Exploring current ERISA and DOL areas of interest In a significant move by the Department of Labor (DOL), new regulations are being rolled out that may impact your ERISA compliance and retirement plan administration. Learn how these changes could influence your retirement plan, discover Washington's initiatives, and prepare your company effectively. Retirement Security Rule expands fiduciary definition Effective September 23, 2024, a new DOL regulation, the “Retirement Security Rule,” redefines when a person is a fiduciary under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. This rule replaces the DOL’s five-part test that has been in place since 1975. The new fiduciary…

Discover top strategies for maintaining organized 401(k) fiduciary files with best practices for compliance and peace of mind. As a plan sponsor, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring that your company's retirement plan operates smoothly and within the boundaries of compliance regulations. This is no small feat, especially when dealing with the complexities of a 401(k) plan. One of the ways to help enable hassle-free management is by maintaining neat and tidy records. This article will provide you with some practical tips and best practices on how to organize and document your fiduciary files. Why Is Retirement Plan Documentation…

For business owners, striking a balance between operating costs and profit is the cornerstone of success. Operating costs include everyday expenses like salaries, rent and supplies. Profit, on the other hand, is what remains after all these operating costs have been paid. It's the reward for the risks taken and the value created by your business. Often, savvy business owners will look to tax strategies to help find the sweet spot, where operating costs are managed efficiently while maximizing profit. By utilizing tax-friendly strategies, owners can reduce their tax liability, effectively boosting profits without increasing sales or cutting costs. Let's…

Selecting and monitoring investment options for your company’s retirement plan is just one part of your fiduciary responsibility. How do you evaluate, benchmark and assess your plan and what other expertise or protection should you consider? An investment committee has a lot of responsibilities, including selecting and monitoring the investment options for the retirement plan; but there are plenty of resources available to help make informed decisions. By being proactive and educated on these topics, you can reduce the risk of lawsuits related to excessive fees or violations of ERISA. In recent years, class action lawsuits have been filed against…

Retirement plans can be as unique as your company and its employees. Yet many committees do not take the time to set specific goals for their plans. Without defined goals, it can be difficult to create an effective retirement plan that meets expectations. Here’s helpful guidance about defining your plan goals and offering this benefit which helps everyone save toward retirement success. Each time you discuss the company’s 401(k) plan, it is an opportunity to identify goals and align plan design. Aligning plan goals with specific features has the potential to improve outcomes. Plan considerations might include who is eligible,…