"While VFCP has no user fee, caveat emptor (or let the buyer beware) still applies. The cost for preparing a proper filing, plus the risk that the DOL will reject the proposed filing for technical reasons and initiate an investigation, may make the entire thing not worthwhile for just a few late deposits. And there's one more thing that makes VFCP less attractive than one might presume: a plan sponsor may only get one bite at this apple. If they are repeat offenders with late deposits and they try to use the SCC multiple times, they will likely find themselves in an investigation[.]"  MORE >>

"State-level finance officials from 17 Democrat led states ... sent an open letter to the acting heads of the [SEC and the DOL]. The letter argued that using ESG considerations in retirement investing does not violate fiduciary duties under ERISA.... The letter is responsive to a letter written by 22 Republican state-level finance officials ... on Jan. 28."  MORE >>

"[1] What support is available for financially unhealthy employees? ... [2] Is the solution unbiased? ... [3] Does the program use behavioral science to drive action? ... [4] How does the solution approach financial crises and urgent needs? ... [5] Does the program integrate with other benefits? ... [6] How is engagement measured? ... [7] How is ROI measured?"  MORE >>

"During January 2025, average accounting discount rates remained flat, while competitive annuity purchase rates decreased by 4 basis points (bps). This caused the estimated competitive retiree buyout cost as a percentage of accounting liability to increase from 101.4% to 101.6%."  MORE >>

"The key question these new tools should inspire you to ask is whether you're on track to afford stopping work while maintaining your desired lifestyle in retirement. It's a challenging question, involving numerous hard-to-predict variables. [A chart] provides a framework to help assess your retirement readiness."  MORE >>

"Whether you are in the throes of estate planning and picking POAs or currently caring for an older adult, it's worth setting up a Social Security representative payee. This program protects beneficiaries, ensuring their benefits are used to meet basic needs, such as housing, food and healthcare."  MORE >>

"The best way to track your nondeductible IRA contributions ... is to file IRS Form 8606 with your income tax return for every year you make a nondeductible contribution....Create a single, organized digital document to track annual contribution amounts, the dates those contributions were made, which account they went to (traditional/Roth), and whether contributions were deductible or nondeductible."  MORE >>

"[I]ndividuals and businesses in the entire state of Kentucky affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides that began on Feb. 14, 2025 ... now have until Nov. 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments."  MORE >>

"Companies offering standout holistic benefits that truly care for the whole person -- and their families -- are leading the way. Review this list of the companies with the best benefits for employees to get some inspiration and refine your own employee benefits strategy."  MORE >>

"[P]robationary employees were laid off at EBSA, though the precise number of employees and how they are distributed through the agency is not yet known.... [T]he head of the Division of Employee Ownership at EBSA was also terminated.... [SECURE 2.0] established an 'Employee Ownership Initiative' and provided for $50 million in grants to be paid from 2025 to 2029 to promote employee ownership. It is unclear how those funds will be spent or if the Division chief will be replaced, or how EBSA will proceed with its Employee Ownership Initiative."  MORE >>

"This blog post discusses the impact of the Proposed Regulations on ARPA's requirement that a publicly held corporation expand the group of covered employees by adding its five most highly compensated employees.... [If] finalized, these Proposed Regulations are likely to pose complex and difficult implementation issues for affected companies."  MORE >>

"Seventy-eight percent of respondents provide NQDC-specific education, a notable increase from only half of plans five years ago. While the majority (85.2 percent) stated that they offer a plan to ensure a competitive benefits package and nearly 60 percent offer a plan to retain eligible employees, nearly the same percentage offer a plan to help eligible employees accumulate retirement assets (58.8 percent) and nearly half offer a program to allow highly compensated employees (HCEs) to defer the same proportion of their income as other employees."  MORE >>