John Iekel

The pilot program for OregonSaves, the state-run auto-IRA program for private-sector workers in Oregon, was launched on July 1. The program is set to roll out in phases, starting in 2018 with larger businesses and over time to smaller businesses.The pilot is for employers that expressed interest in... READ MORE

The responses in the private sector to the risks that cybercrime poses to retirement plans, service providers and participants are as varied as its myriad components. But while one may expect that there would be a more uniform response from the public sector to protect its plans and participants, a... READ MORE

The Carolinas share a border, half of their names, and a need to address problems with their state pension plans. But while both must act, their problems are as different as north is from south.The Tar Heel StateNorth Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell (R) is still new, having taken office just this... READ MORE

It’s heeeeere. But for many practitioners, practices and firms that read the tea leaves, the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule has been a reality for a while and already has shaped what they do and how they do it.In “Retirement Plan Advisors — Managing Productivity and Risk,” a June 1 session of... READ MORE

That may seem an odd equation. And yet, a speaker at a recent retirement industry conference argues exactly that.A handful of states have put in place plans intended to help make sure that retirement plan coverage and participation expands. But the fact that states are acting to fill the coverage... READ MORE

The Illinois House Personnel and Pensions Committee on May 16 passed bills that would expand retirement plan coverage and change public pension plan funding and how payments are made. The bills are identical. In what is perhaps a demonstration of bipartisan support for the legislation, Rep. Jim... READ MORE

The Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office has issued an evaluation of a bill that would change the financing of the state retirement plan for school employees. It concludes that the measure would change its financing but would leave benefit provisions intact. The Independent Fiscal Office on May... READ MORE

Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read has expressed determination to continue pursuing OregonSaves, the state-run auto-IRA program for private sector workers, regardless of the U.S. Senate’s May 3 passage of H.J. Res. 66, a measure that — if President Trump signs the measure, which he is expected to do —... READ MORE

There is a disconnect between knowing one should be ready for retirement and actually being so. Recent research doesn’t just convey bad news in that regard, however — there’s good news, too.In “2017 Financial Security National Survey of Private Sector Employed Adults Age 18-64,” a study conducted... READ MORE