Some people argue against any kind of hardship withdrawal or loan from a retirement plan, but few would argue about the special circumstances surrounding the consequences of Hurricane Sandy. Accordingly, the IRS announced on Nov. 16 that participants in a qualified plan may make hardship... READ MORE

A survey by TIAA-CREF shows that people receiving individualized financial advice (compared with general guidance) are more likely to act — yet many people find it hard to get that advice or think it's too expensive. Results varied by age group, gender and other factors. Those who did get advice... READ MORE

CPI recently launched a new product called ClearDirection, which builds on a history of open architecture and leverages the resources and technology of its parent company, CUNA Mutual Group. At an Executive Roundtable in Madison, WI which included the heads of 10 of the top DC-focused broker... READ MORE

With the election results heralding four more years for EBSA head Phyllis Borzi, the long-pending fiduciary regulations are likely to be the agency’s first order of business, as we reported recently.Speaking at a CPI Broker Dealer Executive Roundtable, Brad Campbell of Drinker Biddle — who was... READ MORE

With the prospect of comprehensive tax reform legislation looming, key ASPPA and NAPA members are leading an advocacy effort on behalf of plan sponsors and plan participants. The goal: to talk to key members of Congress about the way Americans save for retirement, and educate them about the... READ MORE

A new year is fast approaching, which for many advisors means it’s time to give some thought to their marketing plans. Creating — or reviewing — a marketing strategy provides an excellent opportunity for you to define and launch initiatives to capture a greater share of the retirement plan business... READ MORE

With Democrats now controlling the New Hampshire legislature, the Granite State’s move toward DC plans and away from DB plans for new government workers seems to be dead. States and local government entities around the country have been very active in this arena, with many moving to DC plans for... READ MORE

By John CarlThe ERISA consultants at the Columbia Management Retirement Learning Center Resource Desk regularly receive calls from financial advisors on a broad array of technical topics related to IRAs and qualified retirement plans. A recent call with an independent advisor in Colorado is... READ MORE

One of the more controversial regulations proposed by the DOL under President Obama was their plan to broaden the definition of fiduciary to include more financial advisors. According to a BNA report, a proposed rule has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for clearance and should... READ MORE

By Marcus Chandler As advisors scramble to close new business by the end of the year, it only serves as a reminder that the 2013 selling season is right around the corner. If your practice isn’t on track to accomplish its new business development goals for 2012, then you’re going to need to make... READ MORE

Growth in target date funds is expected to increase 21% between the end of 2011 and 2016, according to a study conducted by BrightScope with Fuse Research Network. The study is part of a series of research reports examining the DC market. Market share in DC plans should increase from 76% in 2011 to... READ MORE

When I am not traveling for work, mornings find me walking my dog, Aboo. We hike up to Mount Tabor Park in Portland, OR, an amazing urban landscape of huge trees and quiet trails. Near one of the park entrances, a rock wall is being installed. The landscape crew, now about halfway through the... READ MORE