The Department of Labor and Securities and Exchange Commission will hold on June 18, 2009 a joint one-day hearing regarding issues surrounding target-date funds.

According to a press release from the agencies, the hearing will “examine the need for additional guidance given the importance of these investments to the retirement savings of investors." By “importance,” they mean the large number of participants with savings in these funds. (Last year, 53% of 401(k) plans use target-dates as the default option.)

The hearing will cover topics like “portfolio composition, risk, and disclosure,” according to DOL’s Web site. Not very specific, is it? That's why the second don't-miss date is June 10 -- the day the agencies say they’ll release the hearing agenda.

The last date to mark is June 5. That's the deadline for written requests to testify at the hearing. Make your voice heard! Send requests to e-ORI@dol.gov, or to Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D. C. 20210.