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Month: January 2023

Taken a Pension Lump Sum Recently? Getting Ready to Do so Soon? If so, This Article Is a Must Read for You

Taken a Pension Lump Sum Recently? Getting Ready to Do so Soon? If so, This Article Is a Must Read for You

In the pension world, there are two basic types of pension plans: (1) defined contribution (DC) (e.g., 401k) which establish an account for each participant, provide a benefit based on the investment performance of assets allocated to the account, and pay the benefit in a lump sum form (i.e., the account balance), and (2) defined benefit (DB) which provide a benefit based on a formula defined in the plan, but typically provide only annuity benefits, although some DB plans DO…

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Follow Your Pension Plan’s Pension Beneficiary Instructions; Otherwise THIS Unfortunate Result Could Happen

Follow Your Pension Plan’s Pension Beneficiary Instructions; Otherwise THIS Unfortunate Result Could Happen

A recent Court of Appeals case highlights the importance of carefully following the beneficiary instructions in your 401(k) plan. Gelschus v. Hogen, No. 21-3453, (8th Cir. Aug. 29, 2022). Here’s what happened in that case. Sally Hogen was a participant in Honeywell International Inc.’s 401(k) plan. She originally designated her husband Clifford as the sole beneficiary of her 401(k) account in the event of her death. But Sally and Clifford divorced in 2002, and their marital termination agreement (MTA) said…

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