Avoiding Retirement Plan Operational Errors
Understanding the plan document, establishing a plan administrative policy, having good service providers and doing regular checks can help plan...
Tag: plan sponsor education
Active vs. Passive Investing: Understanding the Difference
Knowing how each type of investing works, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, can help retirement plan sponsors construct...
The Value of Having a Retirement Plan Committee Charter
While not required by ERISA, attorneys say a committee charter is a best practice that can help a plan run...
Establishing a Retirement Plan Committee
Why plan sponsors need a committee, what committees do and who to appoint to a committee.
The Basics of Terminating a DC Plan
From updating the plan with statutory amendments to filing the final Form 5500, there are many details to attend to...
Rules for Retaining Benefit Plan Records
Electronic filing is popular, but benefit plan sponsors need to know the rules about what documents can be stored digitally...
The Difference Between Fee-Based and Fee-Only Advisers
It’s important to know how advisers get paid, as well as whether those sources of income could cause a problem...
Advisers Can Spearhead Retirement Plan Committee Setup and Training
Plan sponsors can trust advisers to help with committee decisions and training and expect input from ERISA attorneys.
Important Considerations for the RFP Process
When conducting a service provider request for proposals (RFP), being specific can help ensure plan and participant needs are met,...
Frozen DB Plans Still Require Much Attention
There is nearly as much work to do when a DB plan is frozen as when it’s open, and ignoring...
Get Beneficiary Designation and Missing Participant Practices in Order
The pandemic has highlighted the need for plan sponsors to actively encourage revised beneficiary designations and have missing participant procedures...
Talking Points to Help Participants Navigate Market Volatility
Certain concepts should be communicated clearly to retirement plan participants so they don’t make decisions that may hurt their retirement...
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...
Remembering the Basics of Fiduciary Duties
What ERISA retirement plan sponsors should know about their responsibilities as they make plan decisions or even outsource decisions to...
Steps for Creating an Effective IPS
While not required, a road map for investment selection and monitoring is a best practice, and sources now say the...
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.
Components of Annuity Pricing
The costs of annuities depends on the type and the amount of flexibility.
Performing an Effective Benchmarking of Plan Advisers
An analysis of advisers’ skills and services helps in finding those with higher skill sets, and those who offer much...
Rollover Rules Between Different Plan Types
Retirement plan sponsors need to understand IRS rules for rollovers and what they should consider before accepting one.
What to Know About Financial Audits Filed with Form 5500s
Plan sponsors required to file a financial audit along with their Form 5500 should know how regulators use the information...