ASPPA Net Staff

Submit Your Comments on New Disciplinary Procedures

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/22/2014

On Jan. 1, 2015, the American Retirement Association (ARA) will officially become the new parent entity of ASPPA, ACOPA, NAPA and NTSA. Because the ARA’s Code of Professional Conduct will apply to all of these four sister organizations, new disciplinary procedures have been proposed.Some of the... READ MORE

8 Things to Do by New Year’s Eve

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/22/2014

As we careen toward 2015 with ever-accelerating speed, the IRS has issued a reminder about year-end deadlines relevant to retirement plans. Following are eight “to dos” the IRS suggests. 1. Distribute 2013 401(k) excess contributions and excess aggregate contributions (both adjusted for... READ MORE

The Best and Worst of ERISA — Readers Weigh in

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/22/2014

Last week we asked readers to vote on the best — and worst — aspects of ERISA and its progeny.Rather than just asking to pick one, readers had an opportunity to choose between two alternatives — or to suggest their own. In fact, three of the top five “worst” aspects of ERISA, and three of the top... READ MORE

Non-retirees Prefer 401(k) to Pension

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/19/2014

Asked to choose between a 401(k)-type plan or a company pension plan that provides guaranteed income in retirement, a slim majority of non-retirees chose the 401(k).The response came to a new question as part of the fourth-quarter 2014 Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index. Just... READ MORE

Submit Your Comments on American Retirement Association Disciplinary Procedures

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/18/2014

On January 1, 2015, the American Retirement Association (ARA) will officially become the new parent entity of the four sister organizations: ASPPA, ACOPA, NAPA and NTSA. The ARA’s Code of Professional Conduct will apply to all four sister organizations, so new disciplinary procedures have been... READ MORE

EFAST2 2014 Rollover Changes Coming Soon

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/18/2014

The EFAST2 2014 rollover changes will be implemented in the EFAST2 production system Jan. 1, 2015. The Department of Labor issued a reminder about that for EFAST2 third party software vendors on Dec. 16. It included the reminder with its transmission of information regarding the release of the... READ MORE

The Best and Worst of ERISA

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/15/2014

In this, the year of the 40th anniversary of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act's (ERISA) enactment, many have weighed in on the best — and the worst — aspects of that law and its progeny. As 2014 draws to a close, we’re giving YOU the opportunity to weigh in on the best things about... READ MORE

Retirement Wealth of Older Americans Hits New High

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/12/2014

Retirement assets of older Americans surged to a new high of $3.5 trillion last year, according to a new report.While retirement savings grew to one third (33.7%) of all household investable assets at $13.9 trillion, retirement assets of consumers age 65 to 74 surged from $2.3 trillion, and now... READ MORE

A Link Between Financial Resolutions and Realities?

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/11/2014

Saving for retirement in a workplace savings plan or IRA is the top long-term financial goal, according to a new survey. More good news: More than one-in-four (42%) said sticking to financial resolutions is easier than sticking to other common resolutions, such as exercising regularly or pledging... READ MORE

Which Rollovers Can Be Made to Which Accounts?

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/10/2014

Rollovers can be an important way to preserve retirement savings and postpone paying taxes on distributions. But do you know which kinds of rollovers can be made to which accounts?The IRS has an updated rollover chart that can help. It’s online here. More information about rollovers, rollover... READ MORE

Health Care Cost Concerns Crimp Retirement Plans

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/5/2014

Even the affluent are “terrified” of the impact of health care costs on retirement — but most haven’t discussed that topic with an advisor.According to an online survey conducted by Harris Poll for the Nationwide Retirement Institute of 801 Americans age 50 or older with at least $150,000 in... READ MORE

Retiree Medical Liability Looms Over Fortune 1000: Report

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/2/2014

The Fortune 1000 has reported an estimated $285 billion in retiree medical obligations for 2013 — but that’s better than a year ago, according to a recent report.Towers Watson reports that, according to calculations based on required Securities and Exchange Commission financial disclosures as of... READ MORE

Which Rollovers Can be Made to Which Account(s)?

By ASPPA Net Staff 12/2/2014

Rollovers can be an important way to preserve retirement savings, and postpone paying taxes on distributions.But do you know which kinds of rollovers can be made to which accounts?The IRS has an updated rollover chart that can help. The IRS also provides additional information about rollovers,... READ MORE

Which Retirement Risk Trumps Longevity, Leakage and LTC?

By ASPPA Net Staff 11/25/2014

What’s a bigger risk to retirement security than longevity, leakage and long-term care costs?A recent hearing the Bipartisan Policy Commission held focused on those issues amid the broader topic of threats to retirement security. Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Research Director Jack... READ MORE

Longevity Lines Could Affect Pension and Retirement Calculations

By ASPPA Net Staff 11/24/2014

While Americans have been living longer, a new report suggests that that trend could slow in the future — and that could have an impact on pension calculations and retirement projections.According to “Longevity Trends in the U.S.”, a report by consultant Towers Watson, U.S. mortality improvement... READ MORE

California IRA Program Moves Forward

By ASPPA Net Staff 11/24/2014

California’s state-sponsored retirement plan has taken another step forward with the issuance of an RFP for a consultant to conduct a market analysis, feasibility study and to design the program.With this request for proposal (RFP), the Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board says the... READ MORE

Over the River and Through the Woods

By ASPPA Net Staff 11/24/2014

Over the river and through the woods, the ASPPA Connect is here!But only today — as Thanksgiving is this Thursday, we won’t be publishing an ASPPA Connect that day. We’ll be back on Monday, Dec. 1 with the next ASPPA Connect, which will feature useful and timely information.But in the spirit of the... READ MORE

Are Small Business Owners Ready for Retirement?

By ASPPA Net Staff 11/14/2014

While small business owners (SBOs) acknowledge the importance of preparing for retirement, a new survey discusses how they find out about retirement.And while setting money aside into savings or investments was cited as a primary source by just over three-fourths SBO respondents, only 45% cited... READ MORE

Getting ‘Credit’ Where Credit Is Due

By ASPPA Net Staff 11/14/2014

The Internal Revenue Service is reminding low- and moderate-income workers about an opportunity to earn a special tax credit while they save for retirement.The IRS notes that the Saver’s Credit helps offset part of the first $2,000 that workers voluntarily contribute to IRAs and 401(k) plans and... READ MORE

With an Eye on 2016, Will Washington “Work?”

By ASPPA Net Staff 11/10/2014

Having regained their Senate majority and deepened their hold on the House, the GOP — with a wary eye on the 2016 elections — may be ready to deal.In a recent webcast, ASPPA Executive Director Brian Graff and Political Director Jim Dornan discussed the shifts in power in the Nation’s Capital and... READ MORE

You are here

ASPPA Net Staff

Pages

Most Popular