President’s 2016 Budget Proposal The president released his fiscal year 2016 budget proposal during first quarter. Unlike other retirement plan-related proposals introduced this year, the president’s budget proposal appears to combine retirement savings provisions with tax reform initiatives that would reduce the revenue impact of retirement savings. Retirement savings tax incentives are the second biggest [...]
Having an effective employee engagement strategy is the most important component of a successful retirement plan, according to a recent white paper. The impacts of plan design, plan management, and investment solutions are all reduced without one. Engaging employees involves three major factors. First, plan sponsors need to understand that different employee groups, based on [...]
As prices of new cars continue to climb, more and more people are considering leasing as a viable financing option. Although leasing is generally more expensive than financing, there are certain advantages to leasing a vehicle. A lease will typically result in a lower initial cash outlay and lower monthly payments. But at the end [...]
Workers between the ages of 37 and 50 are poorly prepared for retirement, according to the 15th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of Workers. Only 24% of Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1978) reported that their greatest financial priority is saving for retirement. One-third of survey respondents expect a decline in their standard of [...]
As you plan for the year ahead, is an investment checkup leading your list of resolutions? Taking time for a detailed financial review -- including retirement planning, college savings, and your tax situation -- may help you progress toward your long-term goals. Consider the following items as part of your checkup: Capitalize on tax reductions. [...]
If your plan uses electronic delivery of required disclosures to employees, you are likely simplifying the disclosure process, making information delivery more reliable and reducing plan administration costs, according to the Principal Financial Group. Principal’s Electronic Delivery of Participant Disclosure Materials is a guide for plan sponsors to the Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal [...]
Getting value may not be your first priority when planning a vacation, but it’s probably an important consideration. With some planning, you can have a great time and still avoid breaking your budget. Here are just a few tips to remember when planning your vacation: Plan ahead and book your transportation and accommodations well in [...]
In addition to saving for retirement, there may be several other major financial goals you'll need to juggle in a lifetime. Let's say that at the age of 25 you earned $35,000. If your salary increased at the average historical rate, you'd have earned nearly $2 million in total by the time you were 65.¹ [...]
There are several reasons why homeowners may be tempted to put their house in a child's name. However, it's important to understand the risks that come with this strategy. Altruism Altruism may be the most obvious reason to transfer a home to a child. By giving a home to a younger family member, you can [...]
Although the thought may not be pleasant, you may someday face a sudden health crisis that leaves you unable to make your own medical decisions. Fortunately, there is a legal means, known as an advance directive, to address this potential concern. An advance directive is a written statement that you complete prior to a serious [...]
