Mistakes are an important part of the employee learning process, but they definitely represent risk to a financial services practice. How you train and manage your employees, including how you handle their mistakes, improves the return on your human capital investment in them and reduces the risk... READ MORE

The “Affluent Investor Confidence Index” compiled by the Spectrem Group market research and consulting firm dropped 11 points in November, marking its lowest reading in a year and biggest plunge since June 2011.  When poll respondents were asked about which news stories were most affecting their... READ MORE

Speaking before the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, pointed out that sometimes in a crisis we can forget another one that is potentially more dangerous. While we focus on the budget deficit,... READ MORE

Oh, how changes in the market can make people change their minds. For example: When you retire, would you rather have a guaranteed rate of return on your retirement money and a check every month, or a potentially higher return on a lump sum payout subject to the risks of the market? These days, a... READ MORE

IRS auditors have been asking employers to provide evidence that they provided the safe harbor 401(k) notice to participants as required, the folks at Relius Sungard have learned. This evidence would include a copy of the notice. If a plan is unable to provide such evidence, the IRS is requiring... READ MORE

People are strange, and most plan advisors can attest that participants in their plans are no exception. One thing advisors wonder about is why it’s so difficult for people to save money today in order to ensure a better long-term future. Behavioral finance, so popular in helping DC plans create... READ MORE

Though the nation’s political pundits are talking more and more about going over the fiscal cliff as if it's likely, not just possible, it’s important to maintain perspective. With a deadline of Dec. 31, the fact is that plenty of time remains for negotiators to make a deal. In fact, for both sides... READ MORE

Though the prospect of more DB plans in large and mid-sized companies is bleak, estimates indicate that there is as much money in private DB plans as there is in DC plans. Companies with DB plans are trying to limit their exposure by either converting them or not including new employees. But the... READ MORE

A new online service allows financial advisors to gather detailed information about the growing number of career opportunities throughout the industry. The “Career Center,” launched Dec. 3 by InvestmentNews, contains information on hundreds of broker-dealers and custodians, as well as individual... READ MORE

Here are the 10 most-read items on NAPA Net last month, listed Letterman-style:10. What my Nana Taught Me About Social Media 9. Financial Advice Makes a Crucial Difference, TIAA-CREF Finds 8. Creating the Ideal 401(k) Plan, Part 1 7. Will Congress Go After 401(k) Plans? 6. With Election Results... READ MORE

You can never underestimate the irrationality of participants. Assuming that they will act in their best interests – or even act at all – can lead to bad decisions about TDFs. Based on research utilizing their 1.5 million DC participants, JP Morgan is trying to determine how to best design plans... READ MORE

Now that the election is over, we have a good sense of the people who will drive pension and retirement policy and their positions. While no one can really predict what regulators and Congress will do, we do have a pretty good idea of the themes that will drive future action:• Fee disclosure and... READ MORE