Retirement

• Low-income and older workers make 401(k) investing mistakes

  New research shows that 401(k) participants with lower salaries have smaller plan balances, compared to those with higher salaries and those nearing retirement tend to do a poor job on managing their investments.

• Simplify DC rules to level playing field with Group RRSPs

  The rules governing defined contribution plans are unnecessarily complex, and they should be simplified to level the playing field with group registered retirement savings plans, according to a new paper released by the Association of Canadian Pension Management at a recent Ontario Regional seminar.

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• Plan sponsors focus on investment monitoring and decision making

  The Pension Protection Act has changed patterns in savings and reporting, reports Grant Thornton LLP in its 2008 Plan Sponsor Retirement study.

• New regs impact 403(b)s

  As traditional pension plans are increasingly being replaced by defined contribution plans, retirement income plan providers will need to adjust their tactics in order to keep up with the ever-changing retirement landscape.

• Alpha fees for beta performance

  Just as the dust is starting to settle over 401(k) fee scrutiny, new research shows performance fees paid by pension funds worldwide are up 50% compared to five years ago, reports Watson Wyatt.

• Featured Podcast: "Five Minutes With..." Ian Sheridan of MassMutual

  Today's podcast stars Ian Sheridan of MassMutual, who chats about the PBS special "Retirement Revolution" on ebn.podhoster.com. (Brought to you by MemberHealth, Experts in Retiree Group Health Care Plans and a Universal American Company)

• Phased retirement

  Following the announcement in the March 13, 2008 provincial budget, the Québec government has introduced legislation to incorporate new phased retirement provisions into its pension plans act. This issue of Buck Consulting's Extra comments on the changes proosed.

• Out of Stock? PPA ups the ante on educating workers about 401(k) assets in company stock

  Some employers are taking a hard look at whether to offer company stock as a 401(k) investment option. While removing company stock as an investment option would be a very drastic and aggressive move for employers, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires plan administrators to inform participants of their new right to sell company stock in their accounts and reinvest the proceeds into other investments.

• QDIAs pose more questions than answers to employers

  Employers genuinely are confused about what to do regarding qualified default investment alternatives, and brokers confirm they have good reason to be baffled.

• Trust is an essential, but sometimes missing, element in retirement plans

  Successful relationships are built on trust. So are successful 401(k)s and 403(b)s.

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• EBN Industry inBrief – 5/15/08

  Slow economy hits younger boomers hard

  Nearly 25% of middle-aged workers (ages 45-64) prematurely withdrew funds from their 401(k), individual retirement account or other investments due to the current economic downtown, according to a survey by AARP.

• Low-income and older workers make 401(k) investing mistakes

  New research shows that 401(k) participants with lower salaries have smaller plan balances, compared to those with higher salaries and those nearing retirement tend to do a poor job on managing their investments.

• EBN Industry inBrief – 5/08/08

  DOL online program helps employers with notice requirements The Department of Labor recently launched a Web-based program that helps employers determine which of the department's recordkeeping, reporting and notice requirements apply to them.

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• Georgia introduces HSA tax breaks

• Communicating the value of benefits helps offset anxiety of tough economic times

• EBN Industry inBrief – 5/15/08

• Going green is good business

• Dependant audits elicit growls from protective mama bear