Independent Actuaries Blog Category: Defined Contribution
Roth Opportunities in Qualified Plans
Business owners who are contributing to a Roth IRA (or are considering if they should) can realize a greater impact with the Roth features in a 401(k) plan. 401(k) plans can allow participants to defer salary as a Roth contribution … Continue reading
IRS Issues Guidance on Hardship Distributions
The IRS recently issued an internal memorandum to provide guidance to its Employee Plans examiners who encounter a defined contribution plan that allows hardship distributions. A plan sponsor can take the participant’s word that there is no other source of … Continue reading
Discontinuing Employer Contributions and Vesting Requirements
Did you know that when employer contributions (e.g., profit sharing, safe harbor and matching contributions) to a defined contribution plan are completely discontinued, the plan’s accounts typically must be fully vested? As with all things IRS, it is important to … Continue reading
IRS Announces Pension Plan Limits for 2015
Believe it or not 2014 is quickly approaching its end and that means updated retirement plan limits. Earlier this week the IRS announced these new limits for 2015. Some limits increased from 2014 to 2015, and some stayed flat. Highlights include: … Continue reading
Bundled Service Providers, Investment Fees and 401k Account Balances
A small business owner using a bundled service provider for his/her 401(k) plan is akin to a farmer letting the fox guard the henhouse. Pete Kirtland writes that bundled service providers “don’t always pick…funds for the right reasons. They might … Continue reading
Save My 401(k)!
If you’ve listened to radio or watched TV in the last few months, you’ve heard the term “fiscal cliff” bandied about. The fiscal cliff the politicians and pundits are describing is the expiration of a number of tax cuts at the … Continue reading
IRS Announces Pension Plan Limits for 2013
2013 is around the corner, and that means updated pension plan limitations. Last week, the IRS announced the 2013 limits, many of which will increase in 2013 due to the increase in the cost of living index. Some of the … Continue reading
New Retirement Plan Limits for 2012
It’s hard to believe we’re in 2012 already! With the New Year, there are new retirement plan limits you should know about. Deferrals (401(k) salary deferrals) and catch-up deferral contributions are always limited on a calendar year basis. For 2012, … Continue reading
Steve Diess on Financial Focus Radio
Steve Diess on Financial Focus Radio Steve Diess, president of Independent Actuaries, Inc. talks about retirement with Troy and Tyler of Financial Focus Radio. Click on the links below to listen to the broadcast. Financial Focus Radio, Segment 1 Financial … Continue reading
401(k) Plan Benchmarking
Want to know how your 401(k) plan design and operation compare to industry norms? We track benchmarking surveys done by several different companies and organizations. Here is the link to a recent benchmarking survey: http://www.401khelpcenter.com/benchmarking.html
