
Seminars to Give Updated Information on Employment LawThe Payroll Company, a Wisconsin-based leading provider of payroll services, today announced two upcoming seminars on employment law and recent developments. These full-day sessions-August 18 and August 25-will help small business owners, human resource practitioners, managers, and supervisors avoid legal difficulties with the most pressing issues in human resource management.
National PEO Recommends Stronger Employee Data PoliciesConfidential employment records become number one identity theft risk.
New HR Tool Set to Transform Employee Benefit Education and EnrollmentTHE NAVIGATORTM FROM NAVITECH SETS COURSE FOR IMPROVED BENEFITS COMMUNICATIONS
Do-It-For-Me Principal LifeTime Funds Achieve Five-Year MilestoneAnniversary Marked by Strong Demand, Rapid Growth, Solid PerformanceBuck Consultants to Provide Illinois Teachers´ Retirement System With Retirement Plan ServicesBuck Consultants, an ACS company and one of the world´s leading human resource and benefits consulting firms, announced today that it has been retained by the Illinois Teachers´ Retirement System (Illinois Teachers) to continue providing actuarial and retirement consulting services. Buck has provided services to Illinois Teachers for 16 years. More than 328,000 active employees and retirees participate in the Teachers´ Retirement System.
ADP Retirement Services to Offer 401(k) Managed Accounts Option From Morningstar Associates, LLCPlan Participants Can Benefit From Innovative All-Index-Fund Managed Accounts Option
Watson Wyatt Urges Congress to Seize Opportunity to Shore Up Nation's Pension SystemNew Analysis of FORTUNE 1000 Firms Shows Continued Shift to 401(k)s
Lincoln Employer Markets Announces New Head of Sales for its Intermediary ChannelIndustry Veteran Paul Swanson Assumes Head of Sales Duties
Retirement Saving Now Easy As 1-2-3Ultra-Simple Enrollment from The Principal Helps Increase Savings and Participation Eases Worries and Administrative Burden for Plan Sponsors
Major corporate pension plans maintain funded status despite weaker equity performanceWeaker recent equity performance is offset by pension accounting impact of rising interest rates
Proposed pension and retiree medical accounting rule change would reduce shareholder equity and produce greater reported volatility, due to "mark to market" impact on financials
401(k) Advisors Inc. Assists New Century Financial Corporation In Selecting New 401(k) ProviderYour Retirement Nest Egg Can Fund a Franchise, Says StartupJournal.com ReportThe Employee Retirement Income Security Act allows potential franchisees with limited liquid savings to start a franchise without outside help according to a new report published by StartupJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal´s guide for entrepreneurs.
Online Check Viewing Now Available for All CustomersThe Payroll Company today announced that online access to pay stubs and pay history will be available for all customers. The company has been providing the option, called Online Check View, for three years to customers using the Online Human Resource service. Its success has prompted the company to open it to all customers.
Hewitt issued its 2006 401(k) Benchmarks study today, which examines the saving and investing habits of U.S. employees.The study found that company efforts to help employees save for retirement -- including putting the 401(k) plan on autopilot, simplifying plan choices, and targeting communication -- have resulted in some improvements in employees´ retirement saving and investing behaviors. Despite these improvements, there is still work to be done to steer employees onto a path toward a more secure retirement.
Principal Financial Group Health Savings Accounts Introduced to Third Party MarketExpanded sales force to focus on insurers, third party administrators and investment firms
New Asset Allocation Suite Helps Financial Professionals Save Time & Build Client LoyaltyPrograms from the Principal Address Common Investor Error
WATSON WYATT URGES CONGRESSIONAL ACTION,DELIBERATE EMPLOYER RESPONSE TO PENSION TRENDSNew Analysis Shows Largest U.S. Companies Continued Shift to 401(k) Plans in 2005
Watson WyattWorldwide is warning that a new policy announced yesterday by theDepartment of Energy (DOE) undermines government contractors' ability to provide guaranteed retirement benefits to their workers.According to a press release published by DOE on April 27, the agency willno longer reimburse the expenses associated with defined benefit pensioncoverage "for new contractor employees."
AMS BENEFITS LAUNCHES EXCITING FEATURESTO SUITE OF BROKER APPLICATIONSInnovative Enhancements Enable Employers to Compare,Communicate pay and Benefit Packages
Ceridian Adds Roth 401(k) Recordkeeping Services To Its Retirement Plan Administration OfferingsThe new provisions allow 401(k) plan participants to defer a portion of their salary to the plan on an after-tax basis.
Ceridian Web Forum: Understanding Roth 401(k)Retirement savings plans are a popular benefit with employees. A new option, the Roth 401(k) plan gives employees even more flexibility in how they save for their retirement. Understanding the benefits of offering a Roth 401(k) starts with understanding how they differ from both Roth IRAs and traditional 401(k) plans.
Dan Walter has joined Buck Consultants' San Francisco office as Principal in the Compensation practice with a specialty in equity compensation plan design and administration.Walter joins Buck from Smith Barney´s Stock Plan Services group where he was a Senior Vice President and Director.
ADP HONORED WITH PLANSPONSOR MAGAZINE'S "BEST IN CLASS" AWARDSService and operational excellence leads to 15 "Best in Class" Awards
Buck Consultants' Richard Koski to Serve as Delegateto 2006 Saver SummitRichard Koski, a Managing Director at Buck Consultants, was selected to serve as a delegate to the 2006 National Summit on Retirement Savings convened this year onMarch 1-2 in Washington D.C.
Mercer named Benefits Consultant of the YearMercer Human Resource Consulting has been named Benefits Consultant of the Year in the annual Global Pensions Awards for the second consecutive year.
Financial Education and Planning Services unit launches education programs for new retirement savings optionsWhile Ameriprise Retirement Services has long been ready for the Roth option from a retirement plan recordkeeping services perspective, its concern has been making sure plan sponsors are supported and plan participant informed about how to integrate this new alternative into their retirement plan picture.
Thrift Savings Plan L-Fund Analyzer Released For Federal EmployeesReport Focuses on Ameriprise Retirement Services' BluePrint Design(SM)MINNEAPOLIS, November 4, 2005---Ameriprise Retirement Services commissioned noted ERISA attorney, Fred Reish, managing director and partner of Reish Luftman McDaniel & Reicher, to offer his perspective on emerging fiduciary issues in a white paper entitled "The Fiduciary Duty to Administer A Successful Plan: Ameriprise Retirement Services´ BluePrint Design."
AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS BIRTHDAY ADVICE FOR BOOMERS TURNING 59 1/2: DONT CASH IN RETIREMENT SAVINGSAs the leading edge of the nation's 76 million baby boomers turn 59 ½ beginning July 1, they will face a new set of opportunities
401(k) ContributionsAnthony J. Eppert answers questions about tax implications considering new regulations.
Hewitt Study Shows Only Modest Improvement in U.S. Employees' 401(k) Saving and Investing HabitsDespite Employer Education Efforts, Research Shows Slow Progress in Employee Retirement Saving and Investing
U.S. Supreme Court Rules IRA's Protected In BankruptcyOn April 4, 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are protected from creditors in bankruptcy.
Retirement Programs an Increasing Challenge for Financial ExecutivesHewitt Survey Reveals Short-Term Concerns Include Controlling Growth and Volatility of Plan Costs, Increasing Employee Education Efforts
Deloitte's 5th Annual 401(k) Benchmarking Survey Uncovers Tremendous Scrutiny Around Plan InvestmentsFifth Annual 401(k) Benchmarking Survey Also Reveals More Interest in Fee Transparency and Plan Automation
Recently Issued Guidance on the Automatic Rollover of Mandatory Qualified Retirement Plan DistributionsACTION REQUIRED PRIOR TO MARCH 28, 2005 : Â Department of Labor recently issued final "safe harbor" regulations relating to the automatic rollover of certain mandatory distributions from qualified retirement plans that contain a "cash out" feature.
Employer Beware: The Need for Your 401(k) Plan Provider to Follow Department of Labor Rules in a Post-Enron EnvironmentDoes your 401(k) plan provider accept its fiduciary obligation to follow U.S. Department of Labor guidance when serving as "directed trustee" of your plan? Adam B. Cantor discusses issues of liability under ERISA.
Removing Money from Your 401(k) Before RetirementFrom time to time, circumstances may warrant taking money out of your 401(k) account; from Saul Simon.
Reinventing Retirement-As health and life expectancy improve, the concept of retirement-and the impact of an extended retirement on retirement benefits-becomes more challenging.