"These re-proposed rules have two key components -- an updated version of the 'one bad apple' rule and new guidance for PEPs. While the regulators clearly listened to stakeholders' input and made helpful changes in a couple of areas, MEP/PEP providers of defined contribution plans still face an onerous path for relief from this rather harsh rule. And it is unclear what relief from the unified plan rule is available for defined benefit plan MEPs."  MORE >>

" 'If a beneficiary inherited in 2020 and was subject to the 10-year rule, do we have a missed 2021 RMD?' Answer: Nobody knows. Until the IRS provides clear guidance, what is the best way forward? [The author's] advice is to sit tight, for a couple of reasons. First, no one knew there were RMDs within the 10-year period, so the IRS could conceivably waive the 2021 RMD on inherited IRAs. Or, the IRS could say the 2021 RMD must be taken, and they will issue a blanket penalty waiver."  MORE >>

"The Board is presently working on implementation of the Program. A website has been established for the Program and is expected to soon have more information about the Program, including next steps concerning implementation.... There are a number of steps covered employers will need to take to comply."  MORE >>

"[HR 2954] makes two minor improvements for ESOPs plus a number of other changes aimed at making it easier for employers and employees to assure retirement plans work more effectively.... Small tax deferral for sale of stock to an ESOP in an S corporation added.... Change in definition of public company for ESOP valuation purposes."  MORE >>

"PRT sales in 2021 totaled $38.0 billion. This is up 42% from the $26.9 billion total in 2020! ... 2021 Q3 was huge for PRT activity, with $16.5 billion in sales ... Continuation of an existing trend ... Funded status improvements ... More competitive insurer pricing ... There may be another large year ahead for PRT sales in 2022."  MORE >>

"Pensions enjoyed a strong month in March, due to higher stock markets and higher interest rates. Both model plans ... gained ground last month, with Plan A adding almost 3%, ending the quarter up 4%-5%, while the more conservative Plan B gained 1% last month and is now up almost 1% through the first three months of 2022."  MORE >>

"[PBGC] has approved the application submitted to the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program by the Laborers' Local 186 Pension Plan. The plan, based in Massena, New York, covers 379 participants in the construction industry. The Local 186 Plan became insolvent in July 2021 ... [and] reduced participants' benefits to ... roughly 35 percent below the benefits payable under the terms of the plan.... The plan will receive $46.6 million in SFA[.]"  MORE >>

"[PBGC] has approved the application submitted to the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program by the San Francisco Lithographers Pension Plan. The plan, based in San Francisco, California, covers 1,572 participants in the printing industry. The Lithographers Plan became insolvent in June 2021 ... [and] reduced participants' benefits to ... roughly 20 percent below the benefits payable under the terms of the plan.... The plan will receive $133.0 million in SFA[.]"  MORE >>

"Non-retirees are more fearful of running out of money than death.... They feel less confident about being able to financially support all the things they want to do in life.... And they are worried they won't have enough money to do all the things they want to do in retirement.... Retirees are feeling more relaxed about financial woes than they were last year.... 52% say they have a plan to address the rising cost of living in retirement."  MORE >>

"[1] Delay retirement to your full retirement age for Social Security.... [2] Reconsider some of your post-retirement goals and their costs.... [3] Reposition your portfolio.... [4] Rethink the cost of higher education.... [5] Seek the advice of a qualified financial adviser."  MORE >>

An unofficial monthly report of the Moody's Daily Long-term Corporate Bond Yield Averages and Moody's Daily Treasury Yield Averages (used as benchmarks by some corporate pension plans).  MORE >>

"[T]he 210th open meeting of the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans (also known as the ERISA Advisory Council) will be held via a teleconference on Monday, May 9, 2022.... The purpose of the open meeting is to set the topics to be addressed by the Council in 2022."  MORE >>