I’m not sure anyone would disagree that the past 12 months have been stressful and a whirlwind, but they’ve also been eventful. This has been particularly true with all the recent regulatory changes impacting retirement plan accounts. In fact, the last 12 months have brought some of the most significant changes to retirement plan law in more than a decade.
As we get closer to Halloween, it’s natural to think about the things that scare us. For many, it’s something very specific like spiders, ghosts or even clowns! For others, it’s simply the fear of the unknown. And for those that are planning for and nearing retirement, ensuring that the correct preparation and steps are in place to meet their retirement goals can be a downright frightening thought.
Addressing the Retirement Savings Gap Remains a Focus of National 401(k) Day
The month of September is often connected with the celebration of Labor Day, a holiday to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of laborers to the development of the United States. But over the past several decades, September has also included the celebration of National 401(k) Day which is scheduled for September 11 and is designed to promote retirement savings education.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding economic downturn has caused many employers to make some tough financial decisions in meeting their operational and payroll obligations. As employers continue to look for cost-cutting strategies, many have contemplated the reduction or suspension of employer contributions to their 401(k) or 403(b) plans. The process of suspending or reducing employer contributions to retirement programs can be particularly challenging for employers sponsoring a safe harbor 401(k) or 403(b) plan.
As a parent of children, teenagers or young adults, you’re often able to share some wonderful and memorable experiences together. It’s one of the great perks of being a parent! Additionally, some of the financial perks of being a parent or having dependents can become apparent during tax time. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which became effective on January 1,
Tax season is a time when business owners often are juggling multiple priorities, seeking approaches for potentially reducing tax liability, while also looking for opportunities to increase retirement savings. For business owners looking for 2019 tax deductions, along with a way to jump start retirement savings, the SEP IRA is the only employer-sponsored retirement plan that can be both established and funded after the 2019 calendar year.
As the tax deadline approaches, you may be trying to determine the best time to file your taxes. Should I focus my attention on it now or relax and wait until it gets closer to April 15th? It probably comes as no surprise to you that there is no simple answer to this common tax season quandary.
Now that we’ve had a chance to ring in the beginning of a new year, and new decade, many are starting to turn their attention to important new year resolutions, such as focusing on approaches for managing your money more responsibly and effectively. Although this may sound simplistic, for many, the ability to commit to a disciplined savings plan can be a challenge requiring both commitment and a clear strategy.
It has become increasingly clear that there is a growing retirement savings gap in the U.S., with most workers not saving enough for retirement. Additionally, plan sponsors are beginning to understand the economic impact to their businesses, through potentially increased health care and disability claims, with employees who cannot retire due to lack of financial preparedness or adequate retirement savings.
Sometimes just the surprises and uncertainty in our daily lives can be scary! At times, things just don’t work out as planned and events can happen that we didn’t anticipate; like a job change or health issue. And typically, these situations seem to happen at the worst possible time and can lead to some unplanned and frightening financial challenges.
