Month: June 2011
Loans From 401(k)s Are on the Rise As Investors Tap Their Inner Banker
In spite of decades of advice to the contrary and the improving economy, millions of Americans are increasingly turning to what was once a lender of last resort—their 401(k) plans.
Senator cites the Retirement Income Deficit
In May, Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced S. 1020, the Savings Enhancement by Alleviating Leakage in 401(k) Savings Act of 2011, or SEAL Act. As we’ve described before, “leakage” occurs when people cash in their 401(k)s or take out loans against their 401(k)s so that they can use the money for […]
PRC response to a Request for Information on electronic disclosure in benefit plans (06/06/2011)
The Pension Rights Center submitted comments in response to a Request for Information by the Employee Benefits Security Administration on delivering information to participants and beneficiaries through electronic means. The Center supports the current safe harbor for electronic disclosure, warning that moving to electronic disclosure as the default means of delivery could harm the retirement […]
Most Americans Haven’t Planned for Retirement and Other Areas of Concern
The financial status of American households may be even darker than we thought.
Don’t Play Dead With Your Rollover
The Great Rollover Hunt is on. Some $350 billion will be rolled over into individual retirement accounts from 401(k)s and other workplace accounts this year, up from $330 billion in 2010, according to Financial Research Corp., an investment industry research firm.
Revealing Excessive 401(k) Fees
You may not realize this, but your 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan is not free.
More Americans Choose to Work in Retirement
Most Americans now think they will continue to work after they reach retirement age. Both financial and personal reasons have been factored into their decisions to delay retirement.
Gold-Plated Retirement?
In “The elderly are better off than advertised” Washington Post columnist Robert J. Samuelson attacks what he calls “selective and self-serving statistics” that have been cited by defenders of Social Security and Medicare. According to Samuelson, such statistics are used to oppose cuts in these vital programs and support an “outdated and propagandistic notion that […]
How to protect your 401(k) if you leave your job
You thought the hardest part about saving for retirement was figuring out the best place to invest your money? Here’s another head-scratcher: what to do with your 401(k) when you leave your job.
Labor extends date to comply with 401(k) fee disclosure rule
The Labor Department said Wednesday that it will give employers with 401(k) and other participant-directed plans more time to comply with a final rule requiring disclosure of fees and expenses of the investment options offered by the plans.
