ERISA OUTLINE BOOK is Fabulous!

[ERISAatty]

As a relatively new, and learning Employee Benefits Attorney, I have often telephoned the IRS Employee Plans toll-free help desk upon becoming particularly stumped with technical Code questions.

I have always been impressed at the agents' ability to quickly pinpoint my issue, and point me in the right direction.

One one telephone call, the Agent on the line told me that the reference book she was using was Sal Tripodi's Erisa Outline Book. She recommended that I avail myself of that resource, available at www.cybERISA.com.

After checking around, and finding generally good reviews, I ordered it for myself (books only, not the CD).

Worth every penny. This set is fantastic, and I believe that my superiors are going to be impressed with my improved research efficiency. If you're looking for a thorough but concise reference source, this is the one to have.

I'm sure many know about this source already, but this post is for those who don't. Just wanted to help any other newbies out there, like me, who could be greatly helped by this resource.

Wish I'd had this when I started my current position...

[david rigby]

Many prior discussion threads have referenced the EOB. We all agree it is excellent.

However, I'm surprised an IRS agent would admit to using it. Might be a story there.

[jevd]

Probably a free thinker.

How long will they last??

[Blinky the 3-eyed Fish]

I think the ERISA Outline Book sucks! Every day when I look up information and am able to find exactly what I need in moments, even on the most obscure of topics, I think it sucks that I don't have the ability to write it nor am I receiving the mass royalties. :angry:

[E as in ERISA]

I think he makes a concerted effort to make it the most comprehensive source there is. He often takes notes during conferences on a question or two that he has not yet considered....so that he can potentially update outline.

[Gary Lesser]

Blinky,

Very well said. Sal's Outline Book is clear, concise and well written. His information is always timely. Perhaps you should discuss your desire for an income stream with Sal and he can teach you how to write in your spare time!

[AndyH]

ERISAatty, I am pleasantly surprised to hear you say that you are impressed with the IRS agents that answer the phone. I presume that you are multi-lingual?

Blinky, there you go-you can translate the book into all the foreign languages or pseudo-English dialects spoken by our government officials at "help" desks!

[ERISAatty]

Well, I happen to speak German.

Hasn't helped me yet on the IRS Help-line, but I managed to convince my interviewers at the firm that anyone who could master German grammer might as well take a crack at tax and labor regs....

[doombuggy]

WE love the ERISA books over here. They are much better than the Pension Answer Book. The 401(k) Answer book is ok, but Sal's set is better. We needed a new one for 2004 (didn't get last year's), and it's on it's way!

[Guest Hilarion]

Is there any possibility that the EOB will ever be a looseleaf set? It would at least save some paper.

[Tom Poje]

Actually its on CD Rom if you want