New Year, New Look!
Public Sector Employees Show High Acceptance of Default Investments in Defined Contribution Plans, According to New MissionSquare Research Institute Study
A new study from MissionSquare Research Institute reveals that public sector employees exhibit high acceptance rates of default investments in defined contribution (DC) plans.
Student Loan Debt Is a Key Influencer in U.S. Worker Decisions to Accept and Stay in Jobs, New MissionSquare Research Institute Study Finds
A new report from MissionSquare Research Institute finds student loan debt influences job acceptance decisions for 56% of public sector employees and 62% of private sector employees.
Social Security Administration Provides WEP/GPO Repeal Implementation Update
On January 24, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) posted an update through almost a dozen Q&As on its implementation of the WEP/GPO repeal to their website.
IRS Issues Proposed Regulations on SECURE 2.0 Catch-up Contributions
On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Department of the Treasury and the IRS (collectively, the IRS) released proposed regulations addressing three provisions of SECURE 2.0 that impact catch-up contributions to certain types of employment-based retirement plans.
MissionSquare Research Institute Identifies Six Public Service Workforce Trends for 2025
MissionSquare Research Institute has identified six key workforce trends to watch in 2025. The trends focus on job motivations, succession planning, emerging technologies, retirement planning, debt, stress, and mental health.
Doug Coté Appointed to Chief Investment Officer for MissionSquare Retirement
Market and investment strategist Doug Coté, CFA, has been selected to serve as Chief Investment Officer for MissionSquare Investments and MissionSquare Retirement, organizations committed to helping employees and their families achieve financial wellness and retirement security
Social Security Fairness Act Repealing WEP/GPO Becomes Law
On January 5, 2025, President Biden signed into law the Social Security Fairness Act - legislation that repeals both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions of Social Security that reduce or sometimes eliminate benefits for certain public servants, as well as their surviving spouses.
Congress Passes Social Security Fairness Act Repealing WEP/GPO
On early December 21, the Senate voted 76-20 to pass the Social Security Fairness Act - legislation that repeals both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions of Social Security that reduce or sometimes eliminate benefits for certain public servants, as well as their surviving spouses.
Hispanic Public Service Employees More Likely to Worry About Retirement and Personal Finances Compared to Whites and African Americans, According to Recent MissionSquare Research Institute Survey
A recent national survey conducted by the MissionSquare Research Institute highlights that women in public service roles are significantly more concerned about their finances compared to their male colleagues.
New MissionSquare Research Institute Survey Reveals Significant Financial Concerns Among Women in Public Service
New MissionSquare Research Institute Survey Reveals Significant Financial Concerns Among Women in Public Service
Drue Holloway Appointed Chief Strategy Officer at MissionSquare Retirement
Holloway will lead MissionSquare’s strategic initiatives, driving growth and enhancing organizational performance. His extensive strategy and M&A experience and deep background in retirement services and wealth management will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of the organization.
Lisa Raff Appointed Chief Human Resources Officer at MissionSquare Retirement
MissionSquare Retirement is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Raff as Chief Human Resources Officer.
81% of Public Service Employees Worried They Won’t Have Enough Money to Last Through Retirement
A new national survey from MissionSquare Research Institute reveals the vast majority of public employees (81%) are concerned they won’t have enough money to last throughout their retirement years. Additionally, 78% say they won’t have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, and only 9% say the benefits provided through their employer are “very sufficient” to meet their retirement needs.
Student Debt Is a Major Source of Economic Stress for U.S. Public and Private Sector Workers, New MissionSquare Research Institute Study Finds
A new report from MissionSquare Research Institute reveals that 93% of private sector employees and 89% of public sector workers with student loans consider their debt levels problematic.
Treasury and IRS Publish Guidance on LTPT Rules for 401(k) and 403(b) Plans
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS published guidance on the long-term part-time rules that apply to 401(k) and ERISA-covered 403(b) plans, as amended by SECURE 2.0.
New Report Highlights Financial Challenges for Women in Public Sector Jobs
The overall financial wellbeing of women working in state and local government is mixed, with both positive indicators and troubling challenges according to a new report from MissionSquare Research Institute.
IRS Request for Information on SECURE 2.0 Act Saver’s Match
The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued a request for information (RFI) on implementing the Saver’s Match provision of the SECURE 2.0 Act, which, beginning in 2027, will convert the existing Saver’s Credit into a refundable tax credit payable as a contribution of up to $1,000 deposited into an eligible individual’s designed retirement savings vehicle.
Treasury, IRS Guidance Provides Additional Clarity on SECURE 2.0 Student Loan Matching Contributions Provisions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service published Notice 2024-63, providing question-and-answer guidance on the provisions of SECURE 2.0 allowing employers to make matching contributions on student loan payments by employees.
MissionSquare Retirement Memorial Scholarship Fund Awards $100,000 to Families of Fallen Public Sector Heroes
MissionSquare Retirement Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to 51 surviving children and spouses of public sector employees who died in the line of duty.
IRS Releases Finalized RMD Rules
Treasury and the IRS have finalized regulations on RMDs from qualified plans and IRAs, incorporating changes from the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0.
MissionSquare Retirement Appoints Andre Robinson as Chief Executive Officer & President
MissionSquare Retirement today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Andre Robinson as Chief Executive Officer and President effective September 3, 2024.
Guidance Issued for SECURE 2.0’s New Exceptions to the 10% Early Withdrawal Penalties
The IRS issued Notice 2024-55, providing guidance on the implementation of two new exceptions to the 10% early withdrawal penalties under IRC § 72. Sections 115 and 314 of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 created emergency personal expense distributions and domestic abuse victim distributions, respectively.
Recruitment Challenges Easing for State and Local Governments, New Report Finds
After years of unprecedented workforce shortages, state and local governments are finally experiencing some relief in recruitment challenges.
A Joint Mission to Inspire Our Future Leaders
The MissionSquare Foundation is focused on strengthening communities by supporting the long-term wellbeing of youth. A core component of the Foundation’s efforts includes cultivating civic-mindedness, critical thinking, and leadership skills in future leaders.
YMCA of the USA Expands Partnership with MissionSquare Foundation to Strengthen Youth Civic Engagement, Give Future Leaders a Voice
YMCA of the USA is pleased to announce the second year of the $2 million multi-year national partnership with MissionSquare Foundation. This partnership is providing support to implement the Youth and Government® program in 13 states and the District of Columbia, helping shape the next generation of thoughtful, committed and active citizens.