In December 2002, the U.S. Treasury Department issued some long-awaited guidance to employers about cash balance plans. These proposed regulations, issued under Internal Revenue Code Section 411 (b)(1)(H), prohibit age discrimination employment in benefit accruals and are fairly comprehensive in nature. Although a public hearing on the regulations was held in April 2003, the rules are not yet final as this article goes to press.

In essence, the regulations generally indicate that a company cannot directly or indirectly affect a participant’s benefit accrual based on age. (more…)

It’s not just choosing the right retirement investment that helps 401k grow faster. It’s keeping your hands off them too. Most plans permit you borrowing from 401k against the account balance for compelling reasons. Those all-too-compelling reasons may reduce the amount you’ll be able to draw someday from your 401k. (more…)