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7 tax-free benefits for employees
During tax season, employees are sharply reminded of how much cash Uncle Sam takes from their paychecks. Many workers already take advantage of benefits such as tax-exempt health savings accounts, group term-life insurance and even tax-deferred benefits in retirement plans. Some fringe benefits, however, are lesser known for their tax-exempt status. Here are seven tax-free benefits that keep cash in employees pockets, as well may provide attractive deductibles to companies.
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5 winning vacation benefits and policies
Taking time away from the office has been shown to reduce stress and improve employee productivity. Here's 5 unique approaches to vacation benefits that encourage employees to unwind and return to work with renewed vigor.
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Health care reform stirs protests at Supreme Court
In March 2012, the Supreme Court heard six hours of oral arguments over three days on the constitutionality of the individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which would require nearly every person in the United States to purchase health insurance, whether through an employer, state exchanges, Medicare, Medicaid or private exchanges. The mandate, the most polarizing provision of the law, brought American from both sides of the issue to Washington, D.C., to converge on the Supreme Court steps to protest or advocate for PPACA.
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Top 5 apps for the busy CEO
Appitalism chooses top 5 apps that every CEO should utilize on their smartphones. The point of business is the bottom-line, and these helpful apps can streamline the process.
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6 tips to make sure your DC plan is successful
Defined contribution plans are becoming more and more the primary employer-sponsored retirement plan for most Americans. Yet, along with participants need for strong performance, plan sponsors must deal with increased regulatory activity, governance requirements and fiduciary concerns. Mercers Toni Brown and Bill McClain share how to make sure your plan is as successful as it can be. For more information on DC plans, visit Mercer.com.
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Avoid these 5 common pitfalls
With all of the rules and regulations governing benefits delivery and administration, industry pros can be left feeling like they are traversing a minefield. However, knowledge is power. So, the first step to avoiding benefits biggest pitfalls is knowing what they are. Weve outlined five of them for you here.
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6 retirement trends on the horizon for 2012
From pressure on margins due to fee sensitivity to demonstrating value through measurable results, Dan Hall, vice president of The Standards retirement plan sales, shares six trends that may impact advisers and their clients this year.
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5 bizarre insurance policies
Plan participants choose to insure their beautiful legs, the threat of paranormal encounters or even their perfectly coiffed mustache. Amy Bell of WritePunch Inc. shares five of the weirdest insurance policies, ranging from interesting to shocking to downright bizarre.
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5 Ways to Improve Your Client Retention and Gain New Accounts
Employers and benefit brokers are facing unique challenges compounded by uncertainty around the subject of health care. Gain strategies, resources and relationships needed to capitalize on an unprecedented opportunity to gain new accounts and revenue streams.
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12 Most bizarre excuses for employee sick days
Its that time of year again when employees have trouble making it in to the office and no, we dont mean cold and flu season. Some employees, not quite ready to go back to the grind after extended holiday time off, may be looking for some extra time away. According to CareerBuilder, the highest period of employee absenteeism occurs between January and March, with 34% of employers noting that use of sick days peak in the first quarter of the year. Further, 29% of workers cite errands and plans with family and friends among the top reasons for calling in sick when they were well.
Starting the year on a light-hearted note, EBN selected a dozen from CareerBuilders list of some of the most outrageous excuses employees have used to call in sick. We hope theyll help you maintain your sense of humor as you endure the absenteeism of the winter months.
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EBA's top 8 articles of 2011
From Vermonts push toward a single-payer system to the repeal of PPACAs 1099 provision, heres a look back at the top articles on eba.benefitnews.com.
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5 issues facing the retirement market in 2012
From 401(k) matches to the definition of fiduciary, 2011 was a busy year in the retirement industry. Experts reflect on the biggest developments and whats ahead for 2012.
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Top 4 voluntary trends of 2011, what to look for in 2012
American General Life Companies and Mutual of Omaha experts share what voluntary trends took precedence in 2011 and how products might evolve in 2012.
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The 5 most important health care stories of 2011 and 2012
2011 was a year full of health care news, with most of it focused around the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In 2012, there will be some major decisions made by the courts. Heres a look back and forward at health care news.
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Eight steps to a healthier holiday season
Kaiser Permanente recently launched "Maintain Don't Gain" campaign to help employer's wellness efforts through the holidays. Part of the KP campaign includes an eight-week guide to help employees avoid winter weight creep. As we approach the holiday season and the winter months share these tips with employees to encourage winter wellness.
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5 holiday benefits and perks to thank employees
Spread some holiday cheer around your workplace this season with these creative and thoughtful end-of-year benefits and rewards to celebrate a workforce that has dutifully taken on extra work and stress during trying economic times. Whether its giving a small gift or throwing a holiday bash to show your care, employees will be thankful for your support and recognition. When they return to work in the New Year, make sure employees are listing exercise more and eat fewer sweets as their 2012 resolutions, not find a new job.
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8 ways employees can use their flexible spending accounts before 2012
As 2011 comes to an end, its time for employees with health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts to use up their remaining balances before the end of their plan year, when any leftover money is forfeited. Here are eight ways your employees can spend down their FSAs before 2012, courtesy of Save Smart, Spend Healthy.
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5 top trends facing financial advisers
Transamerica Retirement Services identifies 5 top trends facing plan advisers of company-sponsored retirement plans.
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10 growing companies protect employees in a volatile economy
Despite a rocky economic recovery, 10 businesses provide stability to their employees with a commitment to benefits. Principal Financial awards the organizations a trophy, $2,500 to a charity of their choice and recognition in The Principal 10 Best Companies Guide in January 2012.
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5 ways advisers can stay close with clients
Clients want to know that you a trusted adviser are looking out for their best interests. Here are five suggestions you can implement immediately that will add new revenue.
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2012 outlook: Top 6 trends in worksite benefits
Despite uncertainty in the market, Colonial Life predicts which areas brokers should focus on to achieve growth in the new year.
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Rising Stars in Advising
From small to large companies and from across the country, they are the best of the best in advising and the future of the business. EBA searched far and wide to find "Rising Stars in Advising" who are making a name for themselves and will lead the next generation of advisers.
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7 insurers see ratings updates
A.M. Best, Moodys Investors Service and Standard & Poors (S&P) released ratings updates. These are some of the most recent.
This list was complied by Jennifer Morrell of Insurance Networking News, a SourceMedia publication.
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Seven Tips for New Advisors
The financial services industry can be a great career choice but unfortunately, a lot of new advisors never make it past the first couple of years. Advisor Keith Weber discusses some tips to help young advisors.
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