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Daniel Wedeking
Daniel Wedeking
Daniel Wedeking's Article

When Good Loans Go Bad Bookmark

The economic environment of the last few years created financial challenges for individuals and businesses alike. Even though the worst of the recession appears to be behind us now, some of those financial challenges have had a ripple effect that continues to show itself. One area where that is especially true relates to the loans participants took from their 401(k) plans. Economic pressures certainly brought about an increase in loans, but it also caused some participants with loans to have trouble repaying them.

Altigro Pension Announces Merger with IPA Northeast Bookmark

Altigro will now serve more than 1,000 retirement plans in 27 states

March 13, 2013 --

Altigro Pension Services is proud to announce its merger with IPA Northeast, LLC of Cranford, NJ. The combined company will operate under Altigro’s name and will provide a wider array of retirement plan services to more than 750 employers.

Don't let Missing Participants and Small Balances become a Big Problem Bookmark

At some point, almost every company that sponsors a retirement plan will experience the “fun” of tracking down a missing participant in order to pay a benefit. Although difficult to avoid completely, there are steps employers can implement as part of normal operations that can greatly minimize the headache. One of the most effective steps is to distribute benefits to former employees as soon as possible after termination of employment, before they have an opportunity to become missing.

New Roth Opportunity for 401(k) Plans per Fiscal Cliff Deal Bookmark

 
The recently passed fiscal cliff deal (officially known as the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012) includes a new rule that allows more people to convert money in their traditional 401(k) plan to a Roth 401(k) account. Doing so is called an "in-plan Roth rollover."  Until now, only individuals eligible for a distribution (over the age of 59½ or terminated from employment, etc.) could elect a Roth rollover. The new provision expands eligibility to everyone. The Roth plan feature gives participants the option of paying taxes now on their retirement savings instead of when they withdraw money later from their accounts.

The IRS Meets Letterman Bookmark

Anyone who has ever watched late night television is familiar with the ubiquitous Top 10 List, counting down humorous examples of whatever is in the news. Not to be upstaged, the IRS has its own Top 10 List—the top 10 plan compliance failures found in voluntary correction filings.

How to Survive a Visit from the IRS or DOL Bookmark

There are few things that will give a person that sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach like opening the mailbox and seeing an envelope with the words "Internal Revenue Service" (or Department of Labor) in the return address. It is similar to seeing that police car as you drive down the highway; you might not even be speeding, but you immediately slow down and wonder how you will look in stripes.

Fiduciary Fact or Fiction Bookmark

The rules that govern the behavior of retirement plan fiduciaries are quite complex. Any time we are required to deal with complicated subject matter, things can get confusing, potentially leading to decisions based on a misunderstanding.

The Final Fee Disclosure Regulations Have Arrived Bookmark

Nearly five years in the making, the Department of Labor (DOL) has published its long-awaited plan sponsor fee disclosure regulations under ERISA section 408(b)(2). With these new regulations taking effect on July 1, 2012, plan sponsors and service providers alike will be scrambling to prepare.

Altigro President Appointed to Head ABC NY Benefits Board Bookmark

Altigro President Appointed to Head ABC NY Benefits Board

Commitment to Education Continues

February 8, 2012 -- At Altigro our end-focus is helping thousands of hard-working people achieve their retirement goals. The best way to make that happen is to help educate our plan-sponsors, participants, and partners.

Increasing 401(k) Plan Participation Bookmark

Cash or deferred retirement plans, more commonly referred to as 401(k) plans, have become the backbone of the private pension system in America. They long ago replaced employer-sponsored pension plans as the most common vehicle for retirement savings.