The Investment Company Institute (ICI) provides valuable resources for employers sponsoring a retirement plan like 401(k)s. They recently updated their frequently asked question (FAQ) section which, while basic, can provide a good tutorial for HR and financial people new to the industry. ICI is a DC based association of mutual fund companies which is the most popular investment in 401(k) plans.
In particular, the ICI FAQs covers such issues as:
- What is a 401(k) and how it works
- Difference between 401(k) plans and 403(b)/457 plans
- Growth of 401(k) plans since their inception which is dramatic
- The benefits
- How employee matches work
- How loans work and their pitfalls
Other resources provided by the ICI include 401(k) news, publications, research and links to other resources. Recent news published by the ICI includes:
- BrightScope/ICI Study Analyzes Combinations of Key Features of 401(k) Plans and Trends in Plan Design (Dec 22, 2015)
- Consistent 401(k) Participation Leads to Higher Account Balances (Sep 15, 2015)
- ICI Recordkeeper Data Show Retirement Plan Participants’ Commitment to Saving (Aug 6, 2015)
- ICI Recordkeeper Data Show Retirement Plan Participants Tend to Stay the Course (Apr 29, 2015)
- Americans Overwhelmingly Oppose Changing Tax Incentives for Retirement Saving (Jan 20, 2015)
- Accounts of Consistent 401(k) Participants Grew 6.8 Percent Annually During the Five Years That Included Financial Crisis (Jul 31, 2014)
Other topics covered by the ICI include:
- The Federal Thrift Savings Plan: Can It Be Duplicated? (pdf) (Sep 16, 2015)
- Facts About Defined Contribution Plans and Retirement Security (pdf) (Jun 5, 2013)
- Focus on Funds: 401(k) Advancements (Apr 26, 2013)
- Expenses and Fees Paid on Mutual Funds in 401(k) Plans (pdf) (Apr 23, 2013)
- Variety of Services in 401(k) Plans (pdf) (Apr 23, 2013)
- Key Facts and Positions: Access to Retirement Accounts Prior to Retirement (pdf) (Apr 22, 2013)
- Key Facts and Positions: Trading Costs and 401(k)s (pdf) (Apr 22, 2013)
- Key Facts and Positions: Adequacy of 401(k) Plans to Meet Retirement Needs (pdf) (Apr 22, 2013)
- Key Facts and Positions: Asset Allocation and Managing Risk in 401(k)s (pdf) (Apr 22, 2013)
- Key Facts and Positions: 401(k)s and Fees (pdf) (Apr 22, 2013)
