NADART Retirement Blog: News & Commentary about Retirement Plan Administration

Taking Control of Your Retirement Savings

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:39:14 GMT

With the downward turn in the stock market, it’s easy for many retirement plan participants to feel a loss of control over their savings. Many feel as though there is nothing they can do. Well, there are some things that can be done, according to an article on MSN.com, “How to Rescue Your Retirement.” So, what should your participant be doing?

FDIC Limit Raised to $250,000

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:33:43 GMT

In an effort to increase confidence in the financial markets, the Federal Government recently raised the limit in which bank deposits are insured through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Bank deposits are now insured up to $250,000 (per depositor per insured bank). The previous limit was $100,000. The change went into effect October 3, 2008 and continues through December 31, 2009.

Even in Current Economy, Stocks Still Valuable over Long Term

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:29:35 GMT

Stocks as a whole will recover, even given the current state of the market, according to a recent question-and-answer session posted on CNN Money.com. While selling of stocks may boost your account balance in the short term, your returns over the long term will suffer and could ultimately lead to lower retirement income, says Walter Updegrave, a senior editor for Money Magazine.

Concerned About the Economy and How to Invest?

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:51:14 GMT

If the current state of the economy has you concerned about your retirement savings, you are not the only one, says a recent article in “USA Today”. “Conservative” seems to be the new watchword in investments, according the article’s authors, with at least $411 million of 401(k) assets having been recently moved into fixed-income funds, including stable value, bonds and money market funds.

Fraud Cannot Hurt Your Retirement Balance

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:50:26 GMT

Despite the turmoil that the financial markets have experienced lately, participants should rest assured that the money in their 401(k) accounts is safe from fraud, according to a recent “News & Observer” article.

Can Companies Change Americans’ Saving Habits?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:18:56 GMT

Companies are good at selling many things to Americans. Unfortunately, selling good saving habits is not one of them, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. The article explains why it is so difficult to change the non-saving habit and offers suggestions on what can be done about it. Some examples include:

Department of Labor Hosts Fees Webcast

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:32:30 GMT

For business owners who would like to learn more about fee disclosures for 401(k) plans, the Department of Labor (DOL) will be hosting a free webcast on Thursday, September 25, at 2:00 pm EST. The two-hour webcast will cover proposed regulations on participant fee and expense disclosure for 401(k) plans. It will also cover proposed regulations on investment advice for 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Registration is required and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

NADART also developed an informational brochure on fees, Understanding Fees, for employers seeking more information on the subject. If you would like to request a free copy, have additional questions or you would like to learn more about NADART’s retirement plan products, please complete the Product Information Request Form or e-mail nadart401k@nada.org. If you would like to speak with a NADART Representative, please call (800) 462-3278, ext. 7161.

DOL Proposes More Disclosure of Plan-Related Fees

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:44:41 GMT

Since plan-related fees can diminish your retirement account balance over the long term and are often difficult to understand, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed regulations to spell out such fees more clearly in participant-accessible materials. This according to a recent “Wall Street Journal” (WSJ) article.

Avoid Cashing Out Your Retirement Plan Assets

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:37:16 GMT

Employees need to develop better saving habits when it comes to retirement, navigating past obstacles such as changing jobs and accumulating too much debt, according to a recent article in “USA Today”.

The Pros and Cons of 401(k) Loans

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:23:16 GMT

A recent article in the Central New York Business Journal focused on the issue of 401(k) loans, a feature that has gained popularity with employees in light of the current downturn in the economy and the tightening of credit standards.