Defined Benefits

Carl DeMaio, a Republican House candidate hoping to represent Californias San Diego area, is learning quickly about the perils of throwing political elbows.

It's the first time since 2007 that more people think they will be able to live comfortably than fear they wont be able to.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund returned an estimated 13 percent in the fiscal year that ended March 31.

Chrysler Group, the automaker owned by Fiat SpA, lost $690 million in the first quarter when it bought the shares held by a union retiree medical trust, paving the way for integration of the companies.

While there is a tendency to focus on the current balance in a 401(k) plan and treat that as the ultimate outcome, people tend to talk about defined benefit plans in terms of the benefit they are capable of providing, rather than the actual benefits paid.

With company pension plans close to fully funded nowadays, Mercer suggests it's time to plot out a better, more secure future.

Christie, a second-term Republican, proposed the largest budget in state history in February to pay for rising costs of health benefits, pensions and debt.

Californias non-partisan Legislative Analysts Office is insisting Californias legislature make CalSTRS its top budget priority, given its massive unfunded liability and the relatively fast growth of the funds debts.