Advertisement
John Iekel
By John Iekel | 10/2/2020
Effective Sept. 28, the Department of Labor (DOL) began following the Promoting Regulatory Openness through Good Guidance Rule, a measure that requires that it use guidance appropriately, transparently and in a manner that is accessible to the public.
The rule implements Executive Order 13891, “...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 9/23/2020
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) announced Sept. 21 that it intends to provide new flexibility for variable-rate premium filers.
“This relief will support the Administration’s efforts to continue driving economic recovery and helping those in need,” said PBGC Director Gordon...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 9/23/2020
The ERISA consultants at the Retirement Learning Center Resource regularly receive calls from financial advisors on a broad array of technical topics related to IRAs, qualified retirement plans and other types of retirement savings plans. We bring Case of the Week to you to highlight the most...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 9/17/2020
More than one-third of U.S. households had an IRA in mid-2019, says a recent report that looks at the prevalence and nature of IRA ownership in the United States.
By the middle of 2019, write Sarah Holden and Daniel Schrass in the recently issued Investment Company Institute (ICI) report, The...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 8/27/2020
The deadline to take advantage of certain relief provided by the IRS to plan participants and plan sponsors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is approaching quickly.
The deadline for workplace retirement plan participants, IRA owners or their beneficiaries who received a required...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 8/19/2020
The Aug. 18 proposed rules spell out procedures for rolling over qualified plan loan offset amounts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
The rules set forth regulations relating to amendments made to Internal Revenue Code Section 402(c) by Section 13613 of the TCJA. That provision of the law...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 8/10/2020
A bill pending in the Maine legislature would create a public-private partnership to promote individual retirement savings accounts.
State Senator Eloise Vitelli (D-Sagadahoc) introduced LD 594 on Feb. 5, 2019. The Senate Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services reported the...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 7/28/2020
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced July 28 that it has reached a $40 million settlement with VALIC Financial Advisors (VFA) over failing to disclose payments to promote services to Florida educators.
The SEC had charged VFA, a financial services vendor that is in nearly every...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 7/27/2020
There’s still a lot of 2020 left to go. But 2021 is fast approaching, and a July 22 Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) webcast offered tips on preparing for next year.
In “Year-End Checklist: COVID-19 issues and Preparing for 2021,” three Winston & Strawn LLP attorneys—Ariane Andrade, an...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 7/20/2020
The Centennial State has joined those providing a state-sponsored program for workers whose employers do not offer a retirement plan. Gov. Jared Polis (D) on July 14 signed into law SB20-200, a measure creating the Colorado Secure Savings Program.
The measure amends the Colorado Secure Savings...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 7/15/2020
A recent Plan Sponsor Council of America webinar discussed issues affecting nonqualified plans during the time of COVID-19.
Bruce J. McNeil, Partner, Stoel Rives LLP; E. Matthew Maier, Vice President, Lockton Companies, LLC; and Jason Stephens, Senior Director, Executive Benefits Practice Lead,...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 7/14/2020
Much has been said and written about retirement readiness, and auto features—enrollment and escalation—are widely considered a way to improve it. A recent study has added to the statistics that bolster that view.
Auto features can improve retirement readiness by more than 15 percentage points,...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 6/30/2020
Among the effects of the sudden economic downturn that the pandemic sparked are misgivings about retirement planning and financial prospects for retirement. But a recent report suggests that that sentiment and effect may be easing.
Confidence in the economy has been sliding this year, LIMRA...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 6/29/2020
As plans contemplate changes to safe harbor plans in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS has provided some guidance and relief for certain plans. As plans contemplate changes to safe harbor plans in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS has provided some guidance and relief for...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 6/11/2020
The American Retirement Association has provided the Department of Labor with some comments on dealing with potential issues regarding Pooled Employer Plans and Pooled Plan Providers.
The ARA's June 9 letter to Jeanne Klinefelter Wilson, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 6/9/2020
Legislation now before the Ohio House of Representatives would create a defined benefit plan for employees of private sector employers. It is believed to be the first such state proposal utilizing a DB plan rather than a defined contribution plan.
HB. 645, introduced May 19 by Reps. Stephanie...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 6/8/2020
How about a little good news? A recent analysis that draws on data from two sources offers insights on retirement savings over nearly 30 years and prospects for the future that bode well.
In “Changes to Household Retirement Savings Since 1989,” American Enterprise Institute Resident Scholar Andrew...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 6/5/2020
A recession creates an array of challenges for an employer, including its effects on a retirement plan. A May 28 Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) webinar examined what plan sponsors and participants should consider as the economy recovers.
“Guiding Your Organization's Retirement Plan Through...
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 6/5/2020
Colorado is poised to join the states that have a state-sponsored retirement savings plan for private sector workers—including a mandate for employers with more than five employees that do not offer a retirement plan. The state Senate is considering a bill that would create an IRA-based program....
READ MORE
By John Iekel | 5/29/2020
The California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board has issued a Request for Proposals for program consulting services for CalSavers, the state-sponsored program for employees whose employers do not offer a retirement plan.
The Board is seeking consulting services to help it select a...
READ MORE
Pages
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sign up for The Daily
NAPA's 401(k) Rollover Specialist (k)RS Credential
Recent Comments