Recent reports indicate plan participants may be struggling with high debt and raiding their retirement savings to stay afloat. Here are three strategies to provide support and decrease hardship disruptions. READ MORE

As plan sponsors, we often focus our time and efforts on those employees nearing retirement. But our Gen Z employees need our guidance. Here are proven strategies to set up Gen Z employees for success. READ MORE

The SECURE Act 2.0 outlined optional changes to go into effect over the next 10 years. But there are a number of mandatory changes as well for 2024.  Here is the information plan sponsors will want to know. READ MORE

The relationship we forge with ourselves in the future can greatly impact financial decision-making in the present. But how can plan sponsors help employees make better financial choices for the future? READ MORE

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “ADHD, Anxiety problems, behavior problems, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children”. READ MORE

Your participants’ financial needs and goals are diverse. How can you ensure participants connect with the resources that most closely align with their individual needs? READ MORE

Employers can help close the retirement savings gap by deploying smart strategies aimed at increasing catch-up contributions. Here are seven strategies to consider. READ MORE

As a plan fiduciary, you have a checklist of Must-Dos, prioritizing what ERISA law requires of you. But there is also a list of things that you can do proactively that are beneficial for you and your plan participants. READ MORE.

A survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute shows that 40% of older employees plan to retire later than anticipated because of inflation. What can employers do to encourage employees to save enough to retire? READ MORE

Offboarding employees effectively from your 401k plan, whether the employee is resigning or has been terminated, is beneficial for the plan participant and for you. READ MORE.

We have identified some creative ways for you to communicate to your participants the benefits of increasing contributions to their retirement plan. READ MORE

Signed into law on December 29, 2022, the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 adds 90+ new retirement plan provisions to promote savings. READ MORE

The holiday season brings an expectation of hope and cheer. With the possibility of a 2023, is there a way to help employees fight fiscal fears and take hold of their financial future? READ MORE

Your retirement plan can give you an edge in recruitment and retention. It can help attract top talent, reduce turnover, and boost participant enthusiasm. Here are three ways to make your plan stand out. READ MORE

The IRS just released the 2023 limits on retirement benefits and compensation. Here are the important updates you will want to know and share. READ MORE

Some experts claim we are in a recession. Others argue that it is inevitable but we are not there yet. The bottom line is that markets have not been performing at their best and many investors are worried about their overall financial well-being. Is there hope on the horizon? READ MORE

As a Paraplanner, you will work closely with advisors in preparing and implementing financial plans. You will prepare client agreements, collect data, input information into eMoney and produce the final plan. Remote working is possible. Please click here for full description. Please email resume to kmitry@blsfinancial.com.

Recruiting and retaining talent today can be challenging. Could offering the right blend of benefits give your business a competitive edge? READ MORE

The student debt crisis has a broad cross-generational impact. Often it cripples our employees' abilities to save for retirement. Should employers take a more proactive approach and enact programs that allow workers to direct retirement plan contributions towards paying down their debt? READ MORE

Non-equitable plans can be costly and cause you to lose your qualified status and the tax benefits that go along with it. Are Safe Harbor plans a better option? READ MORE

Auto-enrollment is one of the most implementable strategies plan sponsors can adopt to promote employee savings and investing. But are you worried your participants may react negatively? READ MORE.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022 (the “Act”) on March 30, 2022. This Act is more commonly referred to as SECURE Act 2.0 and is seen as building upon or enhancing the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the SECURE Act). READ MORE.

Gen Zers were the most likely to tap into their 401(k) during the pandemic which could affect their retirement goals. What are the best implementable strategies to prevent early withdrawals? READ MORE.

The number of IRS/DOL audits is increasing dramatically as DC plans become more complex and statutes and regulations evolve. Currently, the most litigated fiduciary issue is the “reasonableness” of plan fees. Can an audit be avoided? READ MORE

Before the recent 2021 7% inflation hike, the recommended 4% annual withdrawal from our retirement assets offered a high probability that our assets would last to normal life expectancy. How can retirees withstand future unexpected financial events and plan for a successful retirement experience? READ MORE

So much about financial wellness has to do with cultivating a mindset that favors delayed versus immediate gratification, aka the urge to splurge. So how do you help your employees prioritize saving for retirement instead? READ MORE

You see those initials in our titles. Ever wonder what they mean?

This alphabet soup of designations is meant to give you the confidence that you are working with professionals who not only meet the BLS standards of excellence but have dedicated themselves to continuing education. READ MORE

There is a new standard issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and both the auditors and plan sponsors will be subject to new responsibilities. Here is what plan sponsors need to know so they will not be caught unprepared. READ MORE

A recent study showed an increase in the number of plan participants who believe investment decisions are best left to professionals. But that process can come at the expense of customizability. Is there a way for participants to enjoy the simplification of retirement plan decision-making while maintaining more control over their level of investment risk? READ MORE

High turnover and loss of talent can seriously undermine an organization’s productivity and profitability. Here are some proven strategies you can use to help stem the tide. READ MORE.