BPP401k.com Newsletter Benefit Plans Plus 11 19 08

BPP401k.com Newsletter
November 19, 2008

News Highlights

Plan Participants Delay Retirement Retirement plan participants appear to be responding to the current economic and financial crisis by delaying retirement, saving less and re-aligning their retirement investments.

Some Firms Suspend Their 401k Match As the economy worsens, a growing number of small businesses are suspending their 401k match, and, in some instances, closing the retirement plans altogether.

VIDEO: IRS Presentation on 403(b) Final Regulations NAGDCA has posted a series of video presentations by the IRS dealing with the 403(b) final regulations. It is a 10 part series.

The Racial Retirement Gap A recent survey found that black employees tend to contribute far less to their retirement plans than whites. While increasing educational efforts may help, it's not the total answer. Experts say that addressing this disparity will be anything but simple.

ROBS–Rollovers as Business Startups The IRS has issued guidance to its field agents on a new qualified plan design being marketed as a means to allow business owners to tap into retirement benefits for startup cost without paying applicable distribution taxes.

Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning - Summary: This is an online version of "Taking The Mystery Out Of Retirement Planning" which includes interactive worksheets that you complete as you read each chapter. Located at: Department of Labor. Click on headline for full article.

Confusion Can Lead to Increased Investments in Stocks - Summary: For employees not well-versed in investment strategy, the decisions can be daunting. According to a new research study at the Rutgers School of Business, many employees will simply choose a heavier investment in stocks when confronted with too many options. Located at: Rutgers. Click on headline for full article.

Financial Finesse Helpline Trend Analysis - Summary: Financial Finesse sees a strong trend towards employees proactively managing their money in an effort to reduce expenses and pay down debt. According to the report, this might not bode well for the economy over the short term, it is a positive sign for the long term because it will ultimately lead to greater wealth creation. Located at: Financial Finesse (PDF File). Click on headline for full article.

The Racial Retirement Gap - Summary: A recent survey found that black employees tend to contribute far less to their retirement plans than whites. While increasing educational efforts may help, it's not the total answer. Experts say that addressing this disparity will be anything but simple. Located at: HREonline.com. Click on headline for full article.

Plan Participants Delay Retirement - Summary: Retirement plan participants appear to be responding to the current economic and financial crisis by delaying retirement, saving less and re-aligning their retirement investments. Located at: CCH. Click on headline for full article.

Putting Target-Date Retirement Funds to Work - Summary: Over the last few years, financial firms have developed mutual funds aimed at retirement savers who want to put their plans on autopilot and the simplicity of this approach has broad appeal. Located at: Reuters. Click on headline for full article.

Some Firms Suspend Their 401k Match - Summary: As the economy worsens, a growing number of small businesses are suspending their 401k match, and, in some instances, closing the retirement plans altogether. Located at: Wall Street Journal Online. Click on headline for full article.

With Democratic Win, What Happens Now With Retirement Plans - Summary: The next few years in employee benefits will be shaped by a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress. President-elect Barack Obama benefits proposals are outlined in this article. Located at: CCH. Click on headline for full article.

Mutual Fund Company Exempt from 'Party in Interest' Liability - Summary: The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled that a mutual fund company that engaged in a fee agreement with its investment adviser is not a "par

VIDEO: IRS Presentation on 403(b) Final Regulations - Summary: NAGDCA has posted a series of video presentations by the IRS dealing with the 403(b) final regulations. It is a 10 part series. Located at: YouTube. Click on headline for full article.

Discover How DOL Advice Initiatives Affect You - Summary: The Department of Labor recently published guidance regarding the provision of invest. advice to retirement plan and IRA participants. Find out what these proposed regulations mean to you and your participants. Located at: Vanguard (PDF File). Click on headline for full article.

ROBS–Rollovers as Business Startups - Summary: The IRS has issued guidance to its field agents on a new qualified plan design being marketed as a means to allow business owners to tap into retirement benefits for startup cost without paying applicable distribution taxes. Located at: Benefitsforward.com. Click on headline for full article.

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