Learning Center for Businesses
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Learning Center for Businesses
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
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
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
DOL Issues 2022 Adjusted Penalty Amounts
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
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
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
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
Considerations for Tax-Advantaged Accounts in Response to COVID-19
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
Families First Coronavirus response Act: What Employers Need to Know
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
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
Aviva Sapers shared her insights about board memberships at Bentley University
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
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
We did it again! Sapers & Wallack wins The FBA Family Business of the Year Award
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
Aviva Sapers speaks at Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Thrive conference for small businesses
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
Aviva Sapers will discuss family business issues at this year’s FBA conference
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
S&W team members volunteered at Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women
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
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
Sapers & Wallack merges its group benefits firm into Hilb Group
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
Sapers & Wallack participates in the ‘Be InspiRED’ campaign to promote the National Go RED for Women Day!
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
Case Study: Oxfam – Customized Executive Benefit Solution
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
Aviva Sapers and Jude Sydney to be honored at JCHE gala for their outstanding support
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
Webinar: Long Term Care
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
Sapers & Wallack Wins Family Business of the Year Award!
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
Sapers & Wallack: Finalist in 2016 MA Family Business of the Year Awards!
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
Sapers & Wallack is on the Move!
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
Thomas P. Connors, Jr. Joins Sapers & Wallack as President of Group Benefits
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
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
Sapers & Wallack to Participate in 7th Annual Employee Wellbeing Month
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
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
Let’s Cook! Sapers & Wallack sponsors Men of Boston Cook for Women’s Health event
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
Aviva Sapers Discusses Being Financially Responsible with Jewish Vocational Services
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
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
Aviva Sapers wins 2014 Outstanding Women of Family Business Award
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
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
Retirement Newsletter April 2014
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
Aggressive audit program of health and welfare plans
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
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
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
Doing well by doing good – Our team gives back to our community
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
Charitable Giving is at the heart of family businesses – Sapers & Wallack featured in MA Family Business Magazine
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
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
Sapers & Wallack recognized as leader in financial services industry
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
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
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
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Obamacare – what employers need to know
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
Strengthening a successful team – new hires in the retirement plan division
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
The importance of values in today’s business world
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
Sapers & Wallack Recognized as Finalist for Massachusetts Family Business Award
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
Sapers & Wallack Pledges Support for National Employee Wellness Month!
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