"Questions included in the RFI range from general questions regarding market practices related to PEPs to those aimed at understanding potential conflicts of interest arising with respect to PEP investment options and developing a potential regulatory safe harbor ... In addition to the interpretive guidance relating to fiduciary duties, the guidance also includes [specific] tips to encourage and assist small employers in picking a PEP."  MORE >>

"Providing retirement coverage entails fulfilling a variety of roles. They are distinct, but they do sometimes draw on and even support each other -- and the roles of plan sponsors and defined contribution plan specialists are among those that intersect."  MORE >>

"At first glance, [the CalSavers program] might seem like the easiest way to stay compliant. But it comes with real limitations: you can’t match your employees’ contributions, the savings limits are lower, and you’ll be stuck with more manual work every payroll period. Your team pays higher fees and you miss out on tax credits — all for a plan that doesn’t give you much room to offer features like employer matching or higher contribution limits down the road."  MORE >>

"Four percent of respondents currently include ETFs, 10 percent have considered and decided against, and 15 percent are unfamiliar with them – leaving nearly 70 percent that know about them but haven’t considered them for inclusion in their plan. A few respondents indicated that though they don’t have a standalone option in their lineup, they have them available through their brokerage window."  MORE >>

" 'Private equity appears safer and more diversifying than it really is because it controls its own marks. This undermines the integrity of asset allocation models and can lead to over-allocation, particularly in pensions, endowments, and TDFs,' the A.I. companion opines."  MORE >>

"1) Invest enough in a 401(k)/other company retirement plan to earn matching contributions.... [2] Invest in an IRA.... [2a] Invest in a spousal IRA.... [3] Invest in your company retirement plan up to the limit.... [4] Make health savings account contributions up to the limit.... [5] Make aftertax 401(k) contributions to the limit.... [6] Invest in a taxable account."  MORE >>

"Cold calls don't work as a first touch.... Your campaign isn't converting because it's all pitch, no purpose. LinkedIn is your modern-day business card.... Three months isn't a timeline, it's a test. Only a clear, consistent, value-driven marketing process will move the needle. This isn't about abandoning old-school tactics, it's about upgrading them."  MORE >>

Podcast with transcript.  "[A] top economist and a former federal regulator [discusses] the private equity industry that sees your retirement savings as its next big profit opportunity. Will this change be a huge boost to the working class that puts them into a harmonious partnership with the titans of Wall Street as those titans pillage communities across the country? Or is this more of a con one that lets those Wall Street guys use your life savings as their bailout fund when they suddenly face serious cash flow problems? And if it is a calm, can you protect yourself from getting fleeced?"  MORE >>

"Several bills introduced in California's 2025 legislative session aim to roll back key provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).... Proponents of these bills argue that pension enhancements are needed to address recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in public safety roles. However, these assertions are not substantiated by workforce data. California's state and local government turnover rates remain well below both national public sector averages and far below the overall workforce turnover rates in California and the U.S. broadly. "  MORE >>

"Forfeitures cases proceed with mixed results & DOL weighs in.... Health insurer's alleged overcharges with 'flip logic' approach revived.... Incomplete email leaves employer responsible for lapsed $663,000 life insurance payout."  MORE >>

"The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025' (OBBBA) made permanent many of the tax provisions in the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) that relate to stock comp planning, with a few changes.... This quiz is also a course of study. The answer key links to content on the topic for follow-up reading."  MORE >>