Employer Information

New regulations that went into full effect on January 1, 2010 have greatly increased employer involvement in public 403(b) plans. Wise employers realize the new regulations shift power from the financial industry and to the employer. Consult our information and resources to help use this power to craft a plan that is not only in compliance, but offers quality, reasonably priced products worthy of your most vital asset: your employees.

Key Issues

• Lack of objective participant education  
• Poor investment choices
• Single vendor (good) vs. multi vendor (bad)
• Individual contracts (bad) vs. Group contracts (good)
• Sales agents trawling staff lounges and classrooms 
• Plan compliance 
• Union revenue arrangements with vendors (Not all unions engage in this behavior. Nationally, the AFT does not, but the NEA does)
• Permitting financial firms to provide financial "education," often at new teacher events 

Key Trends

• Vendor consolidation
• Participant advocacy

Key Employer Duties

• Maintain written plan documents
• Monitor contribution limits
• Ensure compliance with rules for participant loans

Must Reads

• School Districts: You Got the Power!
• Rich Plan, Poor Plan — Public school 403(b) plans fair poorly when compared to the 401(k). 
• An Even Fishier Smell in the Teacher's Lounge — Teachers pick up the tab when sales agents bring the lunch. 
• Union Advice is Failing Teachers — Labor groups have joined forces with investment firms to steer members into savings plans that often have high expenses and poor returns. 
• California Teachers Have Great 403(b) Choices. They Just Don't Know It. 
• 403(b) Plan Trends and Best Practices — The ongoing evolution of the 403(b) plan marketplace. 

403(b)wise Will Help Educate Your Employees

• Video conferences
• In person presentations
• Email us and let us know how we can help you