Blog

May Wellness: Windmill Our Way Through May!

National Windmill Day is observed on the second Saturday of every May. Windmills have served as manufacturing plants and sources of energy shaping the development of villages and towns for centuries. By harnessing the power of the wind...

Is Financial Education on Company Time Worth It?

Helping employees reduce financial stress can help improve wellness, retention and productivity – and cost a fraction of the time lost from overwhelmed employees.

Q2 2023 Employee Newsletter: Retirement Savings and Milestones

Is it too late to save? Never. No matter where one is in their life or career, there are plenty of tricks and tips to help one save.

Financial Stress Has More Impact on Your Company Than You Think

Stressed employees are feeling the pinch; this can affect productivity, retention and engagement at work. Financial education could be an easy solution that helps your employees and overall business.

April Wellness: Fly High

April is National Kite Month. Who knew? On March 20th, we officially transitioned to Spring having  already been teased with a sprinkle of some warm days in the high 60s. Spring is the time of the year when most kite fliers begin...

Q1 2023 Newsletter: Fiduciary Plan Governance Edition

Retirement goals: we are in this together! Here are 3 need-to-knows in our Fiduciary Plan Governance newsletter.

Video: Selecting 401(k) Investments Made Easier

Selecting 401(k) investments can feel like a lot of pressure. However, there are three steps to follow when it comes to selecting 401(k) investments that can help ease your mind.

March Wellness: Hold the Meat

It’s not often I introduce food challenges. An individual’s diet choices are personal, and I find that people get very protective of what they eat and what allowances or restrictions they incorporate. But I am going to step...

Investment Committee Checklist

Most meetings could have been just an email… but not your investment committee meetings. Check out our checklist to help enhance your next meeting.

Why Plan Fiduciaries Need to Pay Careful Attention to Retirement Plan Fees

Competitive benchmarking is a way to measure and compare fees associated with running your retirement plan. Explore the most frequently asked questions about plan costs and benchmarking.

Wellness: Get Fit February

Okay, we’re settled into the new year. Some or all or one of you may have kept up with your New Year Resolution and even found a way to reset last month from holiday spending. Now it’s time to recover from Holiday...

Fiduciary Best Practices: Why Investment Oversight is Important for 401(k) Committees

How do you evaluate, benchmark and assess your plan and what other expertise or protection should you consider?

2023 Compliance Calendar

Stay ahead of deadlines with help from our annual Compliance Calendar. If you have any questions about deadlines or information requested, please contact us to review today!

Q1 2023 Employee Newsletter: Budget Edition

Share this newsletter with your employees to kick start their new year financial goals!

Defining Workplace Goals is a Vital First Step to an Effective Retirement Plan

Here’s helpful guidance about defining your plan goals and offering this benefit which helps everyone save toward retirement success.

SECURE Act 2.0 – What Employers Need to Know

After a lot of excitement, Congress finally passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act which included several new retirement plan legislations. The SECURE 2.0 and other provisions strive to expand access to retirement plans, increase...

January Wellness: SMARTen Up in 2023

Happy 2023! As we start a new year and try to improve, reinvent, or simply start again, I decided now is as good a time as any to broach a new area of wellness.  Financial wellness.  Up until now, I have steered clear of this...

Plan Sponsor Newsletter: Adapting to Change Edition

What employers can expect from their 401(k) partners, how to implement a financial wellness program and what to expect during a plan conversation.

Video: 4 Ways You Can Benefit from Working With a 401(k) Advisor

Let us focus on your retirement plan so you can focus on running your business. Here’s 4 ways we can help: Fiduciary Training, Investment Monitoring, Plan Design Optimization, Employee Education.

December Wellness: Holiday Hoopla

It’s December, the last month of 2022. December is a month where I find folks are either brimming with anticipation for the new year to come or clawing their way over the finish line. It always seems to be a busy time, so finding...

7 Employer Considerations for a Rewarding Workplace Retirement Plan

Here are 7 retirement plan design options that can help business owners and employees reach toward their financial goals.

Wellness: No Excuses November

What can you accomplish in one month without any excuses?  Yep, let’s get right to it. It’s November, and not just any old November, it’s No Excuses November. Everyone makes excuses from time to time. It happens...

4 Simple Steps to Help Understand the Transition to a New 401(k) Provider

Learn what to expect when changing recordkeepers to avoid unpleasant surprises.

2023 Contribution Limits

Review the full list of contribution limit changes and share with your plan participants!

8 Credit Building Tips for the Modern American

Attaining good credit score shouldn’t intimidate anyone. Here are some helpful tips to build and repair credit for long lasting impact.

5 Financial Wellness Tips Your Employees Will Thank You For

A financial wellness program can be an extremely valuable benefit, learn how it can help employees reduce stress while improving workplace productivity.

Build a 401(k) Dream Team with the Power of Partnership

Leverage service providers to help your 401(k) plan run more smoothly.

Walktober Wellness

Welcome to Walktober! The leaves are falling, the nights are getting downright chilly and Halloween looms before us. Wait, did I say Walktober? I did, and that’s because it’s also the time to celebrate this annual event...

Q3 2022 Newsletter: Optimizing Savings Strategies

Use these insights and help optimize your 401(k) plan to align with savings and talent management strategies.Identify SECURE Act tax incentives that may help you and your employeesHelp employers maximize savings and minimize...

Video: Advantages of Retirement Plan Auto Features

With certain 401(k) automatic features turned on, you can allow your employees to save more while lightening your administrative workload.Advantages:Increases participation in the retirement planProvides automation of administrative...

Wellness: The Sounds of September

The time has come to farewell the long and lazy days of Summer as the hustle and bustle of Fall envelops us. September has arrived and we are back to business. As we slowly begin preparation for the fourth quarter and the holiday...

3 Tips to Help Build and Run a Successful Retirement Plan Committee

If you are looking for ways to improve fiduciary oversight and strengthen your company's retirement plan, a committee is one of the best places to start. A committee is responsible for the fiduciary oversight of your retirement plan by...

3 Fresh Ideas to Help Boost Your Employees’ Retirement Savings

Innovative and creative approaches to help your company stand out while improving workers’ financial well-being How can your company stand out from the competition so you can recruit and retain quality talent? At the same...

August Wellness: Back to School Boot Camp

kay, I know. The days of “Back To School” for most of us are over. Long over. But I remember it as such an exciting time. You just about had your fill of Summer break and were itching to reunite with your classmates,...

5 Ways Business Owners Can Optimize Retirement Savings

Key strategies to help employers maximize savings and minimize taxesAs a business owner, you have the ability to pull certain levers to increase retirement savings while controlling tax consequences. By understanding how different...

Participant Infographic: 401(k) Distribution Options to Take Charge of Your Retirement Savings

The average American will change jobs 12 times.  Searching for a better quality of life, workplace benefits or change of scenery has led Americans to move careers, with frequency.But what happens to their old 401(k) account? Help...

SECURE Act Tax Credits & 401(k) Plan Features

The most comprehensive pension reform in 20 years, the SECURE Act, is a step forward to allow people greater access to retirement plans.The act hopes to expand retirement savings while alleviating administrative headaches. As such, the...

July Wellness: Step Toward Self-Care

Self-care is the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them, in collaboration with health and social care professionals as needed.  I was struck by this very simple...

Retirement Savings and Inflation

70% of employees believe that inflation is the biggest barrier to their savings success – how can employers help improve this outlook, and in the long run, employee financial outcome?

June Wellness: The Benefits of the Bicycle…Crunch

June 3rd, 2022, is World Bicycle Day created for the advocacy and celebration of the humble bicycle all over the world. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of riding a bicycle. It is not only a simple and sustainable means of...

10 Top Employee Total Rewards Trends to Watch in 2022

Stand out with a more comprehensive benefit package! To retain and attract top talent, employers need to consider new perks that reflect our changing times. The Top 10 #EmployeeBenefits Solutions >>

Total Rewards Programs Key to Recruiting & Retaining Top Talent

Employers, are you ready to evaluate, adjust and enhance your benefits program to keep up with workforce expectations and engage top talent?

May Wellness: Shrug Off Bad Posture

How Could Inflation Impact Corporate Retirement Plans?

It’s no secret that inflation is reaching historic levels. It’s affecting you as employers, your employees and their finances. How does it affect retirement savings?

Guide to Paying Down Student Loans

If you have an outstanding student loan, you’re not alone. Read our latest infographic with best practices to help you pay down student debt.

Employees Want Paychecks for Life: Pros and Cons of Guaranteed Lifetime Income

Paychecks for Life: What is Guaranteed Lifetime Income? Annuities and similar products may help address retirement income concerns.

April Wellness - Heal the Heel

Video: Building Turnover Resistant Benefits

Recruiting and retaining top employees is becoming more challenging. Employees want more than just perks; they want benefits that can help them create financial freedom, balance and recognition. Here’s how you can work to build turnover re

Cybersecurity: Protect Your Retirement Savings

Cybercriminals are well-aware that American’s have trillions of dollars in retirement savings plans. Here are key tips to help keep retirement savings safe online

March Wellness: Out With the Old

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and its Impact on Retirement Plans

Your workforce is diverse and unique – how does your retirement plan reflect DEI efforts?

Guide to Understanding DOL Audits

A DOL Audit is no walk in the park, but you can take preventative steps to prepare by conducting due diligence and documenting your plan actions. The Complete Guide to a DOL Audit

2022 Compliance Calendar

2022 Compliance Calendar: Important Dates and Deadlines

February Wellness: Flabuless Arms Challenge

Do ESGs Fit Into Our Retirement Plan?

Employee professional and financial values are evolving, and ESG funds are beginning to represent them in the market. Will they become part of your fiduciary consideration?

How to Prepare for a 401(k) Audit

If the DOL comes knocking, is your plan prepared for an audit? Be aware of red flags, how to respond and what documents to have ready.

Q1 2022 Newsletter: Fiduciary Plan Governance Edition

Get ahead of the curve: The most anticipated topics of 2022: Important information regarding audits, ESG funds and DEI in your workplace!

January Wellness: Let’s start fresh...and clean

Video - Get to Know Your Retirement Plan Committee

If you think you’re alone in managing your 401(k) plan, think again! A Retirement Plan Committee is a dedicated group that manages investment options, oversees retirement plan administration and provides fiduciary oversight and...

December Challenge: The 12 Days of Fitness

It’s the last month of 2021—we made it to December! For some of us, the year flew by. For others, it felt like a lifetime. The final month of the year can be quite stressful. Not only do deadlines need to be met and...

Live your Best Life: Now and In Retirement

Americans are living longer than ever before. Life expectancy is now at 79 years old, and many employees will need to save enough to live 17+ years in retirement.1 How financially prepared are your employees to enter into this next...

Who’s on your Retirement Plan Committee?

Retirement plan committees are super important; they set the direction and priorities of the company’s retirement plan. These actions (or inactions) can have a huge impact on how successful employees are at preparing for...

2022 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

The new Retirement Plan Contribution Limits are official! The following limits are going up for 2022: Maximum contributions for 401(k), 403(b) and 547 increases to $20,500 The annual additions limit for defined contribution plans...

Year-End Wrap-Up: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Company's Retirement Plan

With Cycle 3 deadlines fast approaching, now is a great time to review your retirement plan. Measuring your retirement plan’s data provides key information to help increase its competitiveness, which can be extremely helpful in...

November Challenge: Kindness Counts

As I continue my journey of uncovering world acknowledgement days, I was pleased to discover that World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on November 13th. This day was launched in 1988 by The World Kindness Movement, which is an...

The Tale of Two Economies

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, there are signs of recovery in the U.S. Millions of vaccines have been administered, businesses and offices are reopening and life is starting to look more like it did pre-pandemic. All this...

You Can’t Talk About That at Work: Tackling Financial FAQs

Talking about money is tricky, especially at work. While it may seem too personal for work and easier to avoid the conversation, the effects can have a lasting effect on a company. More and more forward-thinking employers are starting...

Q4 Newsletter - Strategic Thinking Edition

As we begin to say goodbye to 2021, let’s look forward to the new year by addressing employee financial habits after COVID, how a K-shape economy is impacting your workplace and how your retirement plan committee plays an...

Wellness: What in the...World Burpee Day

Some of you may not be aware, but October 12th is World Burpee Day. Reebok launched the first ever World Burpee Day back in 2016 to pay homage to this notoriously effective workout move that many of us have a love-hate relationship...

Video – 20 Questions to Benchmark Your Retirement Plan

When was the last time you reviewed your retirement plan - 5 years ago, 3 years ago? If it has been over a year, it may be time to benchmark your retirement plan, but it doesn’t have to be a chore this time around. After your...

Do You Want to Be Taxed Now or Later?

Your employees may have questions about one of the first decisions they will need to make – do they want to contribute to a Roth 401(k) or Traditional 401(k)? No matter how you slice it, taxes, income brackets and contribution...

Wellness: Are you ready for some...Fourth Quarter?

The Eagles season opener is this month. And you know what that means…summer has come to an end and cooler months are headed our way. Some coin this time of year “Back to School” or “Pumpkin Spice” season...

2022 Deadline Nears: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Review Your Retirement Plan Design

For the millions of business owners that offer a workplace retirement plan, the COVID-19 pandemic created many financial difficulties. However, as the economic climate improves, there is an opportunity for employers to refresh their...

Questionnaire: Do You Know the Different Types of Workplace Retirement Plans?

Help your employees save with a plan that fits your unique organization! Each type of retirement plan comes with its own set of features and tax advantage strategies for employees and employers. Knowing the different types of workplace...

Child Tax Credit Payments: Understanding the “Advance”

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 became law on March 11, 2021. One of the most widely publicized benefits of the plan was the expansion of the child tax credit. The expansion of the tax credit includes an increase in the credit...

SEPs, MEPs and PEPs – Discover the Differences and Ideas for Your Workplace Retirement Plan

Just ask anyone: Uncle Sam and the retirement industry love acronyms. Another was added in December 2020—PEP—which conveniently rhymes with MEP and SEP. The three plan types are 401(k) cousins[1] meaning they share many...

Wellness: Downward Dog Days of August

We call them “The dog days of August,” those exceptionally warm days we hit at summer’s end when we are inspired to do…nothing. Legend tells us that the reference is actually based on Astrology and the rising...

CARES Act Deadlines: What Plan Sponsors Need to Know and Do

Pandemic Relief May Bring Administrative Pain to Plan Administrators The CARES Act gave plan participants quick access to funds during the COVID crisis, although only about 6% of participants took advantage of the options offered.[1]...

Q3 Newsletter – Measurement and Strategic Planning Edition

As the first half of the year phases out, it’s time to focus on measuring and begin strategic planning for your retirement plan. There’s a lot of new items on the agenda this year, from the CARES Act rules for repayment of...

July Wellness: Let Freedom Ring

Welcome to July, known for its elaborate firework displays, BBQs and flag-bearing cars and homes. Since 1776, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of this country’s independence—our freedom. As I reflected on this idea...

June Wellness: Lunging in the Sun

It’s June—the first month of the summer season. Flowers are blooming and fruits and vegetables are bountiful. June is the month where it’s not yet humid but warm enough that we enjoy being outdoors. We may find...

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

While a college education is a great investment in yourself, paying off student loans is a common burden for many. As employers look for new ways to attract and retain employees through the benefits that are being offered, one benefit...

May Wellness: Mental Health Awareness-Take the LEAP

May is Mental Health Awareness Month which marks the time of year to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues, and more importantly, to reduce the stigma that surrounds it. Mental health continues to be...

IRS Lists Solo 401(k) Plans as Audit Target

Shared by: Kelton Collopy, QKA If your business sponsors a “solo 401(k)” plan, it may be in the crosshairs of the Internal Revenue Service. The Service’s TE/GE (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) division has...

Video - 12 Types of Financial Education Employees Need

Each of your employees is unique with their own individual lifestyle path. That said, your employees need guidance to make smarter decisions about their money so they can learn not only how to save today but how to build wealth for the...

A CFO's Guide to Financial Wellness

We are excited to welcome Q2 with the theme of Financial Wellness! This quarter, we are going to touch on some important topics that impact your bottom line and the financial health of your employees. Download the Guide

Participant Infographic - 3 Ways to Confront Your Financial Fears

30% of Americans don’t have a budget. In fact, 3 in 5 don’t know how much they spend last month, and the median household retirement account balance in America is $50,000. One if not all of these statistics could exist in...

Q2 2021 Newsletter - Financial Wellness Edition

We are excited to welcome Q2 with the theme of Financial Wellness! This quarter, we are going to touch on some important topics that impact your bottom line and the financial health of your employees. Download the Newsletter

Stop Retirement Savings Setbacks

The global pandemic has had a staggering effect on the economic lives of millions, driving them to actions that could have long-lasting effects on their retirement savings. Facing unprecedented strain caused by the COVID-19 crisis,...

Normalize Retirement Savings Habits

Many American workers struggled financially before the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that this crisis could greatly hinder their ability to reach their retirement income goals. Indeed, more than three-quarters...

5 Reasons to Rethink Financial Wellness

Employees are worried about their finances. They worry about them in the evenings, on weekends and during working hours. Plus, with the increased stress caused by the pandemic, it’s no secret your workforce could use some help....

April Wellness: Tycor’s “Rocking the Plank” Challenge

Spring has sprung, officially, as of March 20th. For some, thoughts drift to spring cleaning--that feel-good process of both decluttering and organizing the home or office. For others, it’s the realization that warmer weather is...

SIMPLE IRA vs. SEP IRA

Running a business can be extremely time consuming. With endless decisions that need to be made, designing and implementing a retirement plan that is best for you and your employees can seem complicated and overwhelming. However, it...

New COBRA Subsidy

Shared by: Lauren C. Stuart Source: Emerson Reid

March Wellness: Starting Off on the Right Meal

March is a long month. No days off. Winter is dwindling away, and we are anticipating the first day of Spring which, by the way, is Saturday, March 20th this year. Spring is the time of year for new beginnings, new life, and yes, new...

Target Date Retirement Funds

I remember when I was ready to begin saving for retirement and opened an IRA for the first time. The application process was straightforward, I knew my risk tolerance/time horizon and how I wanted to invest my money. What turned out to...

February Wellness: Warming the Cockles of our Heart

February is Heart Month---not only because of Valentine’s Day and romantic gestures that make our hearts flutter. It’s Heart Health Month--the one month out of the year that we bring extra attention and focus to heart...

COVID-19 and Government Funding Legislation Signed into Law

Shared by: Lauren C. Stuart Executive Vice President

January Wellness: Go for the Goal

So, it’s January 2021. We have all been looking forward to the new year after a tumultuous 2020. Time to start fresh. New Year. New Outlook. And it’s the traditional time when we decide to make a resolution—that...

Comparing ETFs and Mutual Funds

When it comes to investing, people generally think of stocks and bonds, buy low and sell high, risks vs. reward, diversification and long-term results. Amongst the basic concepts of investing, one of the most important pieces of advice...

December Wellness: Holiday Crunch

Well, we pushed our way through October, trotted into November, and we’ll finish off our 3-month calisthenic challenge with good old-fashioned crunches. That’s right…it’s not a holiday snack mix or a...

Roth Conversions

When you begin saving for retirement, and putting money into a retirement vehicle, one of the decisions you must make is whether you want to contribute on a Roth (Post-Tax) or Traditional (Pre-Tax) basis. Both types of accounts offer...

Wellness: November Challenge—Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving morning…known for the smell of turkey roasting in the oven, large family gatherings, football and the Turkey Trot. Yep, that’s right. For years now, runners and walkers of all ages and sizes come together as a...

Cost-of-Living Adjustments for 2021 Announced

Cost-of-Living-Adjustments for 2021: Changes to a Few Limits. The Social Security Administration recently announced Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLA) for 2021. Changes are bolded below.

The Importance of Plans

When it comes to wealth, there is more to it than just building it. You should have a plan in place to protect it. Ultimately, there are three major contingencies that you should have a plan for, as the result of having no plan could...

Alert: Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rebates on the Way

As a reminder, The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% or 85% of premium dollars on medical care (cms.gov). When this threshold is not met, insurers return funds to policyholders. The reconciliation...

Wellness: October Push-Up Pumpkin Challenge!

October is here! For many of us in this business, this month marks the beginning of the fourth quarter. Which means stress. We have spent the past few months working on our emotional well-being and now we are going to return to the...

Financial Planning Checklist for Newly Married Couples

Throughout the course of our lives, we take on change. Some change which is minor, and some change which will impact our lives forever – marriage being one of those major life events! As you prepare for a safe and successful...

September Wellness: 7 Things You Didn't Know About Yoga and Meditation

What a year 2020 has been so far! As the summer winds down, this could be the perfect time to decompress from all of the unfamiliar stressors we’ve had over the past several months. Are you looking for a way to clear your mind...

Telemedicine: What You Need to Know

Telemedicine is an important benefit that is included in many major medical insurance programs. You may have already heard about it, with more talk about it recently during the coronavirus pandemic. What is it exactly? It's care you...

August Wellness: Reboot

August is National Wellness Month. Daunting right? Just the sound of it—how can we do “wellness” in a just one month? The awareness being celebrated and honored is actually more limited than it sounds. The focus is...

IRS Announces 2021 ACA Affordability Indexed Amount

The IRS recently announced in Revenue Procedure 2020-36 that the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) affordability indexed amount under the Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (“ESRP”) requirements will be 9.83% for...

Life Insurance – Do You Need It?

Life insurance is not the type of product that people wake up every morning and think about. In fact, some may never consider it, because the urge to undergo the process of implementing a life insurance policy takes too much time, it...

Keys to Developing Your Financial Flight Plan

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major diversion to our normal way of life so far in 2020. How have your finances weathered the storm? In my recent Webinar, I - In flying, not much happens with the aircraft that wasn’t put into a...

July Wellness: Social Sustainability—Is it Real?

For the past several months we have been dealing with an event many of us never imagined we would experience in our lifetime; a global pandemic. It seemed like overnight, our lifestyle changed dramatically. Normal daily activities were...

COVID-19: Student Loans, 529s and Tuition Reimbursements

I recently wrote a few blogs regarding the different types of student loans and repayment options, as well as some important things to consider when taking out loans for your education. Given the current pandemic, the CARES Act has...

For You: Familiarize Yourself With No-Cost Wellness Resources

Our goal is to help you along your journey to live well. As such, we want to make sure you're aware of wellness resources available through the insurance you purchase through your work.Have a few minutes? Check out the videos we...

June Wellness: Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

It’s officially summer! It’s warm, the sun is shining, kids are tossing out their text books and everyone is ready to just relax. Isn’t that a great feeling? Taking time to not have to think about anything? Of course,...

Disability Insurance: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

When it comes to protection, you can get insurance for practically anything you need or want. From things such as your electronic devices and cars, to your home, health, and life, there are tons of assets that may be worthy of...

New Guidance Offers Relief and Extends Deadlines for Benefit Plans

Recent government guidance brings several changes to employer sponsored benefits plan deadlines. Included in this guidance are significant changes to the COBRA rules that are retroactive to March 1, 2020. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE The...

May Wellness: What’s All the Hype Around Blue Light?

You may have heard people talking about blue light, that it affects your health and you should try to limit your exposure to it when possible. But what is it and why? In short, blue light is made up of more energy than any other light...

The CARES Act: Resources for Business Owners

As individuals and businesses adapt to major changes due to the coronavirus and current state of our economy, Congress has provided several programs and initiatives to small businesses through The CARES Act.

CARES Act Signed into Law on March 27, 2020

The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law by President Trump on Friday. March 27th. This $2 trillion stimulus package includes a number of provisions that impact retirement plans: Distributions...

COVID-19 Insurance Updates - The CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) into law. It provides support to individuals and businesses that are trying to cope with the coronavirus...

April Wellness: Detox Your Desk

The first day of Spring was officially March 20th and seeing as Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow thereby predicting an early onset of warmer weather, we should start preparing. One of my favorite traditions of this season is...

DOL Updates Website to Include Fact Sheets, FAQs and Employee Notice

As more information is released and clarified regarding The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), the Department of Labor (DOL) has added several resources to its website. Visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic Here...

Time for Some Good News

There have been A LOT of scary facts going around regarding COVID-19, but also a flurry of “positive news” items to lift our spirits. Wishing you and your family the best. Remember that our most important tool during times...

Volatile Markets – Stay the Course

With the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus in China, as well as the spread of the disease into a number of countries including the United States, there has been a spark of fear and panic. The markets have taken a downturn, creating...

Wellness: March is National Nutrition Month!

March is National Nutrition Month — the perfect time to pay extra attention to what we eat! This educational campaign was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and it focuses on the importance of making smart food...

Simple Ways to Save

The beginning of a New Year provides many individuals with a “fresh start” mentality, as people set out on new personal (or business) goals. While some may have goals for fitness, careers, family, or personal well being...

Wellness: February is Heart Healthy Month!

February, the month of love, is heart health month! In an average lifetime, a heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times. That’s a lot of mileage! Just like a car, maintenance and care should be a top priority to ensure your...

The SECURE Act of 2019: What You Need to Know

What is The SECURE Act? On December 20, 2019, efforts were made to reform the U.S. retirement system, as President Trump signed the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act of 2019 into law. This piece of...

January Wellness: Read to Succeed

It’s a new year! A time for resolutions, good intentions and positive outlooks. The idea of a resolution is to make ourselves better, stronger, the best version of ourselves. We feel like we get to start over at the beginning of...

The Importance of Saving for Retirement

The thought of retirement can be exciting but planning and saving for retirement should begin well in advance. This article will examine three main reasons why you should begin saving as early as you can, and saving as much as you can...

December Wellness: Testing our Stress

It’s the holiday season! A cherished time for many — chock full of family, friends, good times, good food…and stress. According to a poll conducted by verywellmind.com, more than 80% of us find the holiday season to...

529: A Tax-Advantaged Savings Plan for College

The ability to be able to afford paying for a college education is a hot topic in today’s society, as many students are incurring student loan debt, while the tuition costs of college continue to skyrocket. Just as saving for...

November Wellness: Gratitude - Train Your Brain

Soon, we’ll be sitting at our family dinner tables waiting for our turn to tell everyone what we are thankful for. I practice gratitude all of the time (pats self on back). In fact, I have a daily reminder that goes off on my...

401(k) Plan Loans

The 401(k) plan, which is an employer sponsored plan, was designed to be a simple tool to help employees start saving for retirement. While each company plan varies, there are provisions that many plans have in common - one of those...

October Wellness: Keep Smiling...

Your smile: it’s one of the first impressions you make on others. Smiling serves many purposes from boosting our immune system, relieving stress, to communicating with others who may not even speak our language. It’s an...

Your Retirement Plan: Key Deadlines

Where oh where did the summer go? As I write this, we’re amid another heat wave, but I’m sure by the time you read this, summer will be over and you’ll be deluged with deadlines for everything from your child’s...

Student Loans - Part II: Repaying Your Student Loans

Our previous blog on student loans addressed the different loan options that are provided by the Federal Government. The different repayment options that the Government makes available to you provides flexibility, makes repayment...

September is Cholesterol Awareness Month!

Did you know that taking certain medications can actually put you at risk for unhealthy cholesterol levels? According to Healthfinder.gov, “Taking certain medicines, like medicines to lower blood pressure” can increase your...

Student Loans - Part I: Understanding Your Options

The student loan crisis that is taking place in our country is certainly something too big to ignore. How big? The amount of student loan debt is the highest that it’s ever been at $1.5 trillion in the U.S. alone, and there are...

August Wellness: Drink to Your Health

Drink Water. We hear it all the time. Health experts, nutritionists, personal trainers, physicians—they all encourage us to drink water. While some of us have joined the movement, carefully selected our signature water bottle...

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

The intent behind this article is to reassure anyone who has debt -- that not all debt is bad debt! Many people, at some point in their lives, have to carry the “burden” of debt on their back. Whether it’s for a...

New Executive Order Addresses Healthcare Issues

On June 24, 2019, President Trump issued an Executive Order (“EO”) directing the relevant federal agencies to issue regulations or other guidance to make available more meaningful information related to the price and...

Excepted Benefit HRAs - Highlights from the Final Rule

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, “the Departments”) finalized rules creating two new Health ReimbursementArrangement (HRA) options available to employers beginning January...

Individual Coverage HRAs - Highlights from the Final Rule

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, “the Departments”) finalized rulescreating two new Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) options available to employers beginning January...

July is UV Awareness Month!

It’s the middle of July — you and your families are having a blast enjoying summer festivities from trips to the shore, camping, family barbecues, or just hanging pool-side. Summer is giving everyone just what we’ve...

IRS Releases 2020 HSA Adjustments

We are committed to providing latest updates relevant to you. The IRS has released the 2020 inflation adjustments impacting Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans. 2020 IRS HSA limits are as follows: For additional...

Safe Harbor for All? Not so Fast! There is More Than One Way to Fix a 401(k) Plan.

One of the 401(k) plan complaints I have heard in my career from plan sponsors is that they don’t like to have to take, or give refunds of salary deferral contributions to their Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs). Usually, if a...

IBC: Preventive Care Update

Effective April 30th: Independence Blue Cross will update the Preventive Care Services guidelines to include physical therapy for fully insured and self-funded commercial plan members 65 years of age or older who are at an increased...

Tycor Named a 2019 Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers by InvestmentNews

PRESS RELEASE Berwyn, PA, APRIL 1, 2019 – Tycor Benefit Administrators, Inc.® has been recognized as a 2019 Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers as announced by InvestmentNews today. READ PRESS RELEASE ADD FILE

Federal Government Eyes Paid Leave

Currently, six states and the District of Columbia have implemented paid family leave laws, including New York, New Jersey and California. Recently, there have been several efforts to expand this type of leave at the federal level. The...

Is Your Client’s SIMPLE IRA Plan Ready for an IRS Audit?

If you, or one of your clients, sponsor a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) and have not had the misfortune of undergoing an IRS audit, consider this a wake-up call! Recently, I was involved in assisting a client who...

Too much income to take advantage of the 20% QBI Pass-Through Deduction?

The 2018 tax year is the first year to take advantage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), the problem is until recently there was very little regulatory guidance on how to apply certain provisions. In particular, clarification...

J. Timothy Corle, CPC, CFP® Named to 2018 Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisers

J. Timothy Corle, CPC, CFP® Named to 2018 Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisers September 27, 2018 – J. Timothy Corle, CPC, CFP® is pleased to announce that he has been named to the 2018 edition of the Financial...

Attract and Retain Top Talent: A 401(k) Plan with Student Loan Benefits

Student loan debt in America has reached staggering new heights, limiting the ability of many to save for retirement. That’s why it was big news when the IRS recently approved one company’s program to help employees save...

Power of Attorney for Parents

You just dropped your child off at college. You’ve purchased dorm supplies, linens and new clothes. You have organized a budget to cover tuition, room and board, and travel as well as for your student’s personal spending....

Association Health Plans…Who Could Win?

All of the political, legal and compliance issues aside, what are the potential risks and rewards of Association Health Plans (AHPs)? Trade associations, who should have an easy time meeting the requirements, will be able to make...

Association Health Plans…Challenges Ahead!

Almost immediately after the final rule changing the definition of “employer” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was adopted, allowing for the formation of Association Health Plans (AHPs), two states...

Association Health Plans…A Rebirth at the Federal Level

Association Health Plans (AHPs), as they are acrimoniously known, are in fashion again. After a nearly 10- year hiatus, mostly in response to changes in regulations by ACA (“Obamacare”), a major regulatory roadblock to...

Final Association Health Plan Rules Released

Will the release of final Association Health Plan (AHP) rules provide relief for small employers struggling with rising medical premiums? On October 12, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order, “Promoting Healthcare...

Little Known Tax Provision Enables IRA Holders age 70 ½ to Donate up to $100K Tax Free

Did you know that if you are age 70 ½ or older, you are able to donate up to $100,000 tax free from your IRA to a qualifying charity each year? A little known provision in the tax law, made permanent in 2015, gives taxpayers a...

What's New in Controlling Health Insurance Costs? Reference Based Pricing. (Part 2 of 2)

For those companies who meet the “three S’s” (See Part 1), Referenced Based Pricing (RBP) promises immediate hospital/facility claims savings. I see estimates from vendors of between 20% and 50%. Overall annualized...

What’s New in Controlling Health Insurance Costs? Reference Based Pricing. (Part 1 of 2)

As the insurance market continues to evolve and employers continue to seek ways to control medical insurance costs, the concept of referenced based pricing (RBP) is a newer technique being explored. For consultants working with...

Memorial Day

As we approach the Memorial Day weekend, please take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of all the men and women who gave their lives for our country. From the staff at Tycor, enjoy the long holiday weekend!

2019 Health Savings Account (HSA) Limits Announced by the IRS

On May 10, 2018, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2018-30. What does this mean for you? If you are covered by a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and are eligible to make HSA contributions, In 2019, the contribution limits...

HR Alert

$6,900 Re-Established as 2018 HSA Contribution Limit for Certain Individuals The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has re-established $6,900 as the 2018 health savings account (HSA) contribution limit for individuals with family coverage...

On Medicare? A New Card Is Coming Your Way!

With the implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is required to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from all Medicare cards. CMS currently...

Springtime Retirement Plan Tune Up

This time of year is very busy! As I write this, the Tycor retirement plan team is feverishly analyzing client data for hundreds of plans. It is one deadline after another….1099-Rs must go out, refunds of excess 401(k)...