The longest bull market in history continues to run through Q3.  Investors remain focused on three key areas: trade conflict, slowing global economic growth and the Federal Reserve monetary policy. Under the successive leadership of three chairs, the Fed has fostered the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. Read the Q3 Market Recap to learn more about the recent history of bull markets, as well as the Q3 market drivers. Also included is an overview of key year-end notices plan sponsors may need to provide to employees according to IRS and DOL regulations. If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by  email  or by calling (800) 388-1963.

The longest bull market in history continues to run through Q3.  Investors remain focused on three key areas: trade conflict, slowing global economic growth and the Federal Reserve monetary policy. Under the successive leadership of three chairs, the Fed has fostered the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. Read the Q3 Market Recap to learn more about the recent history of bull markets, as well as the Q3 market drivers. Also included is an overview of key year-end notices plan sponsors may need to provide to employees according to IRS and DOL regulations. If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by  email  or by calling (800) 388-1963.

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2019, it’s important for sponsors of calendar year retirement plans to be mindful of certain required participant notices. Sponsors of qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) or 403(b) plans, may need to provide several of these notices per various Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor regulations. Notice Purpose Audience General Deadline Deadline for Calendar Year Plans Qualified Default Investment Alternative Informs of the plan’s default investment in the event the participant does not make an investment election.  Helps maintain 404(c) protection. Active eligibles and terminated participants At least 30 days ahead of plan year Dec. 2 Automatic Contribution Arrangement Informs of the plan's feature to automatically enroll participants to a default savings rate in the plan and the potential “refundability” of deferrals. Active eligibles 30 to 90 days ahead of plan year Dec. 2 Safe Harbor ...

The Fed defines success for monetary policy as when the economy is like Goldilocks’ porridge — not too hot and not too cold. Investors have enjoyed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s “Porridge” several times in 2019 as we ushered in the longest bull market in history. Read the Q2 Market Recap to learn more about the porridge-like conditions during Q2. Also included is update on the current buzz around a Multiple Employer Plan (MEP). If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by email or by calling (800) 388-1963.

The Fed defines success for monetary policy as when the economy is like Goldilocks’ porridge — not too hot and not too cold. Investors have enjoyed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s “Porridge” several times in 2019 as we ushered in the longest bull market in history. Read the Q2 Market Recap to learn more about the porridge-like conditions during Q2. Also included is update on the current buzz around a Multiple Employer Plan (MEP). If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by email or by calling (800) 388-1963.

Emerging Trends Impacting Healthcare Organizations A complimentary program especially for healthcare human resource leaders on October 2 - 3, 2019 Register Today Agenda At-A-Glance WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 5 - 7 p.m.         Welcome Cocktail Reception                           The Pump Station | 19 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12203 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3                          HANYS Benefit Services Headquarters | 1 Empire Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144 8:30 a.m.        Breakfast 8:45 a.m.        Opening Remarks                          Avon Scherff, Director, Employee benefit services, HANYS Benefit Services 9:00 a.m.        Panel Discussion: Benefits Survey, Trends and Benchmarks           ...

After 40 years of providing retirement plan advisory services to large institutions, HANYS Benefit Services is taking its experience and expertise to the smaller end of the market. Though employers with assets under $10 million may not have the same resources as larger organizations, they do have the same responsibilities and objectives: a fiduciary duty to conduct plan business in a prudent fashion and the need to offer an attractive and competitive retirement plan for their employees. “We believe sponsors in the smaller end of the market are often underserved and may not be getting the proper fiduciary oversight,” said James Kelley, president of HANYS Benefit Services. “With our new service offering, we are looking to relieve some of their administrative burden, fiduciary responsibilities and operating expenses.” HBS has created a solution that largely shifts the fiduciary and administrative burdens to third parties while crafting a lower cost, institutionally structured retirement...