On Stuff: William Bernstein

On Stuff

My favorite author, Dr. William Bernstein gives us the low down on Commodities and their place (or mis-placement) in a portfolio.

Scott Dauenhauer, CFP, MSFP

Firm to disclose savings plan fees - Los Angeles Times

Firm to disclose savings plan fees - Los Angeles Times

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A union has finally stood up and protected its teachers. The United Teachers of Los Angeles, led by an outspoken teacher has forced AIGVALIC's hand in disclosing fees that they did not want disclosed.

While this plan is not perfect, it is good to know that a union and its members are standing up for what is right, perhaps this watershed moment will lead to even more in this long fight for participant rights and transparency.

Scott Dauenhauer, CFP, MSFP

ING to Give Teachers Refunds

Kathy Kristoff updates us on the problems with the New York State Union 403(b) problems, it looks like their provider, ING will pony up $30 mill to settle claims it misled participants and didn't disclose backroom deals. Of course, ING will not be admitting any wrongdoing. NYSUT settled for about $3 million early this year. Another story on the topic can be found here.

Its amazing that the NEA Valuebuilder product has never been investigated, it is much worse (or at a minimum the same!).

ScottyD

Workers Get a Double Jolt on Pension Benefits

Another good primer on the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. If you are a teacher you MUST know about this in order to effectively plan for retirement.

Scott Dauenhauer, CFP, MSFP

New Jersey Teacher Wins Fight on Retirement Fees

John Wasik is 100% right on in this column, if you are in education (regardless of your position) you need to read this article.

ScottyD