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.
Watson Wyatt Worldwide Acquires Davis, Conder, Enderle & SloanAll seven DCE&S principals, including three of the firm´s four founders
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOUNDATION (PWDF) ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF 2006 EDITION DVD AND VHS EDITION OF TRAINING VIDEOBalanced material providing education and support for employees with psychiatric disabilities and for employers
New Survey Finds Electronic Age Brings Results, Risks Electronic technology, including widespread computer availability and online communicationNearly three out of four organizations responded that electronic communication practices have improved administrative efficiency, and over half report reduced costs and enhanced employee satisfaction.
Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) today released the findings of the The New Retirement Mindscape(SM)"Up until now, no one has so thoroughly investigated the mindscape of retirement," said Ken Dychtwald, CEO of Age Wave.
Ameriprise Financial Goes Beyond the Numbers to Map the Emotional Stages of Retirement"Up until now, no one has so thoroughly investigated the mindscape of retirement," said Ken Dychtwald, CEO of Age Wave. "Baby boomers, who are starting to turn 60 this year, are probably well aware of the financial challenges that lay ahead, but few may realize what they will experience emotionally. Incredibly, we have discovered that retirement is a complex process made up of distinct emotional stages, similar to other well-known life transitions, such as pregnancy or grieving and loss."
President George W. Bush joked with Wendy's employees that empowered health care consumers will choose more salads than triple-patty hamburgers"We applaud President Bush and his commitment to greater consumer health care empowerment," said Gregg Lehman,PhD, CEO of Gordian Health Solutions, a national population health management company.
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.
Desjardins Financial Security Hoists the Sails and Launches The Enrolment at Home Multimedia ItineraryEnrolment at Home has the flexibility to anchor employers' group retirement savings programs and gives employees the opportunity to learn about their benefit program and the freedom to enrol at their convenience - from any location.
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.
LifeCare ® Reaches Milestone: More Than a Half-Million Lives Covered by Innovative Successful AgingSM ServicesUnique suite of services helps individuals resolve full rage of mid-life and
aging-related issues -- caregiving, leading healthier lives, personal coaching, legal
and financial matters, pre- and post retirement planning, and much more
Organizations benefit from improved relationships with middle-aged and
senior customers, members, employees and other key audiences
Business leaders, human resources professionals, and the media can get valuable insights on putting health care consumerism into action by attending complimentary executive briefings hosted by Buck Consultants.Seminars are taking place in Boston, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Atlanta beginning Tuesday, March 28, 2006. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, visithttp://www.buckregister.com/lth
Hewitt Associates Opens HR Outsourcing Center in PolandNew Center Extends Company´s Global HR BPO Capabilities
AMS BENEFITS LAUNCHES EXCITING FEATURESTO SUITE OF BROKER APPLICATIONSInnovative Enhancements Enable Employers to Compare,Communicate pay and Benefit Packages
Peter Weinberg has joined Buck Consultants' Chicago office as a Principal in the HR Management consulting practiceWeinberg has an international background, having worked in South Africa, the UK, Ireland, and the U.S. He has both corporate and consulting experience, having held CEO, CFO, and COO roles with publicly traded companies before entering the consulting arena ten years ago. Weinberg most recently served with Towers Perrin as Senior Technology Practitioner of its HR Delivery Solutions practice in the central region. His expertise includes global HR and systems strategy, HR transformation, change management, business process re-engineering, HR service delivery, and vendor analysis.
Fidelity Investments Receives HROA Large Market Customer Relationship Of The Year AwardCompany Recognized for HR Outsourcing Partnership with Bank of America
Fidelity Investments Stock Plan Services Group Receives "Unqualified" SAS 70 Type II Report For Third Consecutive YearInternationally Recognized Auditing Standard Reaffirms Effectivenessof Fidelity's Equity Compensation Recordkeeping Systems
A Friend In Every CityThe Future of work success for many in the future lies in their ability to network. In His new book network guru Thomas Power opens the door for everyone to enter informed into this burgeoning new employment environment.
Principal Financial Group Health Savings Accounts Introduced to Third Party MarketExpanded sales force to focus on insurers, third party administrators and investment firms
Buck Consultants announced today that it has been selected by FormTech Industries LLC to provide an array of employee benefit services.Buck Consultants to Provide Employee Benefit Services for FormTech Industries
Letter Debunks MisPERCEPTIONs ABOUT PENSION BILL"The Pension Reform Legislation Will Significantly Increase Employer
Costs," Engler Says
Principal Financial Group Launches New Universal Life ProductUniversal Life Protector III offers lower cost and greater flexibility.
Your 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.
Buck Consultants Survey Finds Successful HRO Anticipates New Role of Retained HR StaffBuck Consultants, an ACS company and one of the world´s leading human resource and benefits consulting firms, announced today the results of a national survey of U.S. organizations.
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
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
MetLife Helps Consumers Create Their Own 'Personal Safety Net'... For the "Ifs" In LifeMetLife today launched a new national brand advertising campaign to help consumers create a guaranteed "personal safety net" and take control of their financial future.
Most Now Relying on Medicare Subsidies to Offset CostsDespite widespread use of the Medicare federalsubsidy, a vast majority of employers are planning to curtail their retireemedical plans for current and future retirees in the next five years,according to a new study by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a global human capitalconsulting firm.
Buck 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.
HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL PUBLISHING FORMALIZES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONSNew Government Solutions Address Government Human Capital Challenges
New CCH Pension Reform Book Provides Timely, Complete Coverage of Pension, Tax ChangesCCH announced today it will offer a new book, the CCH Law, Explanation and Analysis of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, providing valuable information, insight and analysis on the massive new law.
Kristy Arciszewski has joined the St. Louis office of Buck Consultants as a Director in the Health and Welfare consulting practice.Arciszewski joins Buck from United Healthcare of the Midwest, where she served as Strategic Account Executive.
Robert Besancenez has joined the St. Louis office of Buck Consultants as a Director in the Health and Welfare Practice.Besancenez joins Buck from Huntleigh McGehee, a regional brokerage firm, where he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Analyst. Prior to that, he was a Senior Consultant with Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
Nurse Anesthetists Seek Flexibility, Financial Rewards: Recruiting Firm Survey Shows Most CRNAs Would Repeat Career ChoiceCRNAs (certified registered nurse anesthetists) enjoy flexibility and generous compensation, according to survey results released today by recruiting firm LocumTenens.com. Seventy-one percent (71%) of the 417 full- and part-time CRNAs responding to the recruiting firm's recent on-line questionnaire said they have worked as a locum tenens (temporary) anesthesia provider, while another 28% said they would consider it. Based on its 2006 survey, LocumTenens.com pegs the average annual U.S. nurse anesthetist salary at $164,172, a 10% increase over the 2005 average of $149,147.
Principal Financial Group Encourages Americans to Seek Financial Security this SeptemberThird-annual Life Insurance Awareness Month Recognized
The Principal Financial Group Waives Health Savings Account FeesEncouraging new participation, consumer driven health care is now more affordable
The Principal Financial Group Introduces Principal Trust CompanyNew Trade Name Replaces Trustar Retirement Services
Save the Date: September 8 is National 401(k) DayThe Principal Reminds Employers to Help Workers Save For Their Future
Wil Gaitan has been named Buck Consultants´ Regional Manager for Latin America.In this role, Gaitan is responsible for managing the firm's business in that geographical region and deepening relationships with affiliates.
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
The Prudential Forum Sparks Innovation in the Relocation IndustryMore than 550 relocation industry specialists from around the world gathered recently at Pointe South Mountain Resort in Phoenix, Ariz., for The Prudential Forum, a three-day networking event hosted by Prudential Relocation, a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE: PRU] business.
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.
The Todd Organization AnnouncesMike Curran Joins Board of DirectorsFounder and Retired CEO of Executive Benefit Services, Inc. Brings VastExpertise and Vision to Leading Nationwide Specialty Firm
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.
Lincoln Financial Group Creates Employer Markets DivisionKey distribution leadership in place; focused on segment synergies.
- 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 optMassMutual 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)
Employers Underestimate Possible Retention Risk Relating to Health,More than half of U.S. workers are worriedtheir health care benefit costs will increase and the scope of theirbenefits will decrease over the next few years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Principal Financial Group Unveils New Tools to Help Navigate Pension Protection Act New Guides and Web Site for Financial Professionals and Plan Sponsors
HUNDHAUSEN JOINS THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS CENTERThe Principal Financial Groupâ announces Natalie Hundhausen has joined its South Florida Business Center. Hundhausen will serve as Regional Field Recruiter, helping find and enlist the area’s best and brightest financial professionals.
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.
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.
Employers Report Difficulty Attracting, Retaining Critical-Skill EmployeesDISCONNECT BETWEEN EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEESTHREATENS LOSS OF KEY WORKERS, WATSON WYATT FINDS
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
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.
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
HRPAO survey finds companies support the end of mandatory retirementNew law to take effect December 12, 2006 in Ontario
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.
Executive Summary:Graying of SocietyRising life expectancies and low fertility rates are combining to create a lopsided population that will impact the world economically, politically and socially in the years ahead.
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: Compensation TrendsWith salary budgets forecast to remain slim for 2006, employers can expect to continue facing the dilemma of stretching compensation dollars to both attract talent and effectively reward top performers.
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.
Tom Shjerven Selected as 2007 President for International Society of Certified Employee Benefits ValueOptions announced that Tom Shjerven, its Vice President of Commercial Sales, has been appointed to serve as President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) for 2007.
WATSON WYATT TO ACQUIRE LONG-TIME PARTNER IN THE NETHERLANDSWatson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm, announced today the intention to acquire its alliance partner in the Netherlands, Watson Wyatt Brans & Co. A definitive agreement is expected to be signed in the first quarter of 2007.
Kronos(R) to present at Needham & Company Ninth Annual Growth ConferenceKronos(R) Incorporated (Nasdaq: KRON) today announced that President Paul Lacy and Chief Financial Officer Mark Julien will present at the Needham & Company Ninth Annual Growth Conference, being held Jan. 9-12 in New York.
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
Mercer's 2007 Guide to Social Security and Medicare now available35th edition provides simple explanations with easy-reference tables
Richard Lemieux has joined Buck Consultants' Secaucus, New Jersey office as Director in its Global CLemieux joins Buck from PricewaterhouseCoopers in France.
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.
Watson Wyatt Worldwide is urging Congress to prevent the (DOE) from resurrecting a policy Watson Wyatt Worldwide is urging Congress to
prevent the Department of Energy (DOE) from resurrecting a policy that
undermines government contractors’ ability to provide guaranteed retirement
benefits to their workers and conflicts with long-standing public policy
supporting employer-sponsored pension plans
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
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
Principal Financial Group Offers Added Protection For CustomersGroup term life customers have free access to will preparation and identity theft resources
Confusing Technology Hampering Efforts to Change Employee Behavior, Watson Wyatt Says“Google Effect” Also in Play
METLIFE INTRODUCES FULL SERVICE DENTAL BENEFITS PLAN FOR RETIREE MARKET Allowing employers to enrich their retiree benefits packages with minimal administrative effort and no additional benefit expense
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.
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).
ASPPA and DOL Jointly Host Employee Benefits Conference The American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) and the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) will jointly host “DOL Speaks: The 2007 Employee Benefits Conference,” on May 24-25 in Washington, D.C. at the Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. U.S. Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao, will be featured as the luncheon speaker on Thursday, May 24.
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.
New Blog to Define Healthy Performance StrategiesHPI Advisors, LLC Invites Commentary on Options to Inspire Healthier Living and Peak Performance to Improve Personal and Corporate Gains
MAJOR EMPLOYERS INTRODUCE PLATFORM FOR NEW OPTION FOR HEALTH AND RETIREMENT SECURITYIndustry Committee (ERIC) opens discussion of New Benefit Platform For Life Security; Press conference at National Press Club, Washington, June 13, 2007, Murrow Room, 2:00PM EST- Call-In Lines Available: Contact Brain Ruberry- AllHealth; 301-948-1709 (br@allhealthpr.com) or Jayne Young, Health2 Resources, 703-319-0956 (jyoung@health2resources.com) to reserve a space; obtain a copy of the report "A New Benefit Platform for Life Security" or to schedule a pre-event interview with the report sponsors.
Retiring Baby Boomers Creating Workforce Talent ShortageSurvey by Buck Consultants, WorldatWork, and Corporate Voices Finds "Brain Drain" Effect Varies by Industry
MassMutual Retirement Services Appoints Paul Steven Henry Vice President, Product DevelopmentMassMutual Retirement Services
has appointed Paul Steven Henry to the position of vice president, product
development, effective June 4. Mr. Henry has more than 25 years of experience
in the financial services industry, including 15 years in retirement services
strategy, marketing and product development. He reports to Ian Sheridan, vice
president and head of the marketing and product development organization for
MassMutual's Retirement Services Division.
COMPANIES SEEK MORE CONSISTENCY IN GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, WATSON WYATT FINDS Regulatory Differences Pose Challenges to Broader Pension Governance
Cammack LaRhette Consulting Sponsors Learning Series Aimed at 403(b) Plan Sponsors Cammack LaRhette Consulting is launching its 403(b) Learning Series to help Plan Sponsors better understand their responsibilities and better manage their retirement plans in a time when 403(b) plans are under pressure from government regulation, media attention and legal challenges.
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
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.
Thinking 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.
Health & Wellness MainPension Plan Freezes Slowing, Watson Wyatt Finds Most Firms Committed to Keeping PlansThe rate of pension plan freezes among FORTUNE
1000 firms has slowed, and the majority of companies with defined benefit
plans are committed to keeping them. These are the findings of two new
studies by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading global consulting firm.
Agreement Provides Services for 15,000 Pension Plan MembersExcellerateHRO Signs Contract Extension with TOTAL in the UK for Benefits Administration Outsourcing
Martin Schmidt has joined Buck Consultants as Director in its Chicago office. Schmidt joins Buck from MAS Advisors. His expertise includes defined contribution plan design, vendor selection and management, plan implementation and administration, M&A issues, and product development. In addition to 401(k) plans, Martin has consulted in the 403(b) and 457 plan markets.
HOLDING BACK THE ‘GOLDEN’ YEARS New Survey Indicates Majority Plan to Postpone Retirement For many workers, retirement won’t mean an end to their careers. Only one in three workers (34 percent) polled said they plan to quit work entirely once they’re ready to retire from full-time employment, according to a just-released survey.
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.
MassMutual Will Introduce Fiduciary Warranty to the Defined Contribution Market in Fourth QuarterWarranty Will Apply to Group Annuity and Registered Products in MassMutual's Smart Architecture(SM) Investment Program