TRA MAKES NEWS HAPPEN

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  CASE OF THE WEEK – Managed Accounts

  September 30, 2022 - Offering managed account options in DC plans is a growing trend, primarily because of their enhanced ability to deliver personalized retirement outcomes. Whether to include managed account services within a DC plan is a fiduciary decision for plan sponsors and committees that should match the goals of the plan, and not be taken lightly. If a managed account service is suitable for a plan, the governance elements include selecting, monitoring, benchmarking and documenting all stages of the decision and maintenance process. The industry lacks an accepted framework to confidently meet these expectations. Financial advisors have a true opportunity to offer consultative value in this arena. Continue
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  CASE OF THE WEEK – Plan Contributions for 403(b) and Governmental 457(b) Plans

  September 23, 2022 - Sometimes individuals who are lucky enough to participate in multiple employer-sponsored retirement plan types may be puzzled by what their maximum contribution limits are. This is especially true when a person participates in a 403(b) and 457(b) plan. That is why it is important to work with a financial and/or tax professional to help determine the optimal amount based on the participant’s unique situation. Continue
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  CASE OF THE WEEK – Automatic Contribution Arrangement (ACA) Plan Entry Requirements

  September 16, 2022 - A 401(k) plan with an ACA generally is a cash or deferred arrangement (CODA) that provides for automatic elective contributions in the absence of a specific affirmative election by a participant. QACAs and EACAs are subject to detailed annual participant notice requirements that are set forth in the Code and regulations. In contrast, whether the notice under an ACA is adequate is generally based on the facts and circumstances. Continue
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  Q & A – Gaining a Better Understanding of Inflation

  September 13, 2022 - Over the past year, price increases have grown out of pandemic-related shutdowns, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, the war in Ukraine and a host of other influences. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation, reached a 40-year high in June of 2022, at 9.1%. The price of almost everything, including used cars, housing, gas and groceries have all been prominently affected. Continue
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  CASE OF THE WEEK – ESOP and Making a Proper 1042 Election

  September 9, 2022 - ERISA consultants at the Retirement Learning Center (RLC) Resource Desk regularly receive calls from financial advisors on a broad array of technical topics related to IRAs, qualified retirement plans and other types of retirement savings and income plans, including nonqualified plans, stock options, and Social Security and Medicare. We bring Case of the Week to you to highlight the most relevant topics affecting your business.... Continue
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  ASK THE EXPERTS – Howard Rosenfeld | Actuary – Cash Balance Plans Specialist

  September 6, 2022 - Howard Rosenfeld joined The Retirement Advantage, Inc. (TRA) in 2021 as an Actuary, Plan Administration, in the Defined Benefit area. Prior to joining TRA, he was Owner/President of Rosenfeld/Tortu Retirement Planning Co., Inc. In this article, Howard draws on his deep expertise in Cash Balance Plans - one of the fastest-growing segments of the retirement industry - to share why these plans are so popular with advisors and clients. Continue
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  CASE OF THE WEEK – HCE and Top Paid Group

  September 2, 2022 - HCEs in a plan can be determined under the IRS’s standard or Top Paid Group definition.  Plan sponsors should always check the terms of their plan document to see which definition applies, and work with their TPAs and recordkeepers to ensure proper application. Continue