The Supreme Court has again declined to address whether ERISA disputes can be resolved through arbitration, leaving plan sponsors with more questions than answers. The court’s decision in Argent Trust Co. v. Ramon Cedeno et al. highlights the ongoing circuit split regarding arbitration provisions in ERISA-covered plans. Here’s how this unresolved issue impacts plan sponsors — and what they can do to mitigate risks.

The Department of Labor (DOL), in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), released a statement in November detailing disaster relief measures for employee benefit plans, participants, and sponsors affected by Hurricane Helene, tropical Storm Helene and Hurricane Milton. While the guidance applies broadly to health, welfare and retirement plans, the following provisions are specifically relevant to retirement plan sponsors and participants.

Under the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE Act of 2019) and the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (collectively, SECURE), long-term, part-time (LTPT) employees must be allowed to make contributions into their employer’s 401(k) plan beginning last year.

SECURE 2.0 significantly increases the available tax credits for small employer plans. The following provides an overview of the

credits and how they are valuable to business owners considering a new plan.

Americans believe they need roughly $1.5 million to retire comfortably — a number that has soared by more than 50% since 2020, yet the Employee Benefit Research Institute reports only about half of workers have calculated their retirement needs.

The conversation around prudent retirement planning should begin with defining what it isn’t... Read our latest blog for insight on four things retirement planning is not. 

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently released voluntary guidance emphasizing the importance of ethical and transparent use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Although much of the focus is on workers, the principles also have relevance for plan sponsors. 

Here are ways AI can be leveraged in retirement planning with the DOL best practices in mind.

When considering short-term funding options, participants are often advised to avoid tapping into their 401(k) accounts through loans or hardship withdrawals, as early withdrawals can impede long-term retirement savings. However, the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 has introduced more penalty-free emergency withdrawal provisions, offering increased liquidity and flexibility within 401(k) plans.

See how participant 401(k) rates have remained steady even with early withdrawals with insight from Fiona Greig, global head of investor research and policy at Vanguard.   

Participant Corner: Winter Word Search