The Retirement Plan Insider

Episode 7: How VAPPs Mitigate Risks of Traditional DB Plans

Get a crash course on Variable Annuity Pension Plans (VAPPs), a retirement plan design that some are calling the next big thing for addressing the retirement income gap for Americans. VAPPs are increasing in popularity because they offer the best of both worlds to retirement plan sponsors: the lifetime monthly income of traditional defined benefit plans and the risk management and predictability of costs found in 401(k)-type defined contribution plans. Join podcast host Robert Krebner and Segal’s John Redmond, Midwest Retirement Practice Leader, for a lively conversation on how VAPPs are getting a fresh look — not only for the stability they offer but for the competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. Listen now.

Getting Started with Managing Operational Risk

Managing operational risk is a must for sponsors of retirement plans. But how to get started?   Co-hosts and Segal retirement experts Rick Reed and Robert Krebner interview benefits administration pro Michael Venezia to provide tips on everything from conducting cybersecurity assessments to implementing proactive measures to protect employee and retirement account data.   Get savvy to the future of retirement security and the key role plan sponsors play. Listen now.

The Era of Financial Well-Being Is Here

Financial well-being. Financial wellness. Financial security. Whatever you choose to call it, it defines a person’s financial stability, resiliency, control and choice in meeting short-term and long-term financial goals.   With employees’ financial lives more complicated than ever,  financial well-being benefits have become all the rage. What’s the role of the employer or plan sponsor in providing them?  What programs and strategies are popular? How do you get started?   Our roundtable of retirement and financial well-being experts cover it all. It’s a hot topic — and we know it cold. Listen now.

Nondiscrimination Testing: Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

We take a closer look at nondiscrimination testing (NDT), a requirement that can be a thorn in the side of plan sponsors.   Even though these tests (to ensure plans don’t favor highly paid employees) are required for all ERISA retirement plans, they’re usually not top of mind for plan sponsors given all the other issues involved in managing a plan.   Get steps for avoiding common NDT headaches, the pitfalls of using inaccurate plan data, and what to do if you fail a test. The topic is a timely one: the March 15th deadline for 401(k) plan NDT completion and corrections is fast approaching.

401(k) Best Practices — Process, Process, Process

What are the three most important things a DC plan sponsor should be laser-focused on? Process, process, process. We dig into the latest investment consulting trends and best practices for putting together a retirement portfolio that’s user-friendly and cost-effective for participants — and the structures you need to have in place with your plan. This includes putting in writing what you did, why you did it, and what you’re doing going forward. Join Rick Reed, Defined Contribution Practice Director, and Jarred Wilson, Consulting Actuary, as they talk to Segal Marco Advisors’ John Hume about how to maximize retirement benefits for your workforce. Listen now.