Here is the DOL’s FAQs document on the new conflicts of interest rule.
The DOL issues the first Best Interests FAQs
read more
Plan Sponsors
2017 Annual Qualified Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
On October 27, 2016, the IRS announced cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement related items for Tax Year 2017. The following is a comparison of the 2016 and 2017 limitations.
Quarterly Market Commentary – Q3 2016
Here is Chao & Company’s market commentary for the 3rd quarter of 2016.
Philip Chao featured as Guest on BMO Better Conversations Podcast
Here is an interview of Philip Chao regarding custom target date funds via Podcast.
Wells Fargo Can’t Spell “Fiduciary”
This article goes into detail regarding Wells Fargo’s SEC violations and abusive fiduciary practices.
Quarterly Market Commentary – Q2 2016
Here is Chao & Company’s market commentary for the 2nd quarter of 2016.
A New US Retirement Plan – Be Careful What You Shoot For
Retirement savings accessibility, participation and adequacy are hot topics, and the following article from Institutional Investor offers additional evidence that the vectors are lining up to slowly replace the private employer based DC plan with government intervention and ultimately takeover.
Brexit: The beginning of the end of the European Union?
Brexit is simply the latest manifestation of discontentment with the status quo and finger pointing. Here’s a look at the future of the EU.
U.S. Interest Rates – Lower for Much Longer
Here is an in-depth analysis of US interest rates in the past, currently and what’s to come.
Philip Chao interviewed on DOL Fiduciary ruling for “On Pitch” Podcast
Here is a podcast Philip Chao did on the DOL Fiduciary Ruling.
Capital Preservation Options in Defined Contribution Plans
Here is a summary of capital preservation options in Defined Contribution plans.
2017 Health Savings Account Plan Limits
On April 29, 2016, the IRS announced the 2017 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts. The following is a comparison of the 2016 and 2017 limits.
A Response to Berlau’s “Why the DOL Rule Is Bad for Small Savers”
It is tiring to see repeatedly how the fiduciary rule is bad for small savers. After reading an article by John Berlau, I cannot resist and have commented on the WealthManagement Magazine website. My comment is below, followed by the full, reproduced article.
2016 Health Savings Account Plan Limits
On May 04, 2015, the IRS announced the 2016 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts. The following is a comparison of the 2015 and 2016 limits.
Best Interest Contract: “I’m From the Government, and I’m Here to Help”
The following parody should be instructive about how much the DOL has fallen short in its mission and how confusing the new BICE would be to implement and understood by the intended audience.
Quarterly Market Commentary – Q1 2016
Here is Chao & Company’s market commentary for the 1st quarter of 2016.
DOL Best Interest Contract Exemption (BICE)
Here is a detailed summary of the Best Interest Contract Exemption (BICE) included in the DOL’s final fiduciary rule.
Chao & Company’s Position Post DOL Fiduciary Redefinition
Here are some comments and key points regarding the new fiduciary rule from Chao & Company.
When it Comes to Best Interest, There is no Gray Area
ERISA has always required a fiduciary to serve “solely” in the best interest of the plan participants and beneficiaries. There should be no gray area.
DOL Redefines an ERISA Fiduciary
On April 6, 2016, the DOL issued the final rule re-defining the term “Fiduciary” under ERISA and finalized the Conflict of Interest Rule applicable to retirement investment advice. Here is a summary as well as the changes and clarifications.