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February 12, 2008

Here are the Web's best new links about compliance and cost aspects of plan operation, design and policy.


Today's sponsor is SunGard

(Click on company name or banner to learn more.)
Banner ad for SunGard

SunGard's Relius Government Forms 1099/W-2 Outsourcing Service

Why buy additional forms, print and stuff envelopes, or pay for postage when you can have Relius Government Forms 1099/W-2 Outsourcing Service electronically file and mail your 1099/W-2 forms for only $1.77 per recipient copy?

Learn more. 800-326-7235, Ext. 1100


[Official Guidance] Disaster Relief Relating to PBGC Deadlines in Response to Severe Storms and Flooding in Nevada
Disaster Relief Announcement 08-01. Excerpt: "Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation . . . is waiving certain penalties and extending certain deadlines in response to the severe storms and flooding that occurred on January 5, 2008, in Nevada." (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation)

Potential Trap: Privacy Issues and the New 403(b) Rules
Excerpt: "Privacy doesn't appear to be an issue for ERISA plans, because of ERISA's likely preemption of state privacy rules . . . . But what of that large block of individually owned 403(b) contracts over which the employer has no authority, and the plan participant is unwilling to grant consent? It can be a real wrench thrown in the gearhouse of consolidated administration." (Baker & Daniels LLP's Benefits Biz Blog)

In Texas, Teachers Find Costlier Choices in Saving for Retirement
Excerpt: "Under a law that took effect Jan. 1, public school employees in Texas can make new investments only in products that have been registered with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. For the state's 936,000 public school employees, the problem isn't a lack of choice . . . .The problem is cost. Teachers and other school employees will have to look closely to find low-cost mutual funds . . . ." (Statesman.com)

Who is Ready for Retirement, How Ready, and How Can We Know? (Research Report)
Excerpt: "It concludes that the news is generally good for boomers in terms of retirement income, but that most of the studies do not take into account the risks that retirees face, including risks related to investment, longevity, and health care costs and needs." (AARP)

GM Offers All U.S. Union Workers Buyouts, Early Retirement
Excerpt: "Workers may choose a lump-sum payment, an annuity, or roll part or all of it into an individual retirement account or a 401K to postpone the tax hit and potentially make the offer worth much more than those on offer for UAW workers at Ford. GM factory workers who retire after 30 years currently have pensions of about $3,100 per month, plus health benefits. " (Washington Post; free registration required)

[Opinion] Newer Web-Based Retirement Planning Tools Just Might Work
Excerpt: "There is abundant academic and empirical evidence suggesting the shift to consumer driven retirement will not optimize consumer well being due to behavioral impediments and generally low investment interest and acumen. This issue is well recognized and has been partially addressed by regulators and the retirement industry via 'fiduciary immunization' for automated contributions and prepackaged lifecycle driven investment products. 401(k) plan auto-enrollment and utilization of target retirement funds can overcome some level of investor inertia with regard to savings and investment decisions. However, these tools are limited in their ability to ensure retirement sufficiency across a wide range of investor circumstances and preferences." (Fiduciary Investor)


Sponsored by: ASPPA

(Click on company name or banner to learn more.)
Banner ad for ASPPA

The ERISA Outline Book

Stay current with The ERISA Outline Book, 2008 Edition, by Sal Tripodi, J.D., LL.M. only from ASPPA. Available in both print or on CD, this one of a kind resource has become the must have for anyone working in the pension industry today. Fully updated with the latest guidance on a variety of PPA 2006 items, the 2008 Edition also includes automatic enrollment guidance including QACAs, final regulations on QDIA's, guidance on benefit restrictions and much more. Stay current and order your copy today.

(Please visit our sponsors. We try to make sure their products and services will be of interest to you. Thanks! --Editor)

Links to Items on Executive Comp, Benefits in General

(None today.)


Newly Posted Events

(None today.)


Newly Posted Press Releases

New Analysis Examines Trends in Health Benefit Costs and Wages
Kaiser Family Foundation

Nation's First Baby Boomer Receives Her First Social Security Retirement Benefit
Social Security Administration

The SPARK Institute Recommends Changes To DOLs Retirement Plan Fee Disclosure Regulations
The SPARK Institute

Retailers Welcome DOL Update of FMLA Rules
National Retail Federation

Supremely Confident to Super Stressed: Landmark Gen X Study From Schwab Uncovers Six Distinct Financial Mindsets
Charles Schwab Corporation


We're one of the top 350 employment sites on the web!Newly Posted or Renewed Job Openings
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Pension Compliance Specialist
for Laiken Associates, Inc.
in NY

Sr Analyst HR - Benefits
for Philip Morris USA
in VA

Defined Benefit Plan Administrator
for The Senex Group
in CA

Employee Benefit Associate
for Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, LC
in KS

Pension Administrator/TPA
for Block Consulting Actuaries, Inc.
in CA

Employee Benefits/ERISA Attorney
for North Carolina based law firm.
in NC

Pension Consultant
for Standard Insurance Company
in MD

Executive Benefit Plan Consultant
for M Benefit Solutions
in OR

Client Services - Account Manager
for ExpertPlan, Inc.
in NJ

Manager, Systems (Omni)
for National Automobile Dealers Association - Retirement Trust
in VA

Benefits Administrator
for National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
in VA

Senior Account Executive, Employee Benefits
for ABD Insurance and Financial Services
in CA

Account Mgr I - SRS
for Standard Insurance Company
in TX

Pension Administrator
for Staffordshire Benefits, LLC
in NJ

Senior Pension Analyst
for LWBJ Compensation & Benefit Services
in IA

Account Manager, Retirement
for Cammack LaRhette Consulting
in NY

DC Testing Specialist
for Kravitz - Louis Kravitz & Associates
in ANY STATE, CA


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