Q3 Market Recap: Investor Optimism Amid the Pandemic

The U.S. equity market recovery that began on March 24 continued in earnest in Q3. However, the Index performance masks significant underperformance in the industries that continue to be impacted by the pandemic. Any failure of the presidential election process to determine a clear winner will likely provide fuel for near-term volatility. 

Read the Q3 Market Recap for a brief review of the market performance and chart shows the average annualized return for the S&P 500 Index under the presidential terms dating back to Franklin Roosevelt. Also included is an article describing how Strategic Benefit Services has been Staying Connected to Meet Retirement Goals in spite of the pandemic.

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 (855) 882-9177.

Don’t Get Caught in the Act:

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act

After spending most of 2019 on hold in Congress, the SECURE Act was passed and signed into law on December 20. This is the largest retirement reform act since the Pension Protection Act in 2006 and has a broad focus on improving both the reach and quality of retirement plans, as well as updating several individual tax rules.

While most changes require no immediate action, it’s important for plan sponsors to be aware of changes that may soon impact them. Here is a chart with the most significant changes:

Q3 Market Recap: The Federal Reserve Past and Present

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 calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

You’ve Been Put on Notice

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	Informs of the plan's intent to provide a safe harbor contribution, alongside other key plan provision details.	Active eligibles	30 to 90 days ahead of plan year	Dec. 2
Universal Availability	Informs 403(b) participants about the opportunity to establish or change their salary deferrals in the plan.	Active eligibles	Annually	Dec. 31
Plan and Investment Fee Disclosure	Summarizes fees that may be paid from participant accounts or withheld by investment companies.	Active eligibles and terminated participants	Every 14 months	Depends on timing of prior mailing
Summary Annual Report	Summarizes the plan's key financial and administrator information with respect to the prior year's Form 5500 filing.	Active and terminated participants	60 days following the plan’s regular or extended Form 5500 filing deadline	Sept. 30 or Dec. 16

Sponsors with calendar year plans that extended their Form 5500 deadline to Oct. 15 may be able to align the delivery of any applicable notices into a single mailing event.

In addition to the above notices, plans must provide a Summary of Material Modifications to participants no later than 210 days following the plan year in which an amendment was effective. Alternatively, providing an updated Summary Plan Description satisfies this requirement. Updated SPDs are required to be provided every five years if material changes are made or every 10 years if no material changes have been made. If you recently amended or restated your plan document, this upcoming annual notice mailing may provide an opportunity to satisfy the SMM/SPD requirement as part of the same mailing.

While the DOL and IRS each have rules for distributing these notices electronically, abiding by the rules can be challenging. Per our subsequent article, DOL e-delivery regulations finalized in May 2020 have made this task easier and more cost-effective in many situations.

It’s important to note that in addition to the annual requirements, these notices should be provided to employees in your plan enrollment materials before or coincident with each participant’s eligibility for the plan.

Finally, there may be other participant notices that apply for defined benefit plans, other benefit plans or for situations such as plan terminations, blackout periods and disclosure of electronic statement delivery. Be sure to work with your service providers and make sure all applicable notices are mailed out as required by the IRS and DOL.

If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Q2 Market Recap: Powell's "Porridge"

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 calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Strategic Benefit Services expands into the small to mid-sized market

After 40 years of providing retirement plan advisory services to large institutions, Strategic 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 Strategic Benefit Services. “With our new service offering, we are looking to relieve some of their administrative burden, fiduciary responsibilities and operating expenses.” SBS has created a solution that largely shifts the fiduciary and administrative burdens to third parties while crafting a lower cost, institutionally structured retirement program.

About Strategic Benefit Services

SBS has been providing retirement services to leading healthcare, not-for-profit and corporate organizations for more than four decades. SBS provides trusted advisory and consulting services, including plan design, vendor management, investment selection and monitoring, operational oversight, and on-site education and communication. SBS also provides services in support of employer mergers and acquisitions, defined benefit plan de-risking strategies and other complex matters including Department of Labor and IRS audits. Named a PlanAdviser Top 100 Retirement Plan Adviser for 2016, 2017 and 2019, SBS conducts business in accordance with strong values in a manner that is in the best interests of its clients, with an ultimate goal of assuring clients’ employees are ready for retirement.

SBS is headquartered near Albany, with offices in Rochester, Tonawanda and Melville, New York.

Strategic Benefit Services named a PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Adviser for the 3rd time

PLANADVISER has named Strategic Benefit Services as one of its 2019 Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers. PLANADVISER’s Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers is an annual list of the retirement plan advisers and adviser teams at the top of their respective peer groups in terms of assets under advisement or number of retirement plan clients—including sponsors of defined contribution, defined benefit and nonqualified plans.

“SBS is honored to be again recognized by PLANADVISER,” said James J. Kelley, president, SBS. “We are also grateful to our clients for continuously placing their trust in us. We strive to build real relationships with our clients, creating a shared fiduciary responsibility with the companies we advise.”

SBS is categorized by PLANADVISER as a large team, having met this year’s eligibility standards of $3.5 billion or more retirement plan assets under advisement or 200 or more plans. SBS was previously named to PLANADVISER’s list in 2017 and 2016. SBS has been providing retirement services to leading healthcare, not-for-profit and corporate organizations for more than four decades. We provide trusted advisory and consulting services including plan design, vendor management, investment selection and monitoring, operational oversight, and on-site education and communication. SBS also provides services in support of employer mergers and acquisitions, defined benefit plan de-risking strategies and other complex matters including DOL and IRS audits. SBS conducts business in accordance with our values, in a manner that is in the best interests of our clients, with an ultimate goal of assuring our clients’ employees are ready for retirement.

Q4 Market Recap: “Bookends” of volatility in 2018

The year 2018 ended as it began, with significant market volatility. Some market analysts believe the combination of algorithmic trading and the elimination of the uptick rule may be contributing factors. Ironically, some volatility is a necessary evil for investors who view a stake in equities as essential to reaching their longterm goals.

Read the Q4 Market Recap to learn more about the individual periods of market volatility throughout 2018 and the root cause behind them.

If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Q3 Market Recap: Hear the U.S. Economy Roar!

But Listen to the Whispers of Caution, Too

The U.S. economy’s robust growth continues to lead global expansion, but there are reasons for investor caution moving forward as interest rates continue to rise incrementally, concern about inflation grows, and market volatility increases.

The Q3 Market Recap shows that the global economic expansion continues, although at a slightly lowered pace. Last quarter, the Market Recap covered the strength in the leading economic indicators. Positive stock performance was underpinned by solid economic data again in the third quarter.

As the U.S. economy continues its remarkable recovery from the recession a decade ago, investors are paying attention to all of these global and domestic activities that may influence how long and how strong this recovery will be going forward.

Read the Q3 Market Recap to learn more. If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Q2 Market Recap: Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The signal-to-noise ratio is an electrical engineering term used to express the clarity of audio. Signal-to-noise has a financial application as well. Currently, investors need to separate the signal from the noise to understand why the stock market continues its bull run despite disturbing headlines on the domestic and global fronts.

The Q2 Market Recap identifies the signals that are driving the market higher and therefore merit investors’ attention. We define a signal as information that is used by successful investors for valuing securities and making investment decisions (buy, sell, or hold). These signals are always relevant for investors making retirement savings decisions. We define noise as negative information that falsely appears relevant to investment decisions. Noise adds to market volatility, but ultimately fails to negatively impact the signals.

Read the Q2 Market Recap to learn more. If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

4 Key Benefits of a Strong Financial Wellness Program

Financial wellness is an increasingly popular topic, but there is no consensus about the value of financial wellness programs in the workplace. While clear advantages and perceived value have been identified, several obstacles remain.

In Assessing the Merits and Challenges of Financial Wellness, SBS evaluates whether financial wellness programs are a wise choice and welcome addition to the traditional employee benefits package.

To read more about the key themes that emerged from the financial wellness research, download Assessing the Merits and Challenges of Financial Wellness.

Why is Financial Wellness Important to Plan Sponsors?

When designed properly, financial wellness programs can help employers enhance their benefits packages and realize significant cost savings by helping employees retire on time, be more productive, and enjoy better health.

Can You Invest Your Way to Plan Termination?

Some interesting dynamics have been developing in the retirement industry with respect to defined benefit pension plans.  Most plan sponsors that have maintained these plan types have either suspended or frozen them.  This has been an effort to reduce/control their liabilities and funding obligations and to better respond to a younger workforce by replacing defined benefit plans with defined contribution plans.

For many sponsors, the strategy was to simply look to positive investment returns to “close the gap,” expecting that assets would grow faster than liabilities, creating a positive scenario that would reduce the cash contribution requirements and lead to eventual plan termination.  Unfortunately, this has not happened.

Q1 Market Recap: Taxes, Tariffs, and Tech

After nine consecutive quarters of gains, the S&P 500 lost 0.76% in the first quarter of 2018. The 0.76% loss masked a spike in volatility driven by the reduction in corporate tax rates in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, stiff tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, and the prospect of new government regulation of technology firms.

Read the Q1 Retirement Market Recap to learn more about the 1st quarter market volatility. Also included are tips on managing defined benefit plans in the feature on "Can You Invest Your Way to Plan Termination?"

If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

The Financial Burden of Defined Benefit Plans

Defined benefit plans were the predominant retirement plan at the time the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was introduced in 1974. Many hospitals and other healthcare provider organizations in New York State had defined benefit pension plans. In a defined benefit plan, the total financial obligation falls strictly on the sponsor. The amount of benefit is stipulated and the funding of that benefit is the responsibility of the sponsor. As time went on, defined benefit plans became more onerous to maintain, more difficult to sponsor, and more expensive.

The Revenue Act of 1978 included a provision under which employees were not taxed on the portion of income they elect to receive as deferred compensation rather than as direct cash payments, thus making 401(k) plans possible. The emergence of defined contribution plans began a transition away from the plan sponsor offering and managing the retirement benefits, to participants having the ability to directly manage their retirement savings.

Changing Times: Impact of the shift in types of retirement plans

The days are gone when a typical employee works for the same employer for 30 or 40 years and then collects a check every month for the rest of his or her life. Although the majority of employees had little understanding of how a defined benefit plan worked, they knew exactly how much they would get each month at retirement. Together with what they would earn from Social Security, it was relatively easy to plan for the future.

2018 Retirement Services Compliance Calendar and Notices Reminder

Strategic Benefit Services wants to help you stay compliant with the 2018 Retirement Services Compliance Calendar and Notices Reminder.

Compliance is just one of many services we provide. Strategic Benefit Services created this document to remind plan administrators of the compliance deadlines and notices required for distribution.

If you have any questions regarding compliance requirements or their application to your plan, contact us at (855) 882-9177or at sbs@ hanys.org.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for December

Due December 1st

• Deadline for participant notices, including safe harbor notice, QDIA notice, automatic contribution arrangement notice.

Due December 15th 

• Extended deadline for distributing Summary Annual Report to participants.

Due December 31st

• Corrective distributions for failed ADP/ACP test for 2016 (10% excise tax applies).
• QNEC contributions due for failed ADP/ACP test for 2016.
• RMDs due (except for first time qualifying participants).
• Last day to adopt discretionary plan amendments.
• Deadline to convert or remove safe harbor status for 2018 plan year.

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Strategic Benefit Services' Carol A. Idone Receives Prestigious SPARK Advisor Award

Vice President, Client Relationship Management and Consulting,

Honored for Leadership in "Plan Design & Administration Innovation"

Strategic Benefit Services (SBS) is pleased to announce that Carol A.Idone, CFP®, AIF®, Vice President, Client Relationship Management and Consulting, is the recipient of the 2017 SPARK Advisor Award: Plan Design & Administration Innovation. 

Sobering News Around 2018 Mortality Tables

Effective January 1, 2018, the IRS will implement new mortality tables to be used by Defined Benefit plan sponsors. A number of important things could occur when these new tables take effect, none of which are good news. These include:

• an increase in the plan liabilities; 
• an increase in the sponsor's minimum funding levels; and 
• an increase in the PBGC premiums. 

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for November

Due November 15th 

• Contributing entities making two reinsurance fee payments for 2016 must remit the second contribution payment. 

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.