Contacting Missing Plan Participants — Practical Considerations - Summary: There are many circumstances in which plan sponsors and administrators of employee benefit plans may want or be required to contact plan participants for whom they have no valid mailing address. This article will focus on the IRS and SSA letter forwarding services because they often are the method of last resort in contacting a missing participant or beneficiary and, more importantly, their use is often mentioned in guidance from the ERISA regulators as being one of the steps that plan administrators may or must take as part of their "reasonable efforts" to contact plan participants in a variety of circumstances. Located at: Trucker Huss, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

ICI Fights Insurers on 401k Defaults - Summary: The Investment Company Institute begins to fight back against the life insurance industry's attempt to get stable-value funds included as 401k default investment options. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

DOL Offering Insights, Seeks Input - Summary: The Department of Labor was out in force offering insights and seeking input on pending regulations and guidance. This article is a brief summary of some of the highlights. Located at: Plansponsor.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Baby Boomers Are Cashing In. So What? - Summary: Will stocks suffer a multidecade bear market as the baby-boom generation sells its shares to support its retirement? Some have predicted such an outcome, but a new study — which projects huge growth in 401k assets in future decades — paints a far more sanguine picture. Located at: New York Times, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Transcript of Congressional 401k Fee Hearing - Summary: This is a transcript of the hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives "Committee on Education and Labor" on the subject "Are Hidden 401k Fees Undermining Retirement Security?" held on March 6, 2007. Located at: U.S. Government Printing Office , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: It Is Time for Clarity in 401k Fees - Summary: Why can't we have a simplified disclosure for all retirement products that includes the fees and performance? Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Fiduciaries Rebuffed in 401k Forfeiture Account Usage - Summary: A federal judge in Virginia has rebuffed efforts by two executives and admitted fiduciaries of a 401k plan to apply a $39,000 plan forfeiture account balance to their overall liability for admittedly breaching their plan responsibilities. Located at: Plansponsor.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Final Roth Regulations on Distributions, Rollovers and Reporting - Summary: There are a number of changes due to the Pension Protection Act and some from suggestions from commentators that were incorporated. This article covers some of the changes to the final Roth 401k regulations. Located at: McKay Hochman, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Safe Harbor 401k Notice Rules - Summary: What are the requirements for providing a brand-new plan with a safe harbor notice? What about providing that notice to a brand-new employee? Located at: McKay Hochman, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Final Roth 401k Regulations Published - Summary: The IRS recently published final regulations under IRC Section 402A on the taxation of Roth 401k distributions. These can present difficult and technical issues for sponsors, administrators and participants. This is a discussion of those issues in detail. Located at: CCA Strategies, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Does a 401k Fund Genocide? - Summary: Activists against the bloody conflict in the African nation of Sudan might say your 401k plan is contributing not only to an enjoyable retirement, but also to violence that has killed hundreds of thousands of people. Located at: TheNewsTribune.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Study Released on How Plan Sponsors View Retirement Advisors - Summary: Research for the report was commissioned by MassMutual and conducted by Brightwork Partners, LLC. The research sought to identify the needs and satisfaction levels of plan sponsors and how advisors can bridge the gaps as they strive to build a more successful retirement services practice. Located at: 401khelpcenter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Government Zeroing In on 401k Fees - Summary: Expect to see plenty of news come out of Washington, D.C., during the next few months as all three branches of government zero in on the fees that 401k-plan participants pay, often unknowingly. Located at: CFO.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Why Most Small Business Owners Don't Offer 401k Benefits - Summary: A recent survey by online payroll service SurePayroll finds that 71% of small business owners do not offer 401k retirement benefits to their employees, based on the belief that 401k benefits are incompatible with small business. Located at: 401khelpcenter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

CASE STUDY: Crafting a Successful VCP Application - Summary: This case is important for two reasons. First, it emphasizes that establishing that retroactive amendment will not violate the non-discrimination rules is not the only IRS prerequisite for granting reformation. Second, this case demonstrates how to establish - by clear and convincing circumstantial evidence — the intent of the plan sponsor, even when the entity responsible for the drafting error is less than cooperative. Located at: Reish Luftman Reicher & Cohen, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Minimum Required Distribution Failures - Summary: In failing to operate a 401k plan in accordance with its minimum required distribution provisions, is there any way to get relief from the potentially severe excise tax under the IRSs Voluntary Correction Program? Located at: Reish Luftman Reicher & Cohen, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Improperly Excluded Employees from Designated Roth Contributions - Summary: There is a new methodology under the EPCRS for correcting the defect of improperly excluding employees from a 401k and/or (m) arrangement. The new guidance, contained in Revenue Procedure 2006-27 is helpful and addresses obvious inequities under the prior guidance. However, noticeably absent from the discussion of this topic in the Rev. Proc. is guidance on how to correct the improper exclusion of employees from designated Roth contributions. Located at: Reish Luftman Reicher & Cohen, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

An Advice Road Map - Summary: The DOL did not spell out an objective standard that a provider must meet to be qualified to give the advice, but they have provided a road map for how to do it. Located at: Plansponsor.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: PPAs Automatic Enrollment Safe Harbor - Summary: Nevin Adams states, "As I talk to advisers, third-party administrators, and plan sponsors around the country, I'm increasingly aware that the Pension Protection Act's automatic enrollment safe harbor is more unpalatable than one might have imagined on first blush." Located at: Plansponsor Institute Blog, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Final Roth Distribution/Taxation Regulations - Summary: The IRS recently issued final Roth regulations under Code §402A and also amended regulations under Code §§ 401k, 402(g) and 408A. These Roth regulations address taxation of distributions from Roth accounts under 401k and 403b plans. Located at: Sungard/Relius, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Gearing Up for More 401k Fee Disclosure - Summary: As the Department of Labor considers improving fee disclosure to retirement plan participants, some vendors and advisers are racing to offer more information to 401k participants, while most are content to wait for a directive. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Will 401k Participants Keep Up With Investment Trends? - Summary: While the pension-reform law allows more investment education and asset allocations for retirement plans, regulatory guidance is still lacking. And even without it, HR executives must select and communicate plan options that might daunt investment professionals. Located at: HREonline.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

What's Not on 401k Statement - Summary: A rule that took effect April 1st makes it easier for investors to see what sales commissions and annual fees they are paying for mutual funds. But it's causing confusion for some 401k participants, who are now getting less information about their funds, not more. Located at: San Francisco Chronicle, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

ASPPA's Graff Sees Increased Focus on 401k Fees - Summary: Graff outlined recent regulatory initiatives on 401k plan fees that are currently being pursued by the Labor Department. He noted that the 401k fee issue may also be addressed by future legislation. Located at: CCH, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

ACLI Pushes DOL on Annuities as 401k Default Option - Summary: The life insurance industry is asking the Bush administration to step in and delay implementation if a final Department of Labor rule rejects the use of annuities and guaranteed investment contracts as default investments for 401ks. Located at: Nationalunderwriter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Literacy, Trust and 401k Savings Behavior - Summary: At three large firms offering 401k plans, the study team assessed the impact of financial literacy and trust on 401k savings behavior in voluntary and automatic enrollment 401k plans. This study found that financial literacy played a critical role in improving 401k savings behavior and that trust was also critical in improving quit rates in automatic enrollment plans. Located at: Center for Retirement Research, Boston College, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

DOL Issues Request for Information on Fee Disclosure in 401k Plans - Summary: The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a Request for Information (RFI) about fee disclosure for 401k-type plans. The DOL is generally seeking information from the perspective of plan participants, plan sponsors and service providers. Located at: Watson Wyatt Worldwide, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Current Pension Regulatory Outlook -- 401k Plan Fees - Summary: This article briefly review several recent developments in the various regulatory and legislative initiatives concerning 401k plan fees. Located at: CCA Strategies, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Majority of Micro-Business Owners and Employees Unprepared for Retirement - Summary: The National Association for the Self-Employed released the results of a national survey showing that a large majority of owners and employees of America's micro-businesses do not have access to retirement plans and are financially unprepared for retirement. Located at: 401khelpcenter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Maximizing the Value of Company Stock at Retirement - Summary: With more than 24 million Americans holding about $400 billion in company stock in 401k and other workplace savings plans, this report examines the tax saving opportunities and implications of electing net unrealized appreciation treatment of company stock as a strategy to help maximize the value of retirement investments. Located at: Fidelity Research Institute, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Nine Great Steps - Summary: You now know there are affordable, simplified 401k plans for your business, even if you're self-employed. You see the unique benefits 401ks offer in terms of savings and tax advantages, and that a 401k makes a strong recruiting and retention tool. But, do you know the nine steps to making the most of your 401k program? Located at: Sharebuilder.com , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Roth 401k Adoptions Growing - Summary: Approximately 14% of Vanguard's retirement savings plans adopted Roth 401k provisions by the end of 2006. By the end of 2007, Vanguard expects that figure to double. Small plans were more likely to adopt a Roth 401k feature than were large plans. Located at: CCH, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Are 401k Fee Concerns Overblown? - Summary: Concerns about excessive 401k fees have generated lawsuits and congressional hearings. HR executives should ensure they fully understand their obligations as fiduciaries. If not, they could face litigation and possibly hamper their organizations' employees ability to retire. Located at: HREonline.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

OPINION: 401k Lifelong Concerns - Summary: Mike Barry says, "If 401k plans are to become the primary retirement savings vehicle for America's workers, three things have to happen: We have to increase contributions; we have to improve returns; and we have to solve the longevity problem." Located at: Plansponsor.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Fiduciaries Need to Understand the Rules - Summary: Today, it is more important than ever that plan fiduciaries, particularly members of the plan's investment committee, understand the self-dealing and kickback prohibitions applicable to plans subject to ERISA and review their plans' decision making practices for compliance. Located at: Plansponsor.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Fred Reish on 401k Plan Fees - Summary: Mr. Reish says fees are neither good nor bad. They must be evaluated in the context of the quality and effectiveness of the services. Is the service competitively priced? Does the benefit to participants exceed the cost of the service? Unfortunately, life is not that simple. Located at: Plansponsor.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Target-Date Funds Gaining More Favor - Summary: Flows into the funds are up 32% over last year and are expected to grow an annual 26% for the next five years. Located at: Financial-planning.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Get Ready for New DOL Fee-Transparency Rules - Summary: Although the new regulations aren't yet available, employers and plan sponsors should prepare now for increased scrutiny and disclosure of fees involved in 401k and other defined-contribution plans. Located at: HREonline.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

SEC Backs Down on Broker-Dealer Rule - Summary: In a move certain to anger the largest brokerage firms, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said it will not seek further review of the recent appeals court decision striking down its controversial "Merrill Lynch rule." Located at: Onwallstreet.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Nonspouse Beneficiary Rollover for Decedents Before 2006 - Summary: May a nonspouse beneficiary of a participant who died prior to 2006 use the new nonspouse beneficiary rollover rules? Located at: McKay Hochman, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Covering the Uncovered: Final Report of the Conversation on Coverage - Summary: A new coalition called Conversation on Coverage, made up of employers, retirees and business groups, issued this report which makes a host of recommendations to help low- and moderate-wage earners save for retirement. Located at: Conversationoncoverage.com , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Investment Advice And Professionally Managed Accounts - Summary: This paper gives fiduciaries and their advisors guidance about why most participants need investment help. It also makes a case that "target-date" funds, also known as lifecycle funds, should not be the preferred default safe harbor investment option. Located at: Benefitslink.com , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

ICI Chairman: 401k Investors Shouldn't Dwell on Fees - Summary: If policy-makers examining the 401k system focus only on fees, they will be doing investors a "disservice," Investment Company Institute chairman Martin Flanagan said last Wednesday during his address at the Washington-based trade association's 49th annual general-membership meeting. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Miller to Probe 401k Consultant Conflicts - Summary: Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., is considering holding hearings as soon as next month to examine whether pension consultant conflicts of interests are hurting 401k plan participants, pension industry lobbyists said. Located at: PIonline.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

ICI Chairman Calls for Improved 401k Disclosure - Summary: Whether their 401ks are invested in mutual funds, annuities or other products, "workers and sponsors need the same clear and transparent information," said Investment Company Institute Chairman Martin Flanagan. Located at: Investment Company Institute, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

SEC's Perspective on 12b-1 Fees - Summary: Comments on 12b-1 fees from SEC Chairman Christopher Cox in an address to the Mutual Fund Directors Forum. Located at: Fiduciary Investor Blog, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Study Indicates Simplicity Key to Maximizing Plan Participation - Summary: While automatic enrollment is sure to have a dramatic increase in benefit plan participation, CitiStreet says recent research shows that for plan sponsors who have not opted for that feature, simple early plan communication is a major key to increasing participation. Located at: 401khelpcenter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Plaintiffs Challenge Plan Fees - Summary: These suits are based on a relatively novel legal theory that has not been widely tested in the courts. Until the higher courts address the viability of the plaintiffs' theories, plan sponsors, and their counselors, can only look to the general statutory and administrative guidance described in this article, as well as a hand full of recent trial court opinions. Located at: Alston & Bird , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Bring on 401(x)! - Summary: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently released the report of a blue-ribbon panel making recommendations for the American capital markets. For the investment and retirement industries, one noteworthy recommendation is to consolidate the various retirement savings laws into a single statutory plan design, known inside the Washington Beltway as 401(x). Located at: Governing.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

With 401k Fees, Employers Better Get Ahead ... or Fall Behind - Summary: As class-action lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny heat up around 401k fees, employers need to figure out what they are paying and why they are paying it. Located at: Workforce.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Getting It Right - Know Your Fiduciary Responsibilities - Summary: The Department of Labor has a launched a nationwide campaign to improve workers' health and retirement security by educating employers and service providers about their fiduciary responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Located at: U.S. Department of Labor, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

SEC Eyes Interactive 401ks - Summary: The Securities and Exchange Commission is examining disclosures for 401k plans, and the agency is looking at ways to provide 401k information using interactive software. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Overhaul of 12(b)-1 Fees on Tap - Summary: In a question-and-answer session with reporters after his speech to the ICI membership, Securities and Exchange Commission Mr. Cox indicated that the SEC could consider ways for advisers to recoup expenses for servicing their customers' accounts if 12(b)-1 fees are abolished. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Prudent Investment Process - Summary: This just released report from November 2006 was produced by the 2006 ERISA Advisory Council's Working Group on Prudent Investment Process. The desired result of the Working Group was to discover and present matters that would enhance the ability of fiduciaries to execute their responsibilities under ERISA. Located at: U.S. Department of Labor, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

2007 Investment Company Fact Book - Summary: The 2007 Investment Company Fact Book provides considerable detail and other characteristics of the modern fund industry, and helps advance understanding of how the industry has arrived at this point in time. Located at: Investment Company Institute, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Roth 401k Accounts Offer Retirement Saving Flexibility - Summary: Plan sponsors can now offer employees additional retirement saving flexibility. Learn the details behind the IRS regulations permitting companies to allow employees to make Roth contributions to their 401k plans on an after-tax basis. Located at: Hewitt Associates, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

U.S. Legislative Tracking Chart — Retirement - Summary: This chart summarize selected federal legislation that would affect employer benefit programs. The bills included on the charts are based on judgments regarding the prominence of the issue, the likelihood of enactment, and the influence of the sponsors. Located at: Towers Perrin , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: You Can't Afford to Turn a Blind Eye to Client/Fiduciary - Summary: Don Trone says in this piece, "No matter how you are registered and regulated, you can't afford to turn a blind eye to the breaches of your clients who are fiduciaries — investment committees of retirement plans, foundations and endowments, and trustees of personal trusts. Even if you don't acknowledge fiduciary status, the courts can make a determination that your actions gave rise to fiduciary status and hold you accountable. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Retirement Assets Grew 12 Percent in 2006 - Summary: Americans held a record $16.4 trillion in retirement assets at the end of 2006, up $1.7 trillion from the previous year, the Investment Company Institute reported. ICI found that strong growth in individual retirement accounts and employer-sponsored defined contribution plans, including 401k accounts, powered the 12 percent increase. Located at: Investment Company Institute, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Study Finds Nurses Saving More for Retirement Than Other Working Americans - Summary: New research from Fidelity Investments finds that nurses are working more hours due to a nationwide shortage and many are using the extra income to better prepare for their retirement years. Located at: 401khelpcenter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Final IRS Rules Provide Guidance on Distributions from Roth 401k - Summary: The IRS has issued final regulations under Code Sec. 402A that provide comprehensive guidance on the taxation of distributions from designated Roth accounts established under 401k and 403(b) plans. The final regulations generally apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2007. Located at: CCH, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Corporate Scandals Give Rise to Fiduciary Consulting - Summary: The field of fiduciary consulting has become a huge business in the last couple of years, especially since the collapse of Enron Corp., said Donald B. Trone, president of the Center for Fiduciary Studies and chief executive of Fiduciary360 LP. He expects the boom to continue over the next couple of years, partly because of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: Time to Say Goodbye to the 12(b)1 Mutual-Fund Fee - Summary: John Wasik says, "The 12(b)1 mutual-fund fee should be eliminated, just like fixed brokerage commissions were more than three decades ago." Located at: Bloomberg, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Using RIA as a Co-fiduciary - Summary: Registered investment advisers may provide plan sponsors with fiduciary relief relating to the selection and monitoring of plan asset investment choices in a participant-directed plan and select asset investments generally in an employer- directed plan. Located at: Investmentnews.com (free registration may be required), May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Final 415 Regs - DC Plan Rules - Summary: While many of the provisions of the final regulations impact defined benefit plans, this article is limited to the most critical defined contribution provisions. Located at: McKay Hochman, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: Attention Deficit Disorder - Summary: We have long been concerned about the attention deficit of participants when it comes to their 401k plans. There's the problem of getting them to pay attention to the importance of saving in the first place, and of choosing an appropriate level of savings, the challenge of helping them make sound investment decisions. The author suggests a "radical" solution to the problem: Make people sign up for their 401k every year. Located at: Plansponsor Institute Blog, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

EBSA Report Shows Increase in Retirement Plan Assets - Summary: The Employee Benefits Security Administration has released a report, titled "Private Pension Plan Bulletin: Abstract of 2004 Form 5500 Annual Reports," which reveals that pension plan assets rose in 2004, to $4.7 trillion. The number of 401k plans increased from 404,000 to 419,000. Located at: CCH, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Current vs. Retirement Income - Summary: Figuring out how much of your current income you'll need to live on when you retire can be tricky. This article points out to some useful tools. Located at: CNN Money, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Summary of "Women and Retirement Security Bill" S. 1288 - Summary: Small business employees significantly trail their large company counterparts in retirement savings and preparedness according to the annual Transamerica Retirement Survey which highlights major difference in how large and small employers and employees treat retirement benefits. Located at: American Benefits Council , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

ASPPA Calls for Consolidated, Streamlined Plan Participant Disclosure - Summary: In testimony before the House Education and Labor Committee's Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries called for consolidated, streamlined disclosure of important retirement plan information to plan participants. Located at: 401khelpcenter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

New Developments Regarding 'Investment Advice Arrangements' under PPA - Summary: As plan fiduciaries become acquainted with the new EIAA rules, it seems likely that more plans will elect to take advantage of such an arrangement, particularly since the cost of the arrangement may be paid from plan assets. As is generally the case with any decision subject to the standards of ERISA, however, care should be taken. Located at: Trucker Huss, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Small Businesses Must Have a Retirement Plan to Attract Workers - Summary: Fidelity study reveals half of small business workers who have a retirement plan would not join a firm that does not provide one. Located at: 401khelpcenter.com, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Small Business Employees Trail in Retirement Savings - Summary: Small business employees significantly trail their large company counterparts in retirement savings and preparedness according to the annual Transamerica Retirement Survey which highlights major difference in how large and small employers and employees treat retirement benefits. Located at: Transamerica , May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: What's Jam Got to do With GM's 401k Plans? - Summary: Choice, or rather, too many. General Motors has picked up on recent academic research that indicates that having too many investment choices in a 401k plan can lead some participants to pick the most conservative investment option and discourage others from participating at all. GM will be paring the number of 401k fund options from over 80 to less than 40. Located at: Retirement Plan Blog, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Do You Know/Understanding Plan Costs and Revenues Paid to Your Providers - Summary: Media and public attention has increasingly focused on the expenses borne by the participants in participant-funded retirement plans. While much of the attention centers on private sector 401ks and 403bs - arising out of fiduciary litigation regarding fees, expenses and revenue sharing, Congressional hearings on the costs charged to plans and the revenues paid to providers, and efforts by the DOL to re-write the rules for disclosure of those costs and revenues - the fallout from these efforts will almost certainly impact public sector 457b and 403b plans as well. Located at: NAGDCA, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Dirty Little Secrets of 401k Plan Fees - Summary: In September 2006, eight Fortune 500 companies were named in class action lawsuits alleging they failed to monitor and disclose 401k fees under so-called revenue-sharing arrangements. This article lists a number of red flags to watch for when reviewing a 401k plan offering. Located at: Journal of Accountancy, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

Time to Rethink Your 401k Plan? - Summary: The Pension Protection Act of 2006 strengthened employers' options to bolster their 401k plans. This article looks at some of these new options and other strategies to strengthen and promote your 401k plan. Located at: Journal of Accountancy, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: The Deification of DB-ification - Summary: The author says, "Last week, I stumbled across another of those 'DC plans are becoming like DB plans' articles—you know, the 'DB-ification' of 401ks? This is all supposed to be a good thing, of course, because we know that defined benefit plans do a better job of providing adequate income in retirement than defined contribution plans." Located at: Plansponsor Institute Blog, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

COMMENTARY: Real Retirement Security – What Would it Look Like? - Summary: Overall, can retirement security be made more secure (or at least not less secure)? Sure. But to do that, politicians will need to persuade themselves and their constituencies that this will not be a painless cure. It will just be better than the currently-threatened death by an thousand cuts. Located at: Pensions & Benefits Blog, May 2007. Click on headline for full article.

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