BREAKING NEWS

BMF Akron Office Closure Beginning May 1

Beginning May 1, our Akron Office will be closed to the public for renovations but will remain available to assist you. Contact your BMF Advisor or call 330.762.9785 to speak with someone who can help. We anticipate renovations taking several weeks, so stay tuned for updates!

Articles & Publications

Positioning your employees for financial success: Is now the time to increase default deferral rates?

Have you considered increasing your retirement savings plan’s default deferral rate, but are hesitant to act in fear of employee disengagement in the plan? Research suggests there’s likely little need for concern in making the change. Let’s discuss auto-enrollment. Read More >>

Unlocking Your 401(k) Match Potential: Strategies for Success

Offering matching contributions in your 401(k) plan serves dual purposes: it’s a valuable benefit for your employees and a catalyst for their retirement planning journey. However, striking the right balance between affordability and effectiveness is key. Let’s explore how. Read More >>

Top 5 Key Insights from DOL’s Employee Benefits Audit Quality Study

February 6, 2024 Benefit Plans

In November 2023, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) of the US Department of Labor (DOL) released its fourth evaluation of the audit work conducted by independent qualified public accountants. This evaluation specifically scrutinizes the performance of audits for. Read More >>

ERISA and Employee Benefit Plans: Time to Get Serious About Cybersecurity

In 2021, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance for fiduciaries to secure their benefit plans in connection with the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). When it comes to private retirement and health plans, participant data. Read More >>

Stay on the Right Side of the IRS: Easy Steps to Keep Your 401(k) Plan Compliant

Running a 401(k) plan for your business is a great benefit for your employees, but it comes with some significant responsibilities. If you don’t follow the rules correctly, you could face fines or even lose the plan altogether. But. Read More >>

DOL Issues Changes to Form 5500: Smaller Benefit Plans To Be Excused From Audits Starting in 2024

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently modified long-standing rules regarding which plans are required to be audited annually for filings on Form 5500. The current rules, which will remain effective for 2022, require that any plan with. Read More >>

SECURE Act 2.0 Makes Sweeping Changes to Retirement Plans

In December 2022, Congress passed an omnibus spending bill that included a significant portion dedicated to the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022, which makes significant changes and enhancements to retirement planning laws in the United States. We’ve included a. Read More >>

IRS Launches Pilot Pre-Examination Retirement Plan Compliance Program

In its June 3, 2022, Employee Plans Newsletter, the Internal Revenue Service announced a pilot compliance program affecting retirement plans and their sponsors. Under this pilot program, the IRS will notify a plan sponsor by letter 90-days in advance. Read More >>

Investment Diversification with Active and Passive Plan Investment Options

The fiduciary responsibility of plan sponsors is to periodically review policies for their retirement plans. While most plan sponsors consider a balance between large-cap and small-cap, global and domestic, and equity and bond investments in their investment policies, plan. Read More >>

Designing a 401(k) Matching Program to Meet Your Objectives

We’ve found over the years that it can be challenging to get employees to set aside money for their retirement. By providing a matching contribution to your employees, you are helping to incentivize them to put their own money. Read More >>