NAIFA and three other industry groups are expressing support for a bill that instructs the Securities and Exchange Commission to create a new form for the registration of index-linked annuities. The legislation "will lower a significant barrier that is preventing this innovative retirement income product from being used by more consumers who desire an annuity product providing some protection of their investment principal from market loss volatility, while also allowing participation in market growth," the groups said in a letter.

Full Story: InsuranceNewsNet Magazine online (6/8) 

Economists predict Q3 start for US recovery

More than two-thirds of economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal say US economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will get underway in the third quarter. Respondents expect an unemployment rate of 9.6% by December, lower than an estimate of 11.4% in a previous survey.

Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (6/11) 

Experts: Caution clients about coronavirus withdrawals

Advisors should warn clients about the dangers of obtaining coronavirus hardship withdrawals from their retirement plans if they don't meet the requirements stated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, industry experts say. "Down the line, if IRS discovers the issue on audit, the participant can be subject to substantial penalties," one lawyer said.

Full Story: PlanAdviser online (6/11) 

Most savers are not making large-scale changes to retirement plans in response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Forbes Advisor. The survey shows 11% of respondents plan to work longer, while 5% of respondents have adjusted asset allocation.

Full Story: Forbes (5/11) 

"What if?" is the question you need to be asking

Businesses are entering the second phase of post-pandemic life -- what William Bridges called the "neutral zone" -- where they must ask "what if?" questions in preparation for whatever is next, writes Scott Eblin. "Collecting lessons learned and getting your team (however large or small) involved in that process will bring the beginning of Phase 3 -- the beginning of the new normal -- into focus a little faster and with more clarity," he writes.

Full Story: Eblin Group (5/12) 

3 things for advisors to discuss with laid-off clients

Financial advisors who get calls from clients who have lost jobs need to listen carefully and offer solid advice, writes Kimberly Foss of Empyrion Wealth Management. She offers three tips for advisors on what information to provide these clients.

Full Story: Financial Planning online (5/10) 

How advisors can help clients get through this crisis

Psychologist Dr. Rick Jensen explains how advisors can help clients cope with current market volatility and avoid emotion-driven investment mistakes. It starts with empathizing with clients, taking as much time as necessary and asking them what's keeping them up at night, he says.

Full Story: InsuranceNewsNet Magazine online (3/27) 

Tax filing extension: Time to make IRA, HSA contributions

When the IRS extended the federal tax filing date to July 15 due to the coronavirus, it also allowed people to make 2019 contributions to an individual retirement account or health savings account up to the new deadline. The deadline for employers to make contributions to a workplace-based retirement plan also was extended to July 15.

Full Story: PlanSponsor online (3/25) 

Retirement plans disrupted by coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic is upending retirement plans and eroding investment value for Americans, particularly for older baby boomers who rely on 401(k) plans.

Full Story: Bloomberg Businessweek (tiered subscription model) (3/26)