Learning Center for Businesses
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Learning Center for Businesses
What Employers Ask Us When Considering Changes to Their Retirement Plan
/// By Pat Casserly When employers come to us with questions about updating their retirement plan, the conversation often starts the same way: a mix of curiosity, uncertainty, and a genuine desire to “get it right” for their people and the company. And that’s exactly where we thrive, helping business leaders understand not just what… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack Services Overview
Since 1932, we have helped hundreds of clients. For more than 80 years, our approach to client service has been predicated on the highest degree of integrity and professional ethics. We are located in Newton, MA and serve public and private businesses, family businesses, non-profits and high net worth individuals all over New… Read More Read More
Podcast: What Clients Should Ask Their CPA Before Asking Their Advisor About Retirement Income
Aviva Sapers, President & CEO at Sapers & Wallack, and Jonalyn Sullivan, CPA, & Partner at LGA, answer questions about what should ask their CPA before asking their advisor about retirement income. Read More
Retirement Plan Check-Up for Early 2026: Maximizing Benefits & Staying Compliant in the New Year
/// By Pat Casserly As we move into the first quarter of 2026, employers have an important opportunity to re-evaluate and optimize their corporate retirement plans. Even though the year-end rush has passed, early-year planning is just as critical for maximizing tax benefits, ensuring compliance, and boosting employee engagement—while setting your organization up for a… Read More Read More
Beyond the Policy: Making Long-Term Care a Family Conversation
/// By Aviva Sapers November marks Long Term Care Awareness Month, a time not just to explore insurance options, but to reflect on how we prepare—emotionally, financially, and practically—for the realities of aging and caregiving. Why Long-Term Care Planning Is More Than Just Insurance Long-term care (LTC) isn’t just about facilities or policies—it’s about people.… Read More Read More
Year-End Wealth Planning Checklist: Early Financial Moves to Make Before December 31
/// By Joe Campedelli As the year draws to a close, now is the time to take control of your financial future. Whether you’re a high-net-worth individual or a business owner, making strategic moves before December 31 can help you optimize your wealth plan, reduce your tax burden, and set the stage for a successful… Read More Read More
Are You Leaving Money on the Table? How to Maximize Workplace Benefits
/// By Jake Cole When considering workplace compensation, most people focus on their salary and maybe a 401(k) plan, without much thought beyond that. But today’s workplace benefits can go much further with valuable tools for building long-term wealth that are often overlooked or underused. If you’re not taking full advantage of your benefits package,… Read More Read More
Fundamental Benefits of Financial Literacy in the Workforce
/// By Jordan Smith Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the teaching of financial literacy disappeared from American public schools, paving the way for three generations of under-educated, and ill-prepared adults to come. Nowadays, financial misinformation propagates online, and finding accurate and meaningful information is hidden behind the paywalls of online courses, professional services, and for-profit… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack makes NAPA’s list of the 2024 Top DC Advisor Teams!
Sapers & Wallack, Inc. Named to List of Nation’s Top DC Advisor Teams Sapers & Wallack’s retirement plan consulting team is proud to help your organization deliver a quality retirement program, keep you aware of compliance needs and assist your colleagues in their quest to retire comfortably. Sapers & Wallack, Inc. has been named to… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack Named to List of Nation’s Top DC Advisor Teams
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
October 2022 Participant memo: Market Trick and Treats
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
Employee Benefit Audits – Lessons Learned from Seasoned Professionals
/// By Adam Shaker and Sapers & wallack 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… Read More Read More
September 2022 Participant memo: Retirement Readiness: How will you Prepare?
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
How a Personalized Retirement Employer Plan Meets the Needs of an Evolving Market
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
July 2022 Participant memo: Beneficiary Designations Who will get your money?
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
June 2022 Participant memo: Beneficiary Designations Who will get your money?
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
May 2022 Participant memo: Millennials – The Time to Start Saving is Now!
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
Sapers & Wallack Named to List of Nation’s Top DC Advisor Teams
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
Meeting Your Fiduciary Responsibilities
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
April 2022 Participant memo: Tax Saver’s Credit: Get the “Credit” You Deserve!
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
Department of Labor is Focusing on the Rollout of a Lifetime Income Product for Retirement—What Does that Mean for You?
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
How to Utilize Technology Tools to Boost Financial Wellness
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
Retirement Times January 2021: 3(38) Advisory Services
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
Using Life Insurance to Offer Diversified, Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings
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
Retirement Times December 2020: Post Election Investment Commentary
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
Retirement Times November 2020
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
Retirement Times August 2020
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
Retirement Times May 2020
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
Retirement Expenses memo
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
Retirement Times April 2020
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
Retirement Times Feb 2020
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
Retirement Times Jan 2020
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
How Will the SECURE Act Change the Way You Plan for Retirement?
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
Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion Primer
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
Why Retirement Planning Must Account for the Rising Cost of Healthcare
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
Roth Conversions for Retirement
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
Retirement Times July 2019
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
Retirement News April 2019
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
Retirement Times March 2019
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
Retirement Times Feb 2019
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
Retirement Times Jan 2019
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
IRS Contribution Limits 2015-2019
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
Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
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
Big win for the S&W Retirement Plan Consulting team – chosen as Top DC Advisor firm 2017
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
Defined Benefit Plans – A Wealth Accumulation Strategy for High Income Business Owners
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
Retirement Newsletter June 2015: Target-Date Funds
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
Retirement Newsletter February 2015: Employee Communications Strategies
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
Retirement Newsletter January 2015: Is Your Fiduciary House in Order?
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
Retirement Newsletter November 2014: Automatic Enrollment Revisited
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
Retirement Newsletter August 2014
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
Retirement Newsletter July 2014
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
Retirement Newsletter June 2014
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
Why might you care that June is Annuity Awareness Month?
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
Retirement Newsletter May 2014
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
Courageous Retirement Plan Design – It needs bold leadership to get your employees ready for retirement
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
Retirement Newsletter March 2014
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
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
The RRC – “Retirement Readiness Corner”
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
Retirement Newsletter February 2014
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
Retirement Newsletter December 2013
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
The RRC – “Retirement Readiness Corner”
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
Fiduciaries on Retirement Plans – FEI article by Victor Kwitkiwski
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
Retirement Newsletter November 2013
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
5 important facts about Long Term Care (LTC)
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
Retirement Newsletter October 2013
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
Why Hire a Professional Retirement Advisor
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