News Archive

There has been a lot of discussion recently regarding the use of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and self-directed brokerage accounts (SDBAs) in 401(k)s. But what about 403(b)s? In this week’s MarketBeat, Diane D. Capone takes a look at ETFs and SDBAs and the challenges they present to the 403(b) plan... READ MORE

A year ago, President Obama touted the voluntary MyRA in his State of the Union Address — but the White House has a lot more to say about retirement this year — and it’s a lot less voluntary. According to a White House fact sheet, the administration is touting a series of retirement tax reform... READ MORE

Folks involved with the State of the Union address have indicated that President Obama will speak to the “retirement advice loophole” and the proposal to ensure that all Americans receive investment advice that is in their best interest. This is the administration signal that they are moving... READ MORE

With President Obama poised to deliver his State of the Union address on Jan. 20, a powerful coalition of retirement, union and so-called consumer protection groups have launched a new attack on retirement plan advisors. The coalition’s website, Saveourretirement.com, intends to create grassroots... READ MORE

Overall, 75% of the states have passing grades regarding their public pension plans. But that bit of at least fairly good news is not the whole story. The Urban Institute’s latest rating of public pension plans in all 50 states contains some good news, but also draws attention to plenty of red... READ MORE

A client who is being sued by her ex-husband for child support wants to claim financial hardship for legal fees. Would this qualify for hardship withdrawal? In this week’s Tech Talk, Ellie Lowder reviews the safe harbor rules for hardship withdrawals and tells us whether the ex-wife can make that... READ MORE

The popularity of annuities featuring guaranteed minimum income benefit riders, or GMIBs, tends to surge following market downturns like in 2000 and 2008. Conversely, during market advances like we’re seeing today, buyer’s remorse can set in as annuitants eyeball alternative investments with much... READ MORE

The New Jersey public pension system needs to be fixed. On that, Gov. Chris Christi (R) and State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) agree. But implementation of steps to get there is another matter, as Christie and Sweeney differ on how much the state should be putting into the... READ MORE

How does California Insurance Code Section 770.3 apply to 403b investments through payroll deduction at school districts? Also, does California require a third party administrator (TPA) to be licensed, and is there an associated registry? In this week’s Tech Talk, Ellie Lowder gives us the answers... READ MORE