Data reported by states might not even tell the full story. An SEC commissioner said this year that trillions in unfunded liabilities are being hidden.
Retirement savings took a beating in the downturn, leaving many in what is understandably a state of high anxiety about the best ways to ensure everyone gets the most they can out of their 401(k) plan.
Transparency in 401(k) fees has been a major topic for more than a year. As more light has been shed on them, some plan sponsors have been able to get them lowered.
The Internal Revenue Service has issued guidance for employers whose 401(k) plans offer Roth accounts for the rules governing rollovers by participants younger than retirement age.
Retirees need to be able to count on their monthly benefits, taxpayers of different ages need to be treated in a fair manner and contributions by government bodies to pension funds must be made in a steady way.