John Iekel

Georgia may join sister states in establishing a state-run retirement plan to provide coverage for private-sector employees whose employers do not, if a measure now before the Senate is enacted.  Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-52) introduced SB 477 on Feb. 9, 2024. It calls for the creation of the Peach... READ MORE

Student loan debt has long been said to be a drag on retirement saving, and a just-released report adds fuel to the fire.  Not only is student loan debt an immediate and long-term financial burden, it also has a “statistically significant” effect on retirement accounts, says a new issue brief by... READ MORE

The year began on a positive note for private-sector pension plans, according to recent analyses.  Willis Towers Watson, Aon, Milliman, and October Three report that private-sector DB plans had a good month overall in January. Willis Towers Watson’s Pension Index, which tracks the asset/liability... READ MORE

A bill before the Mississippi House of Representatives would establish a state-run retirement plan to provide coverage for private-sector employees whose employers do not offer one.  Rep. Orlando Paden (D-Bolivar) on Jan. 24, 2024 introduced House Bill 599, the Mississippi Secure Choice Savings... READ MORE

Employees would no longer be required to opt in to participate in the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program but rather would be automatically enrolled under legislation now before the Hawaii House and Senate.  Sen. Sharon Moriwaki (D-Waikiki) introduced SB2553 on Jan. 19, 2024; Rep. Andrew Garrett (D-... READ MORE

Loans to pay for an education: an investment in the future, but also a drag on it. Research and recent insights suggest that while loans help fund steps intended to improve one’s position, in some ways they can threaten future security by affecting retirement saving. It’s a debt whose effects... READ MORE

There have been significant changes to the IRS Pre-Approved Defined Contribution Plan Program, and two of the IRS officials involved in the thick of it recently provided a refresher on the program rules and recent developments.  Milo Atlas of the Retirement Plan Forms and Publications Office at... READ MORE

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) on Jan. 19 announced that it has chosen the firms that will participate in its Smaller Asset Managers Program (SAMP).  SAMP is intended to reduce barriers to competition and create opportunities for smaller asset investment management firms. SAMP... READ MORE

The IRS has issued final regulations updating the minimum present value requirements for pension plan distributions. The IRS issued the final regulations on Jan. 19.  The IRS had issued proposed regulations in 2016 that updated the minimum present value requirements for defined benefit plan... READ MORE