Blog
Technology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read More10 Ideas for a Virtual Holiday Party
Many of us have adapted to a world with remote team members and back-to-back Zoom calls with customers spread across the country, which certainly has its benefits. Nevertheless, one drawback is the difficulty of getting together in...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreShow All
A Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreAttention Parents and Grandparents of College-Bound Students: FAFSA Gets an Overhaul
Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is calling it the “most...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations
What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage...
Read MoreDon’t Let Your Peers Miss Out on the Benefits of Comprehensive Plan Administration
You want the best for your employees. And as a responsible employer, you understand the significance of offering a retirement plan for your esteemed workforce. However, you are also aware of the intricate legal requirements and taxing...
Read More5 Ways Plan Sponsors Can Improve Retirement Outcomes for Their Participants
As a plan sponsor, you have the opportunity to support your employees in confidently pursuing their long-term financial goals. Offering a retirement plan is a critical component of this support, and taking proactive steps to improve...
Read MoreIt’s Financial Wellness Month: Is it Time to Update Your Investment Options?
Managing an employee retirement plan can create responsibility for you to ensure your participants’ best interests are met in the best way possible. At DCS Pensionmark, we understand the difficulties sponsors face in having their...
Read MoreHow Plan Sponsors Can Educate Participants on Avoiding Early Withdrawals
As a retirement plan sponsor, one of your main objectives is to maintain employee participation and avoid retirement plan leakage. Not only does this benefit the employees, to whom you owe a fiduciary duty, but it also benefits the...
Read More5 Reasons to Review Your 401(k) Plan in 2023
As an employer offering a 401(k) plan, it’s important to set up an annual review not only to avoid costly issues and liability exposure, but also to leverage strategies to better serve employees. Here are 5 key reasons to review...
Read MorePlan Sponsors, Don’t Neglect Your Plan Fees Review
As a plan sponsor, you have a major responsibility when providing retirement and healthcare plans to your employees, and we know you want to sponsor plans you can be proud to offer.But there are quite a few obligations to fulfill for...
Read MoreHow Do Safe Harbor 401(k)s Work?
Sponsoring an employee retirement plan is a balancing act. Business owners want to provide a compelling benefit that will attract and retain key employees, but in a way that isn’t too costly or overbearing to the company.One such...
Read MoreThe Top Mistakes Plan Sponsors Make: Part 2
In 2021, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) collected $1.9 billion in qualified retirement plan violations and other enforcement actions. (1) As such, it’s more important than ever that plan sponsors are up to...
Read MoreThe Top Mistakes Plan Sponsors Make: Part 1
Sponsoring a workplace retirement plan, though a noble endeavor, does come with a need for prudent oversight. Complying with ERISA regulations, understanding fiduciary responsibilities, and staying up to date on the ever-changing tax...
Read MoreHow Can We Help You and Your Plan Participants Weather Stock Market Volatility?
It’s no secret that the stock market has seen increased volatility in the last couple of months—partly due to the uncertainty surrounding the war in Ukraine and partly due to the continued effects of historically high...
Read MoreWhy I Started DCS Retirement
When it came time for me to choose a career path, I knew that whatever job I pursued needed to be in line with my passions. Most importantly, I wanted to serve others; to help people in a tangible way, and add value to their lives....
Read More