Mainspring Partner

Summer 2009


Clock Ticking on EGTRRA Restatement;
Clients Can Avoid Fees by Switching to
The Standard

The April 30, 2010, deadline for plan sponsors and providers to restate their plan documents is less than a year away. To ease the process, The Standard will ensure that all new clients convert to an EGTRRA-compliant document during plan installation. Clients considering a change in providers can save hundreds of dollars in restatement fees if they move to The Standard by April 1, 2010.

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Survey: 401(k) Plans Remain Popular, Despite Recession

A recent survey conducted by the American Benefits Council and WorldatWork found that 401(k)s remain popular retirement vehicles for both employers and employees, despite the financial crisis and its devastating effect on the markets.

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IRS Issues Final 401(k) Regulations on Automatic Contribution Arrangements

On Feb. 24, 2009, the IRS issued final regulations for automatic enrollment arrangements. The regulations also addressed some of the concerns regarding the proposed rules, such as the treatment of rehired employees and the availability of mid-year Eligible Automatic Contribution Arrangements (EACAs).

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Four Legislative Changes Affect the Group Benefits Business

Recent legislation, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has a significant impact on certain aspects of the group benefits business. Here are four big ones that could have a significant impact on you and your clients.

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The Mainspring Partner newsletter helps producers build their business by providing sales aids, learning opportunities, market commentary, regulatory and legislative updates, product enhancement announcements and articles to help improve the effectiveness of your clients’ plans.

 

Upcoming Webcast

On July 23, 2009, The Standard is sponsoring "The Rocky Road for 401(k) Plans," an online discussion of the financial crisis and 401(k)s. Dave Gray, Second Vice President, Field Office Service, will address possible participant solutions in the context of the market downturn.

Following the event, The Standard will distribute a link for partners to view a replay of the webcast.