Newsletter for November 7, 2016
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Now is a Good Time to Review Your 401k Plan Fees
The 401k Averages Book is the most recognized source for comparative, non-biased 401k average cost information. Use the 401k Averages Book to better understand the investment, recordkeeping, and revenue sharing expenses for all size 401k plans. It is designed to provide professionals with essential fee information to help their clients determine if their plan costs are above or below average. All 401k fee charts and tables are updated for 2016. Click here for more information.
In This Issue
Insight: Studies, Research and White Papers
The Five Most Trusted Investment Managers in 401k Industry
Abstract: Above all else, trustworthiness is a must-have ingredient for brand consideration in the defined contribution industry and a Cogent Report says American Funds, Fidelity, Vanguard, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton Investment are the most trusted DC investment managers.
Source: 401kspecialistmag.com
Retirement Distribution Decisions Among DC Participants
Abstract: The overwhelming majority of retirement-age DC plan participants continue to move their assets out of their employer's plan with most of them opting for an IRA rollover account. This 16-page paper explores the impact of retirement distribution decisions on target-date fund design and retirement income programs.
Source: Vanguard.com
Managed Accounts in Defined Contribution Plans
Abstract: As there is generally a lack of familiarly with managed account services compared to the other types of multi-asset class products, this paper seeks to shed light on them. The paper focuses on areas in which they may be considered for a defined contribution plan and considerations when selecting a provider.
Source: Manning-Napier.com
»» Click here for more Studies, Research and White Papers
General Items
Infographic: The Best "Order" to Save for Retirement
Abstract: This infographic outlines the order in which you should contribute dollars in order to maximize your tax-free and tax-deferred retirement savings.
Source: Retirementplanblog.com
How the Saver's Tax Credit Can Boost Your Retirement Savings
Abstract: The federal government encourages low-income earners to save for retirement through a tax credit called the Saver's Credit. It is a tax credit for individuals who make under $30,750 or married couples who make under $61,500 a year. But only 25% of those eligible for the Saver's Credit based on their income take advantage of the credit. This is a good 2-page overview.
Source: Constantcontact.com
Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material
The Benefits of Enacting a Plan Sponsor Philosophy
Abstract: Overwhelmed by a lengthy to-do list, including the perpetual need to meet many ERISA regulatory obligations, plan fiduciaries often lose sight of the foundation for sponsoring a retirement plan: its purpose. Enacting a Plan Sponsor Philosophy is an effective way for committee members to remind themselves of this basic goal.
Source: Porteval.com
What Do 401k Plan Fiduciaries Need to Know About Revenue Sharing?
Abstract: ERISA does not prohibit retirement plan revenue sharing or even the retention of revenue sharing payments by retirement plan service providers. So, what's the concern? What do 401k plan fiduciaries need to know about revenue sharing? Here are some answers.
Source: Klgates.com
»» Click here for more Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material
Legislative and Washington DC
Bill Could Add "PEP" to 401k Multiple Employer Plans
Abstract: Regulatory roadblocks that have stymied employers from partnering in a single multiple employer 401k plan could be lifted under a bill that just might have enough bipartisan support to become law: The Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act.
Source: Shrm.org
»» Click here for more Legislative and Washington Material
Court and Other Legal Issues
A Potential Impact of the 403(b) University Lawsuits on 401k Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts
Abstract: 403(b) plans, with their wide variety of investments which are subject only to the control of the participants, are essentially structured in the same manner as SBDAs in 401k plans. Should the plaintiffs succeed in their claims that it was imprudent to permit employees the ability to invest in a wide range of securities without fiduciary oversight, it may well be the death knell of SBDAs.
Source: Businessofbenefits.com
»» Click here for more Court and Other Legal Issues
DOL's Fiduciary Rule
Did DOL Fiduciary Rule FAQ Just Fire Warning Shot at Target-Date Fund/Index Fund Fees?
Abstract: Did the DOL just fire a warning shot to those charging adviser fees on top of target-date funds and index funds? A close reading of its just released "Conflict of Interest Exemptions FAQs," the DOL may be suggesting advisers may be overcharging for popular "set-it-and-forget-it" retirement investments.
Source: Fiduciarynews.com (registration may be required)
Fiduciary Rule FAQs Challenge Back-End Recruitment Bonuses
Abstract: Financial services firms with active recruiting programs should consider immediately how the DOL's FAQs affect their compensation packages with respect to back-end recruitment awards.
Source: Morganlewis.com
»» Click here for more on the DOL's Fiduciary Rule
Compliance and Regulatory
DOL Releases Advance Copies of 2016 Form 5500
Abstract: Advance informational copies of the 2016 Form 5500 annual return/report and related instructions were released. The "Changes to Note" section of the 2016 instructions highlight important modifications to the Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF and their schedules and instructions.
Source: 401khelpcenter.com
Upcoming Compliance Deadlines and End of Year Planning
Abstract: This is a non-exhaustive list of quickly approaching employee benefits deadlines for retirement plans and health and welfare plans in the fall of 2016 and early 2017.
Source: Hollandhart.com
Have a Safe Harbor 401k Plan? Annual Notice Deadline Approaches
Abstract: Plan sponsors of safe harbor 401k plans have many deadlines to keep in mind, one of those being the distribution of the safe harbor notice prior to the beginning of each plan year. The notice must be provided to eligible employees no later than 30 to 90 days prior to the start of the plan year. For calendar year plans, the December 1st deadline for providing the notice is fast approaching.
Source: Icemiller.com
Is Your Plan Auditor Making the Grade? Five Ways to Get a Better Audit
Abstract: The bulk of 5500 filings and related audits are over. Now, when the experience is fresh in your mind, is the best time to evaluate whether your audit was up to snuff, because the consequences of having a bad auditor are about to go up.
Source: Cohenbuckmann.com
How to Navigate Compensation Options in 401k Plans
Abstract: Plan sponsors may want to revisit how their plan documents define "compensation" and how that definition (or definitions) affects employee participation and savings rates.
Source: Shrm.org
»» Click here for more Compliance and Regulatory Material
Marketplace News
CBIZ Acquires California-Based ACI
PSCA's 2017 Signature Awards Nominations Open
Hancock Introduces New Financial Wellness Tool
Firms Partner to Provide Retirement Plans to Freelancers
Strategic Insight Acquires BrightScope
»» Click here for More Marketplace News
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