There are many facets to cybersecurity, many nuances and hard realities. A professional uniquely positioned to discuss cybersecurity in the context of retirement plans offers her insights on protecting assets, balances, sensitive information and more from unauthorized access.
A panel of retirement and investment experts recommends a cautious and well-documented approach to adding private assets to defined contribution plan menus. While DC plans can include alternative investments, such as private assets, the panel emphasized that implementation should be gradual. They suggested that the most suitable way to incorporate these alternatives is through modest allocations in professionally managed multi-asset products, particularly target-date funds.
While the IRS has yet to officially announce the 2026 retirement plan contribution limits, predictions from Mercer and Milliman suggest there won't be many surprises. Both firms anticipate a $1,000 increase in the employee contribution limit for 401k, 403b, and eligible 457 plans, raising the cap from $23,500 in 2025 to $24,500 in 2026. Additionally, the catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and older is expected to rise from $7,500 to $8,000.
When employees leave a company, their retirement accounts -- especially small, inactive ones -- often remain behind, creating administrative burdens and compliance risks. To manage this, companies can use involuntary distributions (also called force-outs) to automatically cash out or roll over these small balances if they meet certain criteria. Understanding the rules around forced 401k and IRA distributions is essential for proper implementation. This article explains more about why these provisions are important and how the rules work.
Looking ahead to 2026, upcoming changes to 401k contribution rules are more than minor updates -- they're significant structural reforms. Every plan sponsor, fiduciary, and committed saver should take note. Ignoring these changes could have serious consequences.
In 2025, the U.S. reaches "Peak 65®," with a record number of Americans turning 65. While Baby Boomers are currently experiencing this shift, Generation X (ages 45–60) faces even greater retirement insecurity. This paper outlines Gen-X's challenges, including a lack of protected income, low financial literacy, and evolving work and caregiving roles. It also discusses potential solutions like annuities, better access to financial advice, and new income strategies. Without significant action, Gen-X and future generations risk entering retirement with serious financial vulnerability.
Employers may deliver the Universal Availability notice for a 403b plan either in writing or electronically, as long as employees have reliable access to the electronic system and the notice is structured to effectively reach all eligible employees.
The ongoing government shutdown has disrupted federal agencies, including the IRS, preventing them from releasing critical updates -- such as annual retirement plan contribution limits -- which could impact retirement planning if delays continue.
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Collected Wisdom™
Our researchers look for what they think are some of the better resources available to assist you in administering your plan or helping your clients. We group these resources in our COLLECTED WISDOM™ topics to make it easy for you to locate the information you need. Each item in a category contains a summary and date of when it was placed in the group.
We also maintain some older material in these collections for perspective and context.
