Learning Center for Businesses
Browse our latest or list by category:
Browse our latest or list by category:
By Aviva Sapers Are you aware of the financial impact a disability can have for you and your family? You have around a 25% chance of becoming disabled for three months or more before the age of 65.* The average duration of a disability ranges from 2.1 years to 3.2 years, depending on age.** A 2019… Read More Read More
By Evan Macedo Recent years have seen an uptick in the desire for more “socially responsible investing,” with individuals and corporations alike focused, more than ever, on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) concerns around where and how their money is spent. The basic idea is to emphasize impact investing which prioritizes financial returns in… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack has been named to the National Association of Plan Advisors’ list of the nation’s top defined contribution (DC) Advisor Teams with Assets under Advisement over $100 Million. Unlike other lists, this focuses on individual firms, or what may, in a wirehouse environment, be referred to as a team, or office, and the… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers, CEO at Sapers & Wallack answers questions about her blog “Rethinking the Approach to Long Term Care Insurance” You can read the blog: “Rethinking the Approach to Long Term Care Insurance” here. Read More
With the recent market volatility, it’s understandable that you may be concerned about your investments. Don’t let the market volatility spook you! Consider the following tips: Review your safe route. It is ok if your investment portfolio isn’t performing as you expected, but as you age closer towards your retirement, check out different investment options… Read More Read More
/// By Adam Shaker and Scott Tuxbury When structuring and maintaining an employee benefit plan (EBP), the process of conducting a plan audit by an outside CPA is a necessary step to assess plan accuracy and ensure long-term viability while remaining compliant with applicable laws and regulations. Generally, plans with more than 100 eligible participants… Read More Read More
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President, Retirement & wealth Management at Sapers & Wallack and Adam Shaker, Manager, Audit & Assurance at LGA, LLP answer questions about their blog “Employee Benefit Audits – Lessons Learned from Season Professionals” You can read the blog: “Employee Benefit Audits – Lessons Learned from Season Professionals” here. Read More
Much has been made of the current state of the American worker as it pertains to their retirement savings. According to a recent study by the General Accountability Office, 29% of Americans 55 and older do not have any retirement savings or pension plan and those who have saved are woefully behind with 55-64 years… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers, CEO and Patrick J.Bugbee. Director, Executive Benefits & Administration at Sapers & Wallack answer questions about their blog “Executive Benefits Today” You can read the blog: “Executive Benefits Today – Sapers & Wallack (sapers-wallack.com)” here. Read More
By Aviva Sapers During the Great Resignation, it has become even more important to find ways to attract, retain, and reward key employees. These days, competitive salaries may not be enough to hold your team in place. Benefits, stock options, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs), and other non-qualified executive benefits plans can help incentivize performance,… Read More Read More
The retirement plan landscape is rapidly changing and increasingly complex. Between volatile markets, the boom of remote work options, shifting worker demographics, and evolving challenges around hiring and retention—finding the right plan to balance performance with a reduced cost structure and mitigation of fiduciary risk and record keeping responsibilities can be a lot for an… Read More Read More
We know you are ready for summer! But how’s your retirement plan doing? Summer can serve as a preview of your retirement — long days in the sun and spending time with your loved ones! So, what better time to do a routine check-up on your retirement plan! Protect your loved ones and ensure… Read More Read More
Paul Clark, Managing partner, National Health Care Captive Practice Leader of Clark & Lavey, A Hilb Group Company and Evan Macedo Treasurer & Vice President of Finance & Operations at Sapers & Wallack answer questions about their blog “Reduced Health Care Costs & Shared Profits with the InCap® Group Captive” You can read the… Read More Read More
/// By Paul Clark and Evan Macedo Squeezed between the perpetually rising cost of health care and the increasing demand for good benefits to attract and retain talent—American businesses are struggling to find the right balance to stay afloat and remain competitive. More and more companies are looking for ways to cut costs of employee… Read More Read More
Although not a pleasant topic, it is an important one – Who is the named beneficiary of your retirement account should you pass away? When you enrolled in your retirement plan, you were asked to select a beneficiary to receive your retirement plan assets in the event of your death. This step may be more… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers, CEO and and Kristen Maalouf, Executive Assistant of Sapers & Wallack , answer questions about their blog “Disability – Why is Income Protection Important?” You can read the blog: “Disability – Why is Income Protection Important?‘” here. Read More
Evan Macedo, Treasurer & Vice President of Finance & Operations at Sapers & Wallack and Skyler Kressin CPA & Partner at Dominion Enterprise Services, answer questions about their blog “Has Your Company Taken Advantage of the R&D Tax Program” You can read the blog: “Has your Company Taken Advantage of the R&D Tax Program‘”… Read More Read More
Typically, younger people don’t make retirement savings a priority. Living expenses, student debt, rent or house payments, and other day-to-day expenses mean that retirement savings take a back seat. In fact, research from National Institute on Retirement Security says that 66 percent of millennials haven’t saved any money for retirement, and 66 percent haven’t started… Read More Read More
ARLINGTON, VA — Sapers & Wallack has been named to the National Association of Plan Advisors’ list of the nation’s top defined contribution (DC) Advisor Teams with Assets under Advisement of $100 Million . Unlike other lists, this focuses on individual firms, or what may, in a wirehouse environment, be referred to as a team,… Read More Read More
/// By Skyler Kressin and Evan Macedo Amid the scramble of PPP loans and tax reform changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—many companies have failed to fully take advantage of the reliable, long-standing income tax savings opportunities of the R&D Tax Credit. Whether due to common misconceptions or confusion around documentation, a wide… Read More Read More
/// By Aviva Sapers and Kristen Maalouf Think for a moment about your ability to earn an income and how important it is to protect that income if you became too sick or injured to work. You are currently healthy and working, right? Would you agree that it is your ability to earn an income… Read More Read More
Offering a retirement plan can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, decisions an employer can make. The employees participating in the plan, their beneficiaries, and the employer benefit when a retirement plan is in place. Administering a plan and managing its assets, however, require certain actions and involve specific responsibilities. Please click here… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers, CEO of Sapers & Wallack and Lisa M. Cukier, Partner & Co-Chair of Burns & Levinson LLP, answer questions about their blog “Financial Matters for Women Divorce” You can read the blog: “Financial Matters for Women in Divorce‘” here. LISA M. CUKIER is a Partner, Co-Chair of the Private Client Group, and Executive… Read More Read More
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced the 2022 annual adjustments to the maximum civil penalties employers face for violating a variety of federal laws that fall under their enforcement purview. Penalties may be assessed on employers for violations of a wide range of laws, including ERISA and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Employee… Read More Read More
Tax Saver’s Credit: Get the “Credit” You Deserve! You may be eligible for a valuable incentive, which could reduce your federal income tax liability, for contributing to your company’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan. If you qualify, you may receive a Tax Saver’s Credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) if you… Read More Read More
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President, Retirement & Wealth Management of Sapers & Wallack, answers questions about his blog “Department of Labor is Focusing on the Rollout of a Lifetime Income Product for Retirement-What Does that Mean for You?” You can read the blog: “Department of Labor is Focusing on the Rollout of a Lifetime Income… Read More Read More
In 2007, I worked at a large multi-national asset management firm and was asked to attend an annual retirement industry event with the executives of every major retirement company in the United States. Held at the Harvard Club, the theme of the meeting was “idea day,” where retirement focused asset management firms shared thought leadership… Read More Read More
Evan Macedo, Treasurer & Vice President, Finance & Operations of Sapers & Wallack, answers questions about his blog “Employee Retention Credit – There Is Still Time To File” You can read the blog “Employee Retention Credit – There Is Still Time To File” here. Read More
Amid the turmoil caused by the ongoing pandemic, it has been difficult for business owners to stay on top of the government incentive opportunities while maintaining a modified standard of operations. Navigating the processes of filing for PPP loans flooded the business conversation in 2020 and 2021, leaving other great governmental programs underutilized and overlooked.… Read More Read More
We are living and working longer than the generations that came before, but the strength of Social Security and the retirement options afforded to our parents are not what they used to be. Retirement savings, which are mostly our own, have become more important than ever to maintain quality of life in our later years—and… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers, President and CEO of Sapers & Wallack, answers questions about her blog “Long Term Care Coverage as an Executive Benefit” You can read the blog “Long Term Care Coverage as an Executive Benefit” here. Read More
Over a year ago, near the start of the pandemic, I wrote a blog about the importance of cybersecurity insurance amid the uptick of hacking and cyber ransom attacks on corporations of all sizes. I spoke then about how the Black Swan disruption of COVID had driven so much of global business online, which had… Read More Read More
Before I became Sales Director for Hilb Group of New England, I spent years working directly for a large insurance carrier. I have looked at a lot of health care data throughout my career and have taken well over a hundred meetings with companies for direct review of their health care plans and outcomes. Believe… Read More Read More
Scott Mathieu answers questions about our September blog. Whether you’re shopping as an individual or working on the HR side of your company benefits plan, doing the research and working with advisors who understand the stakes can not only save money and but also add immensely to the quality of life for you and your… Read More Read More
September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so i’s a great time to review your coverage.* If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life insurance is one of those “someday” things for many people – but the cheapest time to buy it is probably today. There are two kinds of life insurance:… Read More Read More
Stress is likely the largest contributor of health issues and loss of productivity at the workplace in America—and an estimated 84% of stress is derived from financial problems. That equates to huge financial ramifications for businesses of all sizes. A recently conducted Salary Finance survey found that American businesses are losing as much as 500-billion-dollars… Read More Read More
For many businesses, and certainly throughout the insurance and financial services fields, the process of meeting new people and expanding our professional networks is key to success. Though this past year has put a serious damper on the traditional ability to shake hands and build new relationships, avenues still exist for making connections and many… Read More Read More
The January issue of Retirement Times asks whether fiduciaries should outsource retirement plan investment responsibility, and discusses whether you should adopt a plan committee charter. This month’s Participant Memo discusses your financial wellness 101 – how much do you know about your retirement plan? Read the whole issue here. Read More
Regardless of your financial situation, for most of us, saving the right amount of money for retirement can be difficult. Establishing sources of replacement income that will allow you to consistently maintain your expected lifestyle after your working years often requires careful planning, financial discipline, and if those are not attainable, some creative solutions. Read More
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President and Leader for the Retirement and Wealth Management Practices at Sapers & Wallack answers questions about our January blog, Using Life Insurance to Offer Diversified, Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings Read More
The December issue of Retirement Times gives us a post-election investment commentary as well as an article about cyber security issues for plan sponsors. This month’s Participant Memo covers the 10% Savings Goal, start small and grow. Read the whole issue here. Read More
As with all industries, the insurance market has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly around the practice of underwriting. For the uninitiated, Life Insurance Underwriting is the method through which insurers evaluate the risk of potential buyers in order to decide whether or not to approve, deny, or rate up a life insurance policy. … Read More Read More
The November issue of Retirement Times gives us information about the Volatility of Investments in this Election Year; the results of a Retirement Income survey and an Auditor’s Perspective of an Annual Plan Audit. This month’s Participant Memo covers Retirement Plan Basics – 10 things to know about your employer’s retirement plan. Read the whole… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack is pleased to announce that Scott Tuxbury has been named to the 2020 edition of the Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisers. The list recognizes the top financial advisers who specialize in serving defined contribution (DC) retirement plans across the U.S. This is the sixth annual FT 401 list, produced independently by… Read More Read More
One of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits with large individual donations, is losing an annual stream of income when the donor dies. While most nonprofits rely heavily on their annual fundraising campaigns, it is important, and sometimes vital, for nonprofit organizations to encourage such donors to endow their gifts – distinct from annual contributions –… Read More Read More
The October issue of Retirement Times gives us information about Roth IRAs and whether to save or purge Plan Documents. This month’s Participant Memo encourages employees to conduct a regular examination of their retirement plan. Read the whole issue here. Read More
The attached document gives information about Stress and Self-Care. It provides an overview, identifies areas of need, and presents the action plan to improve your overall stress management. Read More
By now, most businesses are aware and have engaged in the preliminary steps toward rolling out the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML) in Massachusetts. Starting January 1st, 2021, eligible Massachusetts workers will be able to take up to 26 weeks of paid family and medical leave benefits, meant to cover maternity and paternity… Read More Read More
As we enter Life Insurance Awareness Month, it seems a good moment to reevaluate why we have the insurance we do and whether it is the right amount to fulfill the needs we have. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and with an election only months away that has the potential to greatly change… Read More Read More
The September issue of Retirement Times gives us great information about Financial Wellness and the Progress of Retirement Savers, This month’s Participant Memo shares four tips for increasing your retirement dollars. Read the whole issue here. Read More
The August issue of Retirement Times focuses Collective Investment Trusts — The Fastest Growing Investment Vehicle Within 401(k) Plans – and also Allowable Plan Expenses. This month’s Participant Memo shares a Retirement Plan Check-Up. Read the whole issue here. Read More
Often, when I begin a discussion with a client on estate planning, I remind them that they generally have three beneficiaries: family, charity, and Uncle Sam. I follow up with the question, “how much do you want to leave to each?” No one ever wants to leave their money to Uncle Sam, but the government… Read More Read More
There is a pervasive myth that insurance products produce mediocre returns. In truth, though life insurance has been purchased for many years to provide security and guarantees, there are some newer product lines that can be very attractive for investment purposes—particularly in volatile markets. In order to remain competitive and relevant, the insurance industry has… Read More Read More
The May issue of Retirement Times focuses on if you are ready for an audit; if your company should implement a student loan assistance plan: complying with ERISA 404(c). This month’s Participant Memo shares Four Basic Steps for a Successful Retirement Read the whole issue here. Read More
How Can you Prepare for Healthcare Expenses in Retirement? Rising healthcare costs are on everyone’s mind, even for affluent people. In fact, 69 percent of affluent pre-retirees cite rising healthcare costs as one of their top fears in retirement, according to a survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute. In fact, 63 percent of these affluent… Read More Read More
/// Posted by Ellen Bohn Gitlitz & Bill Smeltzer No one would have predicted that we’d all be spending our spring, summer, and possibly beyond working remotely and restructuring how we engage with our coworkers, clients, and lives in general. Unfortunately, this extended period of disruption and uncertainty has also made us all more vulnerable… Read More Read More
Ellen Bohn Gitlitz, Executive Vice President Property & Casualty, Sapers & Wallack /The Hilb Group of New England answers questions about our May blog, Why Cybersecurity Insurance is More Important than Ever. Read More
The April issue of Retirement Times focuses on Closing the Retirement Gender Gap: How Retirement Plan Advisors Can Help, along with Another Way to Save: New Tax Credit for Plan Participants. This month’s Participant Memo shares Five Key Decisions for a Successful Retirement. Read the whole issue here. Read More
This month our Retirement Times asks the question: Too Many Choices: How Many Investment Options Should You Offer? It also discusses the was you can use Plan Analytics to evaluate your retirement plan. February’s Retirement Times contains so much useful & interesting information. Read More
The Sapers & Wallack / Hilb Group of New England team are pleased to share the January edition of our new Retirement Times. This issue covers why CFOs should consider partnering with a Retirement Plan advisor and the importance of keeping beneficiary information updated. Read More
As a general rule, the more money you make, whether in work generated income or capital gains, the more you will pay in taxes. But rules are meant to be broken, and there are ways to mitigate tax losses with the right planning and advice. The after-tax return vs. the pretax return. Everyone wants their… Read More Read More
The evolving COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact businesses and their employee benefit plans in unexpected ways. Here, we outline recent changes to tax-advantaged accounts like FSAs, HSAs, and HRAs, as well as areas where employers have some flexibility to respond to the current emergency. View the article here. Read More
On Wednesday April 1st, following a 363-40 vote in the House and a 90-8 vote in the Senate, President Trump signed a multi-billion dollar emergency economic relief bill – H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “Act”) – into law to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic which ensures free testing, provides paid sick… Read More Read More
Many people believe in giving back, but under the new tax laws, it may not be as tax advantageous as it used to be. With the steady appreciation in the stock market – the longest bull run in history – some folks have achieved a level of wealth they never imagined. Our Charitable Strategies work… Read More Read More
On December 20th, 2019, new legislation was signed into law as part of a larger government spending package that promises to have wide ranging and lasting effect on saving for retirement. Called the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, the legislation includes many long-sought common-sense reforms that could make retirement saving both… Read More Read More
According to recent statistics, there are now more than 44 million unique borrowers who collectively owe $1.6 trillion in student loan debt—making student loans the second largest consumer debt category after mortgages. Those are staggering numbers. For the considerable Millennials and massive Gen Z workforce to follow, student loan debt is a primary economic concern,… Read More Read More
Background There is growing interest in a design strategy known as the Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion (the Conversion). The Conversion allows 401(k) or 403(b) Plan participants who are already deferring the maximum allowed to contribute After-Tax funds to the plan. The participant may then convert the money from After-Tax funds to Designated Roth funds. This… Read More Read More
For most Americans in 2019, the idea of retirement is associated more with a sense of anxiety than the promise of relaxation it once inspired. Have I saved enough? When should I stop working? Will I have a guaranteed source of income? And more than ever before, how can I plan for the rising costs… Read More Read More
Scott Tuxbury, Vice President and Leader for the Retirement and Wealth Management Practices at Sapers & Wallack answers questions about our September blog, “Why Retirement Planning Must Account for the Rising Cost of Healthcare” Read More
It’s a storyline played out in best-selling books, movies and TV dramas: the successful family that’s torn apart after the death of the matriarch or patriarch and transition of the business and other assets. This isn’t the stuff of fiction. A succession plan addressing how to take care of your family business—and your relatives who… Read More Read More
On average, Americans are living longer than ever before. This reality has complicated the planning and saving stage of retirement as we struggle to secure enough income to cover our needs for the duration of our lifetime. One increasingly critical tool of financial planners for retirees is the use of Roth IRA conversions. A Roth… Read More Read More
The July issue of Retirement Times lets Fiduciaries know what their summer homework is! Hey Joel! – a recovering former practicing ERISA attorney answers this question: One of my current employees recently received a notice from Social Security saying that they might be entitled to a retirement benefit. Is it my responsibility to track this… Read More Read More
In 2018, Massachusetts signed into law a statute that provides paid family and medical leave (PFML) benefits to workers. Massachusetts becomes only the sixth state, along with the District of Columbia, to require paid leave. The state has yet to issue final regulations, but they did provide updated draft regulations at the end of March.… Read More Read More
Paula Drozdal Connors, Senior Vice President at the Hilb Group of New England, part of the Sapers & Wallack organization, answers questions about our May blog, “The New Paid Family Medical Leave Law in Massachusetts” Read More
The April issue of Retirement Times sees Michael Viljak discussing 10 reasons to roll over into your plan, versus an IRA. There is also a section on Loss Aversion and Fighting Fear. Joel Shapiro takes part in a Q&A about whether we should consider life insurance in our retirement plans. Read the entire April issue… Read More Read More
The March issue of Retirement Times contains information about the Dept. of Labor’s Relief Guidance for Victims of California Wildfires, with specific guidance in the areas of loans & distributions and participant contributions and loan repayments. Joel Shapiro takes part in a Q&A about conducting an RFP for an ERISA attorney. Read the whole issue… Read More Read More
This month our Retirement Times looks at repaying student loans or saving in a retirement plan – or both! And our Q&A section with Joel Shapiro focuses on the risks for late 5500 filings. February’s Retirement Times contains so much useful & interesting information. Read More
The Sapers & Wallack / Hilb Group of New England team have developed a great new way of sharing information with you – we are happy to share the January edition of our new Retirement Times. This issue covers cyber fraud and safety as well as a Q&A section from Joel Shapiro – a former… Read More Read More
On March 22, 2018, the city of Atlanta’s website was hit by a ransomware cyberattack. Residents couldn’t access online applications or pay water bills and parking tickets. Court proceedings were cancelled. An estimated ten years’ worth of documents, including police dash cam recordings, were lost. It was five days before city government employees could turn… Read More Read More
Cristie Hanaway, Senior Vice President of Property & Casualty at the Hilb Group of New England, part of the Sapers & Wallack organization, answers questions about our April blog, “Cyber Security: It’s a Nightmare Scenario“. Listen to our podcast here: Read More
The Sapers & Wallack Retirement Team has developed an IRS Contribution Limits one pager to assist with any questions you might have. This is a great resource tool for you to keep on file in the event you or someone from your firm has questions about not only what the limits are in 2019 but… Read More Read More
Long-term illnesses are very challenging emotionally, physically, and especially financially. I should know, as I have lived through 3 grandparents, 2 in-laws, and one mother who all needed or still need care. It is difficult to watch those you love lose the ability to do for themselves, and to experience the toll it takes on… Read More Read More
Whether you’re the owner of a small business or involved in risk management for a national organization, the right Property and Casualty coverage can have a huge impact on protecting your business against unforeseen events. P&C Insurance exists to safeguard the buildings, vehicles, and people that make up your business structure, but P&C coverage can be… Read More Read More
Unclaimed Retirement Benefits: Do you have money lost in old 401(k)s and pensions? There has been a wave of reporting over the last few years around the vast sums of money in unclaimed accounts in the US. Millions of Americans have forgotten or are completely unaware of money in their name from government payouts, bank… Read More Read More
Termination Death Benefit for Large Corporations: How Not to Lose Benefits to Taxes, While Insuring Recovery of Accrued Liabilities It is a hard, somewhat morbid, topic to face, but the death of business executives at large companies is a financially fraught time for both the company and family of the executive alike. The financial payout… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers shared her insights about board memberships at Bentley University Our CEO Aviva Sapers provided her extensive experience in the area of board memberships as a panelist in Bentley University’s Executive Education program. Together with panelist Roberta Sydney, she discussed how she got on the boards she currently serves on, what the benefits of… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers discusses most important lessons for women in leadership Our CEO Aviva Sapers is cited in a new piece by Webster Bank, discussing ‘What Successful Women Already Know – 6 Hard-Won Lessons from Leading Women in Business’. Her number one takeaway, success is always rooted in collaboration: ‘I’m more consensus-driven than dictatorial. Being collaborative helps get… Read More Read More
One of the bread-and-butter staples of a well-conceived employee benefit program is the classic group term life insurance. You join a company, fill out a beneficiary form, and voila, you are provided with group term life insurance equivalent to a multiple of salary, such as two times annual earnings. You don’t think much of this… Read More Read More
We did it again! Sapers & Wallack wins The FBA Family Business of the Year Award We are proud and honored to announce the win of another prestigious award in the family-business space. Sapers & Wallack has been recognized as the 2017 Family Business Association’s Family Business of the Year in the Small Business Category! In addition,… Read More Read More
Our president and CEO Aviva Sapers will provide guidance and insights to family-owned businesses as a speaker on 2 panels of this year’s Family Business Association’s Conference. She will discuss “Management Issues & Transitioning Family Businesses: Governance, Organization, Pay and Other Key Aspects for the Next Leaders” and ‘How Advisors Will Guide You Through the… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers speaks at Boston Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Thrive’ conference for small businesses The Boston Chamber is passionate about the advancement of small businesses and hosts ‘Thrive’, the conference for small businesses in Boston on Oct. 26th. Our principal and CEO, Aviva Sapers, was invited to share her expertise and experience about the best ways… Read More Read More
S&W team members volunteered at Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women 4 of our team members spent their Monday morning assisting hundreds of runners before and after their run, supporting the motto of this year’s run “Start Strong, Finish Stronger”. Our partner Tufts Health Plan organized this amazing event for the 41st time, bringing together more than… Read More Read More
Big Win for the S&W Retirement Plan Consulting Team – Chosen as Top DC Advisor Firm 2017 Our Retirement Plan Consulting Team is celebrating a prestigious industry recognition, being named one of the top retirement advisors in the country by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). “Since their inception, NAPA’s various industry lists have… Read More Read More
Last year my husband and I knew there was something wrong with our boiler, in the basement of our house. We knew this because we lost heat in the house during the winter – twice. We learned that repairing it would involve dismantling part of it and having no heat for a day. Our plumber,… Read More Read More
The Superbowl excitement is behind us and we all celebrated the success of the New England Patriots during the famous Duckboat Parade. The continuous success of this team is possible with a great leader at its helm: Bill Belichick. The way he leads and assembles a first class team year after year provides valuable lessons… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack merges its group benefits firm into Hilb Group Sapers & Wallack’s merged its group benefits division into the Hilb Group, LLC, effective February 1, 2017. As part of the transaction, the group benefits division with all of its current employees will join THG’s New England employee benefits operations, led by Rob Calise. Tom… Read More Read More
Wooing, educating, maintaining annual gifts for Charitable Institutions is “tough business” for the thousands of fund raisers working desperately to meet ever increasing costs. Most annual gifts are the product of endless meetings, dinners, phone calls, tours and creative discussions. Once a donor has bought into the needs of the institution, there is an annual… Read More Read More
February is American Heart Month, and Sapers & Wallack will take part in the National Go RED for Women Day on February 3rd. The Go RED for Women Day helps to raise awareness about the women’s heart disease epidemic while promoting education and essential lifestyle choices to reduce risk factors. The Sapers & Wallack… Read More Read More
Red is the color of choice for the Sapers & Wallack team these days. This is not the newest fashion trend around Newton, but a cause close to the heart for all of our team members: women’s health. We are proud to participate in the national Go RED for Women Day on February 3rd to… Read More Read More
Oxfam America is known worldwide to “create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social justice.” The non-profit is not only leading the efforts to find new ways to fight hunger, but also re-defines internal organizational structures. To attract and retain its highly skilled leadership, Oxfam America started a customized executive benefit restoration initiative and chose… Read More Read More
OXFAM AMERICA is a global nonprofit organization that works throughout 90 countries in an effort “to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social justice.” In March 2012, Oxfam implemented the Executive Benefit Restoration Allowance plan to make the executive retirement benefits competitive. The prior plan design provided 2 annuity options geared towards retirement but… Read More Read More
The year comes to an end and we enjoy the time with family and friends during the holiday season. But many also ask themselves important questions: what happens if this idyllic gathering won’t be possible in the future? What if a family member becomes disabled or ill? Read More
With the end of the year approaching, now is the time for high income earners to assess whether a defined benefit plan makes sense. A defined benefit plan allows the highest deductible contributions of any retirement plan. This plan allows you to save for retirement on a tax-deductible basis. Investments made within the plan grow… Read More Read More
The end of the 2016 tax year is an appropriate time to review the procedures to determine imputed income on group term life insurance. Many employers provide group term life insurance plans at no premium cost to employees. The value of the first $50,000 of employer-provided benefit is excluded from the gross income of… Read More Read More
Giving back to her community has always been important to our CEO Aviva Sapers and her family. She is involved with many non-profits and has made charitable giving an important part of our company culture. Sapers & Wallack donates 1% of its revenue at a minimum of $100,000 per year to charities such as the… Read More Read More
New Webinar: Long Term Care Long Term Care is one of the most important topics when it comes to your personal financial planning. It takes just one unforeseen accident or illness to put your family’s financial future at risk. Watch our latest webinar to make sure you’re covered when the unforeseen hits you. Read More
Do you have enough disability insurance coverage? Learn more about your options when it comes to long term disability insurance in this video and on our dedicated long term disability page. Purchased to mitigate the risk of unfortunate surprises in your working years and fill the gaps left in work-based policies, these policies safeguard your… Read More Read More
During the downturn in the economy, the large non-profit sector was instrumental in helping to maintain jobs in the greater Boston area. According to federal data, over 17% of all Massachusetts jobs come from the non-profit sector. During the downturn, when most other businesses were downsizing or laying off workers, our non-profits created 16,765 jobs.*… Read More Read More
We Won! We are thrilled and honored to announce that SAPERS & WALLACK has been recognized as the 2016 Northeastern University’s Massachusetts Family Business of the Year in the Small Firms Category! Congratulations to our whole team for helping to elevate our firm for over 80 years of service in a holistic approach to financial… Read More Read More
Although many institutions that have offered CGAs to donors are concerned about the natural extension of life expectancy, or that a large number of female CGA donors could offset the life expectancy experience–increased longevity has not been the major factor of CGA failures. Read More
Congratulations to our team here at Sapers & Wallack on being chosen as a finalist in the Northeastern University 2016 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards! Being chosen as a finalist says something special about our family business and we are honored to be recognized at this stage of the competition. The winners will… Read More Read More
Our Office is Moving, May 1st! Same Building, First Floor, Suite 110 Sapers & Wallack is excited to announce that our offices will be relocated on May 1st! We will still be found at 275 Washington Street, Newton MA, but we will now be located on the first floor – SUITE 110 – immediately to… Read More Read More
The Boston Business Journal recently announced 23 finalists for its fifth-annual Healthiest Employers program, which will be held March 12 at the Westin Waterfront in Boston. Employee wellness has become an important facet of overall corporate culture, and should not be overlooked as an important component of the workplace. As such, it seems like a… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack, a Newton-based insurance, benefits, and wealth management firm, is pleased to announce the arrival of Thomas P. Connors, Jr. as President of Group Benefits. Tom’s passion is working with corporate customers to guide their decisions as their trusted advisor. Using his problem solving skills, economic acumen, and creativeness, he and his team… Read More Read More
The Cadillac Tax has been Delayed Until 2020 – What is the Next Step for Employers? Congress passed and President Obama signed a $1.1 trillion spending bill on December 11, 2015. An important part of that legislation for the employer community is the fact that the so called “Cadillac tax” implementation has been delayed until… Read More Read More
On a Tuesday around 1pm, you would typically find Sapers & Wallack employees either working diligently at their desks or away at client meetings…but not this day! On October 27th, our whole office could be found at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory in Brighton, MA. It is here where we would continue on our… Read More Read More
In this issue of the Retirement Report you will find: The Most Important Assumption Regarding Target-Date Funds Current Stresses Eclipse Retirement Planning for Working Millennials Best Practices in Hardship Distributions Company Stock and Fiduciary Considerations Read More
It’s well known that women live longer than men. That’s great for women, but not so great for women’s colleges when it comes to the risks surrounding Charitable Gift Annuities. In fact, the combination of longer lifespan of alumnae and underperforming investments could actually be putting women’s colleges at a serious disadvantage. When it comes… Read More Read More
Company Joins Leading Organizations Worldwide in Pledging Support to Employee Wellbeing and Creating Healthy, Productive Workplaces and Cultures Newton, MA (June 1, 2015) – Sapers & Wallack today announced it has pledged support for, and will once again participate in, Employee Wellbeing Month, taking place throughout June 2015. This initiative, originally known as National Employee Wellness… Read More Read More
In this issue of the Retirement Report you will find: Active Managers Can Add Value Women: Financially Stressed but Open to Solutions But He's My Brother-in-Law! Socially Responsible Funds - Think Green? No. Think Red! Read More
Affordable Care Act and Mass. Sick Leave Lunch Seminar Change is coming! Will it affect you and your company? Join us on June 11 at Waltham Woods to hear two experts on the Affordable Care Act explain how new policies will affect your employee health care plans. Timeline: Thursday June 11, 2015Registration opens at… Read More Read More
The month of May has been designated as Disability Insurance Awareness Month making it a perfect time to ask you the question: Are you covered? In a survey conducted last year by the Council for Disability Awareness, two-thirds of Americans said their salary was their second most valuable asset, yet only three in ten had… Read More Read More
Charity and “good works” have been part of American identity since before our country’s founding. To commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 9, we take a look at some women whose charity enabled them to contribute to—and work for—causes they strongly believed in. In 1780, Esther Reed, the wife of the… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you will find: Is the Oil Price Decline Beneficial to the U.S. Economy? The Hopes, Fears and Reality of Retirement Preparing for a Partial Plan Termination Employee Communication Strategies for All Seasons Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you will find: Qualified Plan Governance: Is Your Fiduciary House in Order? Top Five New Year's Resolutions for Retirement Plan Fiduciaries Solutions for a Stressed-Out Nation Improper Handling of Hardship Distributions May Result in Significant Problems Read More
Do you typically make charitable gifts at year’s end by writing checks or using a credit card? If so, we would suggest you could increase your giving to be much more tax efficient by creating a donor advised fund (DAF) and donating appreciated assets to that fund. Then you can request the DAF to send… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you will find: Case Study: Automatic Enrollment Revisited Pension Protection Act of 2006 Restatements Despite Noise, Macro Factors Will Drive Fixed Income Markets Common Misconceptions Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: The Fed Steps Back - Will Active Equity Funds Step Up? Ten Years Later: Scorecard Retrospective Allowable Plan Expenses: Can the Plan Pay? ERISA Fidelity Bonds Versus Fiduciary Liability Insurance Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Index Funds - More Than Meets the Eye Enter the Dragon Fiduciary Training Are Your Written QDRO Procedures in Place? Communication Corner: Are You on Track to Enjoy Life Post-employment? Read More
Let’s Cook! Sapers & Wallack sponsors Men of Boston Cook for Women’s Health event Coming October 2nd, our team will put on their aprons and join top Boston chefs to support a very important cause: help raise funds for critical women’s health programs. We are proud to partner with our client Codman Square Health Center again… Read More Read More
Health Care Reform Lunch Seminar, October 1, 2014 The Affordable Care Act continues to keep employers on their feet with new regulations and requirements. On October 1st, we discussed important questions in regards to the next step of the Health Care Reform: Am I in the game for 2015 as a large Group Health Plan?… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers talks finance with July’s Jewish Vocational Services graduates Aviva Sapers gave sound financial advice to a group of graduates from JVS this past July. Among her words of sage advice, Aviva counseled the group on how to take steps towards financial fitness. For example: Credit cards vs. debit cards: When a debit card… Read More Read More
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released drafts of the forms that employers will use to report on the health coverage that they offer to their employees in 2015. This reporting is required as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Employers with 100 or more employees (including full time equivalents) are required to provide… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: What to Expect When Transitioning Providers The Future of Retirement Plans ERISA 3(21) vs. 3(38) Fiduciary A Quick Look at Gap Analysis Communication Corner: Save Early, Reach Your Goal Visit our website at sapers-wallack.com/retirement to learn more about our offers for plan sponsors and individuals and connect with us on our "Team" page. Read More
As we look back over the first decade of the 21st century, we can draw one undeniable conclusion – it was a bear of a time for investors. Major market declines from 2000 to 2002 and then again in 2008 dragged equity returns well below their long-term averages. But research will show that, as disappointing… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Determining Fee Reasonableness of a Retirement Plan Record Keeper Why Advisors Are Taking a New Look at Collective Investment Trusts Locating Missing Participants Establishing Your Retirement Plan Committee Charter Communication Corner: How Long Will Your Money Last? Visit our website at sapers-wallack.com/retirement to learn more about our offers for… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Weathering All Market Conditions One Size Does Not Fit All Understanding Multiemployer Plans Complying with ERISA 404(c) Communication Corner: Your Perfect Match Visit our website at sapers-wallack.com/retirement to learn more about our offers for plan sponsors and individuals and connect with us on our “Team” page. Read More
Many employers turn to a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to purchase their group insurance benefits. The belief is that the buying power of many employers will be greater than that of a single employer. While there are some economies of scale, the administrative costs of a PEO often offset the higher premiums. Additionally, there are… Read More Read More
Aviva Sapers wins 2014 Outstanding Women of Family Business Award Our CEO and President Aviva Sapers received the 2014 award for “Outstanding Women of Family Business”. Presented by The Warren Group in conjunction with Massachusetts Family Business magazine, the New England Family Business Conference and the Family Business Association, the award honors entrepreneurial women who… Read More Read More
Because if you are nearing retirement and are looking for a vehicle that could give you the opportunity to receive steady income, immediate annuities ought to be considered. If you are looking to turn some of your investment portfolio from accumulation to distribution, annuities might be used as a vehicle to deliver to your bank… Read More Read More
Every minute, 50 individuals suffer a disabling Injury.* Nearly one in five Americans will become disabled for 1 year or more before the age of 65.** 54.5% of personal bankruptcies are the Result of Medical Problems.*** What do these statistics mean for you and your loved ones? Did you know you can you protect yourself… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: 3(16) ERISA Fiduciary Definition Power of Peer Influence: From Inertia to Action Pass or Fail? Corrective Actions to Remedy Your Test Results Going the Extra Mile: A Deeper Look at the Scorecard Communication Corner: Explore Your Options Visit our website at sapers-wallack.com/retirement to learn more about our offers for… Read More Read More
Whenever a donor commits to a large gift, whether cash, donation of property, a Charitable Annuity or any other gift of present value, the use of a Wealth Replacement Trust should be discussed. The cash from the tax deduction available to the donor could replace the value of the charitable gift that might otherwise have… Read More Read More
Given the results of a recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute that show only 13% of Americans feel confident that they will have enough money in retirement to live comfortably, the time has come for employers to take a more aggressive approach with the plans they are offering. When we were growing up,… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Thoughts on the investment policy statement review DC plan participant perspectives on risk The six categories of fiduciaries A comment about what constitutes proper documentation of retirement plan committee meetings Read More
Employee Benefits Community Forum, May 7, 2014 Our clients are at the center of everything we do. In 2014, we are excited to bring our community closer together at our Employee Benefit Community Forums. The forums are designed to share best practices, present forward-thinking concepts in employee benefits and retirement plan fiduciary oversight and give you… Read More Read More
Aggressive audit program of health and welfare plans The Department of Labor is launching an aggressive audit program of health and welfare plans. Per the attached directive, this comprehensive document and information request needs to be responded to within 10 days of receipt. Are you confident your organization is prepared to withstand the scrutiny of… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Information about 3 recommended index funds and the importance to offer fewer funds to drive better participation A comment about the benefits of a qualitative mutual fund review A list of advantages for plan sponsors who consider adopting a safe-harbor design for their retirement plan Explanation about the… Read More Read More
Roth IRA Mirror Plan – A Tax Advantaged Asset Accumulation Strategy Are you paying too much in Federal Income Taxes? Do you want to minimize the impact of higher taxes? Are you looking to accumulate wealth on a tax-advantaged basis? The changes enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) affect many types of… Read More Read More
In this edition of the RRC, we expand upon our recent post on retirement insights from J.P. Morgan and a few of the key findings of interest from their study. We will also give a glimpse of retirement readiness through the lens of a leader in the retirement services market. Let’s begin by asking a… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Information about retirement income solutions with Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB) Insights into Specialty Asset Classes as part of a retirement plan menu An overview of different fee methods and A comment about revenue sharing Read More
Should you give cash or donate stocks that have achieved long-term capital gains as you make gifts to charitable organizations? Charitable gifts to organizations are made with the best of intentions. But in addition to being well intended, giving to charity should also be well executed. In certain cases, it may be in the donor’s… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: A look back at 2013, highlighting excerpts from previous issues Discussion around your plan eligibility and match An answer to what is “float” An employee memo about the “retirement crisis”. Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Thoughts on fixed income investing in a rising rate environment A birthday letter to the Target Date Fund Detailed information about the benefits of stable value products Answers to the question “Do I need an independent ERISA audit?”. Read More
It’s that time of year when snow falls, fires are lit, and families gather. A time for reflection and community. As a family-run business, the spirit of the holidays gives us a chance to renew our commitment to one of our core beliefs: that we do well by doing good. “It is important, given the… Read More Read More
Giving back to our community is close to our heart and our team is involved in many charitable initiatives. Read more about our “Giving Back” philosophy in the recent Massachusetts Family Business Magazine. Read More
Why IRA gifts are not the best option! The Tax Relief Unemployment Insurance Act of 2010 allows people over seventy years and six months of age to donate up to $100,000 of IRA assets to charity. This exemption sounds great on paper and many 501c institutions have mailed their potential donors to encourage the use of… Read More Read More
Retirement Insights from JP Morgan’s 2013 Plan Participant Survey In the outcome driven world of retirement planning and services, stewards are needed now more than ever before. Our goal at Sapers & Wallack is to provide guidance to all of our clients in the form of best practices. By beginning with the end in mind,… Read More Read More
Global Benefit Solutions – Lunch Seminar Do you have employees stationed abroad on short and/or long term assignments? Do you have questions about the benefit programs offered to your foreign employees? In today’s global market, corporations have unique needs when managing their international employee populations. In addition to a worldwide benefits solution, you need the… Read More Read More
In his most recent article for Financial Executives International, Victor Kwitkiwski, Vice President, Retirement Plan Services and Fiduciary at Sapers & Wallack, elaborates on the roles and responsibilities of different types of fiduciaries that exist. Many Plan Sponsors don’t know if they’re working with a Fiduciary; many are confused about the role of a Financial Advisor… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack recognized as leader in financial services industry We are proud and honored to have been named one of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in MA by The Commonwealth Institute and the Boston Globe and one of the Largest Employee Benefit Firms in MA by the Boston Business Journal. As a third generation family… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: Interesting results of the EBRI Annual Retirement Confidence survey Detailed information about the exchange of traded funds in retirement plans An overview of prohibited transactions fiduciaries must be aware of Answers to the often asked question: What records should I keep, for how long and how should… Read More Read More
You Are Probably Not Going Into A Nursing Home, But Don’t Confuse That With Not Planning For Extended Care When people consider the subject of elder care (often referred to as long term care), they often think about nursing homes. However, elder care has little to do with nursing homes. Understanding the difference can help… Read More Read More
In this issue of our Retirement Report you find: The pros and cons of allowing participants to take loans from their retirement accounts Detailed information about plan eligibility An overview of the Health Care reform and its implications on retirement plans A discussion about the exclusion of part-timers from the 401(k) plan Read More
As a plan sponsor and fiduciary to your company’s retirement plan, you have certain responsibilities to ensure optimal investments, reasonable fees, and informed participants. With an Advisor at your side, you can navigate these waters smoothly and with confidence to create a best practices retirement plan which strives to help protect you from liability and… Read More Read More
We presented an overview of what has transpired since the Act was passed in 2010 and what employers need to be doing now to be in compliance in 2014 in collaboration with the Financial Management Association of New Hampshire (FMANH). Our experts Janice Belmonte and Paula Drozdal Connors lead the discussion about this important topic. Take a… Read More Read More
We are pleased to announce the recent hire of Dan Roderigues and Victor Kwitkiwski in our Retirement Plan division. Dan is leading the division as Managing Director and works in close collaboration with Victor who is responsible for business development as Vice President. Dan Roderigues Victor Kwitkiwski As experts in their fields for more than… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack Health Care Reform Luncheon with expert Stacy H. Barrow from Proskauer Although the government has delayed the penalties for not offering health insurance to employees working until 2015, employers and their employees still have health reform obligations for 2014. Additionally, there are strategic changes that can be made in the coming year… Read More Read More
What employers need to know about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) We presented an overview of what has transpired since the Act was passed in 2010 and what employers need to be doing now to be in compliance in 2014 in collaboration with the Financial Management Association of New Hampshire (FMANH). Our experts Janice Belmonte… Read More Read More
During the development of our new branding and website, we had a lot of discussions about our company history and our approach to doing business. Our firm has served hundreds of clients over the last 80 years. I was fortunate to observe the growth of the company under the leadership of my father Bill Sapers… Read More Read More
We did it again – Finalist for MA Family Business Award We are proud and honoured to be recognized as a finalist in the Massachusetts Family Business Award. Created 7 years ago by the Center for Family Business at Northeastern University, the awards program creates awareness and promotes the achievements of Massachusetts-based, family owned companies. As… Read More Read More
Newton, MA. (June 3, 2013) – Sapers & Wallack, a leader in the benefits industry, announced today that they have pledged their support for the fifth annual National Employee Wellness Month. This month-long initiative helps business leaders learn from best practices of how to successfully engage employees in healthy lifestyles. National Employee Wellness Month is… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack Seminar, June 2013 Navigate the Maze of Medicare and Employer Health Benefits 8,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 daily and will continue to do so until 2029! The workforce will have a growing number of employees 65 and older in the coming years. On June 18, 2013, we welcomed our guest speaker… Read More Read More