Learning Center for Individuals
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Learning Center for Individuals
September 2023 The War on Investors’ Minds
Past Wars and Long-Term Market Performance Since the dawn of time, war and conflict have been with us throughout history, bringing with them their own horrors and uncertainty. Stock markets do not like uncertainty, and when war and conflict strike, stock markets will exhibit bouts of short-term volatility. Wars and conflict can and have led… Read More Read More
August 2023 Participant Memo: Risk-proofing Your Future: Personal Protection Strategies
Are you prepared for a secure financial future? Discover some key aspects of a comprehensive risk management strategy. Disability Income Protection: Protect your income by obtaining disability income protection. Purchase it when you are young and healthy, considering factors like occupational specialty coverage, ensuring future income increases, and prioritizing individual plans over group coverage. Property… Read More Read More
July 2023 Participant memo: Build a Bright Retirement Future
Clear, achievable, and meaningful goals can lay the foundation for success. Vague aspirations may have limited worth without a well-defined plan. Depending solely on past performance or arbitrary investment rules may carry risks when striving to achieve your financial goals. Time is a critical factor in goal setting that can shape your financial objectives. With… Read More Read More
June 2023 Participant memo: How Much is Enough?
There are many formulas for figuring out how much money you need to retire. While thinking seriously about retirement finances is useful, for most people, these formulas may not come close to what your retirement actually looks like. Taking Stock To truly get comfortable with your retirement plan, the first thing you should do is… Read More Read More
May 2023 Participant memo: The Advantage of Saving early
The early bird really could get the worm! In the chart below you will find no secret tips or tricks to investing that cite prior market events: just plain old math. The amount of your total nest egg is exponentially influenced by the duration of time it has to compound. In other words, the earlier… Read More Read More
April 2023 Participant memo: Need a Tax Break?
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 made eligible contributions to an employer sponsored retirement… 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
March 2023 Participant memo: Planning Financial Futures
Do you spend more time planning your annual vacation than you do thinking about your personal finances? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people put off financial planning or avoid it altogether. Personal financial planning is an ongoing, lifelong process. If we break it down into small, achievable tasks, it’s a lot less… Read More Read More
February 2023 Participant memo: The Importance of naming a Beneficiary
Do you know what will happen to your retirement savings if you were to pass away? Here are some things you should know about naming beneficiaries that could save your loved ones’ time, money and frustration. Facts about beneficiary designations 48% of people don’t have a named beneficiary.1 Generally, if you are married, your retirement… Read More Read More
January 2023 Participant memo: Financial Wellness 101: The Real Cost of Takeout
Financial Impact Think back to your last DoorDash order. How much did it cost you? How much food did you actually get for the money you were paying? Did you feel like you got a good deal? To those of us who order out consistently, a $35 tab on a DoorDash order might seem normal.… Read More Read More
December 2022 Participant memo: ‘Tis the Season for Investing
During the holidays, we think about spending time and reconnecting with family and friends, cozying up by the fireplace, enjoying each other’s company. We also tend to spend quite a bit of money this time of year, on everything from gifts to new year’s resolutions (think gym memberships). In a typical holiday season, we don’t… Read More Read More
November 2022 Participant memo: Are You Thankful for Your Health?
The holidays are upon us! Staying healthy just might make you wealthy. With small lifestyle changes and healthy choices (especially with all the shared yummy foods), you may reduce your annual healthcare costs and increase your income. These lifestyle changes can be as simple as limiting your salt intake or taking your prescribed medication regularly.… 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
Womenology: Managing the Financial Trifecta Caregiver Checklist
Managing the Financial Trifecta Your Retirement, Your Parents & Your Kids! Presented by Aviva Sapers & Holly Knight May 20, 2021 Caring for Older Parents: To get a complete picture of what may be coming your way as far as your parents’ needs are concerned this checklist will help you get started. Read More
Womenology: Managing the Financial Trifecta Resource Sheet
Managing the Financial Trifecta Your Retirement, Your Parents & Your Kids! Presented by Aviva Sapers & Holly Knight May 20, 2021 Here is a useful sheet you can download showing the “Parent Caregiving” resources and the “Raising Kids who Launch” resources. Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Activity
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document of the Womenology Financial Wellness “Your Money Why” Activity Sheet Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Handouts
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document of the Womenology Financial Wellness Women and Investing Retirement Options Handouts. Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Budgeting Worksheet
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document showing the Womenology Financial Wellness Monthly Budgeting Sheet. Read More
Womenology: Financial Wellness Resource Links
Make Money not Excuses. A discussion for women to gain control over their finances. Presented by Aviva Sapers, Holly Knight of Sapers and Wallack February 25, 2021 Here is a pdf document showing the Womenology Financial Wellness Resource Links. 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
Impact of Low Interest Rates and Stock Market Volatility on Life Insurance Policy Performance
Coronavirus has rocked the markets and global economy. The first quarter 2020 saw unprecedented stock market volatility and a Federal Funds rate cut to near zero. Market volatility and interest rates can significantly impact the performance of life insurance policies. Lion Street has authored a new white paper on this topic which covers the… 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
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
Understanding Recent COI Increases
COI Charges have historically been an uncommon, or even untouched, element that life insurance carriers have adjusted in response to financial pressures. While there have been limited instances of increases in the past 30 years, in 2015 and 2016 several carriers applied increases to COI Charges of certain blocks of in-force policies, mostly consisting of… 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
AALU: Trust Advisor Powers
Who’s Who – Are Trust Advisors Fiduciaries? Does It Matter? Clients are hearing much more about terms like trust protectors, investment advisors, and business directors. As the sophistication of irrevocable trusts increases, so too does the use of these so-called “Trust Advisors,” who have the authority to direct the trustee’s actions. As more clients decide… Read More Read More
Group Term Life Insurance Table 1 Costs
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
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’s Karen Van Voorhis quoted in Bob Veres ‘Inside Information’
Sapers & Wallack’s Karen Van Voorhis quoted in Bob Veres ‘Inside Information‘ Karen Van Voorhis, Vice President of Wealth Management was recently quoted in the September 2016 of Bob Seger’s Inside Information newsletter. When discussing the process of simplifying household finances, Karen takes on the role of household CFO for her clients, and that requires… Read More Read More
Sapers & Wallack hosted Financial Wellness Webinar
Sapers & Wallack hosted Financial Wellness Webinar: Commonly Overlooked Financial Details in Today’s Households Karen Van Voorhis, CFP, Vice President of Wealth Management hosted a webinar to help you avoid the common pitfall of not being engaged with your overall financial picture! She shared 15 “nuggets” to shore up your… Read More 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
eMoney Vault Checklist
eMoney vault, a digital storage platform, enables us to exchange and share documents with clients, their CPAs and estate planners in a secure way. Financial Planning magazine called it a “lock box in the clouds that provides peace of mind.” Take a look at the Vault Checklist here. If you would like more information on… Read More Read More
Economic Recap Q1 2016: Important Factors and Events Shaping US Economy
Markets Stop, Drop, Roll…And Rebound SEI gives a breakdown of important factors and events that have helped to shape US economic standing for the first-quarter of the year: Despite the dramatic equity market selloff (and recovery), one of our bedrock assumptions is that a global recession remains unlikely. Another bedrock assumption is that central-bank policy… Read More Read More
Economic Outlook Q4 2015: The Ongoing Challenges for Investors
More of the same in 2016…With a Little Less Certainty SEI gives a breakdown of important factors and events that have helped to shape US economic standing for the end of the year, as well as speculate as to how said factors will govern economic expectations moving ahead into 2016. Read the summary here or the… Read More Read More
Investment Fundamentals December 2015: Federal Funds Rate
SEI provides a concise overview of the Federal Funds Rate, how it’s determined, and what it means for you. The federal funds rate is an interest rate set by the Federal Reserve for borrowing and lending between major banks. The FOMC’s strategy around setting the target federal funds rate requires a delicate balancing act. Changes… Read More Read More
Long Term Care Planning Options
Sometimes it’s nice to have the basics laid out on one simple chart. We have attempted to provide just that with LTC Alternatives. Traditional Long Term Care Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider Life & LTC Hybrid Insurance Self-Insure Life Insurance with Return of Premium Rider Visit our Long Term Care Insurance page and learn… Read More Read More
Today’s Long-Term Care Coverage: Understanding the Fine Print
Recognizing the changing priorities and pitfalls of today’s long-term care needs, National Financial Partners has created this document to explore the intricacies of various LTC products with a keen eye toward Understanding the Fine Print. Pressures on Traditional LTC Hybrid/Linked benefit LTC Policies LTC Riders Accelerated Death Benefit for Chronic Illness Riders The Fine Print Contact… Read More Read More
A shoppers guide to LTC Insurance (NAIC)
Put together by The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), A Shoppers Guide to LTC Insurance was designed to help you answer: What is long term care? Who needs long term care? What are the various insurance options to help pay for it? When does it make sense to buy? Contact us to learn more about how our… Read More Read More
S&W Hiring Sales Consultant/Business Development
Sapers & Wallack is seeking to expand its staff with a sales associate to build long-term relationships with our customers, helping them navigate our full range of investment, insurance, and executive and employee benefit products and services. If you are interested in joining our team, learn more about the role and how to apply. 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
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
Medicare Support Service
New at Sapers & Wallack: Medicare Support Service Sapers & Wallack is offering a new service to our clients and their employees. The impact of the large number of baby boomers turning 65 has become a burden for many HR departments. This service provides a licensed advisor who is available to talk with employees one… Read More Read More
New Sapers & Wallack Service: Medicare Support
New Sapers & Wallack Service: Medicare Support We are offering a new service to our clients and their employees: The impact of the large number of baby boomers turning 65 has become a burden for many HR departments. This service provides a licensed advisor who is available to talk with employees one on one to… 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
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