401(k) Plans Archives - Word on Benefits

SECURE 2.0 Act: What’s Coming in 2025?

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

19 Nov 202419 Nov 2024

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0) encompasses several changes affecting retirement plans that go into effect over the next few years. SECURE 2.0 aims to make it easier for employers to offer retirement plans and help employees plan for the […]

401(k) Plans Employee Benefits SECURE 2.0 U.S.

IRS Guidance on Qualified Student Loan Payment (QSLP) Match Programs

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

11 Sep 202423 Sep 2024

Section 110 of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 allows employers to make matching contributions toward employees’ qualified student loan payments (QSLPs) to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans and governmental 457(b) plans (and SIMPLE IRAs plans not summarized in this blog). Internal Revenue […]

401(k) Plans Employee Benefits Retirement U.S.

Top Reasons for 401(k) Loans

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

04 Sep 202404 Sep 2024

Many 401(k) plans allow participants to take out loans from their individual 401(k) account. According to Employee Benefits Survey: 2024 Survey Report, 81% of corporate employer plans offered a 401(k) loan provision. While loan options provide flexibility for those tentative to contribute […]

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Employee Retirement Security Awareness

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

28 Aug 202428 Aug 2024

Retirement is a milestone for employees that requires careful planning. Unfortunately, many employees have fallen behind in their retirement savings goals, leading to feelings of insecurity about retirement and an increase in stress and anxiety impacting their engagement, morale and productivity. Even […]

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The Multiemployer Retirement Plan Landscape: DC Takeaways

Justin Held, CEBS

01 Aug 202401 Aug 2024

According to The Multiemployer Retirement Plan Landscape: A 15-Year Look (2006-2020), the average defined contribution (DC) plan account balance increased from $23,400 at the end of 2006 to $54,100 at the end of 2020, while aggregate disbursements also grew. The increase in […]

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Understanding ERISA Liability in the Context of Pharmacy Benefits

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

17 Jul 202417 Jul 2024

Fiduciary responsibility has always been a concern for retirement plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The language on the Department of Labor (DOL) Fiduciary Responsibilities webpage explains, “The primary responsibility of fiduciaries is to run the […]

401(k) Plans Compliance DOL Employee Benefits ERISA Retirement SECURE 2.0 U.S.

Three DOL Developments for Retirement Plan Sponsors

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

09 Jul 202409 Jul 2024

So far in 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) has released proposals for plan administrators to populate a missing participant database and automatic portability of retirement plan accruals when employees change jobs. The DOL also finalized a retirement security rule package and […]

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The DOL Retirement Security Final Rule: Highlights for Plan Sponsors

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

20 Jun 202420 Jun 2024

On April 25, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) published the retirement security final rule defining fiduciary status for investment advice to retirement investors under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). It is set to […]

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Educating DC Plan Participants for the Long Hike to Retirement

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

16 Apr 202416 Apr 2024

Many years ago, I visited Grand Canyon National Park with my mom and aunt. It was unseasonably hot, but I wanted to walk down into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. My companions were not up for the hike, so I […]

401(k) Plans Employee Benefits Financial Education Financial Education (U.S.) Regulatory Retirement SECURE 2.0 U.S.

Matching Contributions for Qualified Student Loan Payments Under SECURE Act 2.0

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

31 Aug 202331 Aug 2023

With the federal student loan debt relief plan ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, more employers are expected to consider offering student loan repayment benefits (covered in Part 1) or retirement plan matching under the SECURE Act 2.0 of 2022. The optional […]