Consumer-driven health plans offer companies the promise of dramatic savings on insurance costs, but only if enrollment grows. Otherwise, they could remain a niche product

Just one week after a UBS Global Asset Management survey indicated that U.S. pension funding ratios fell an average 11% in the first quarter and 24% in the past nine months, a Mercer survey found that changes in the value of the assets and liabilities of S&P 1500 companies’ pension plans wiped a collective $70 billion off their balance sheets.

Many pension plans could end up in deep trouble with investors when the next phase of accounting rules kicks in

With pressures mounting on retirement plans from a growing population of old people and sweeping changes in accounting rules, finance executives in the 2008 Treasury & Risk Retirement Survey seem ready to consider more substantial overhauls to institutions, such as the 401(k)

Annuities have rarely been the investment option of choice for most, but a couple of new products could let 401(k) participants reap some of the benefits of an investment that guarantees payouts for life

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is considering requiring corporations to provide more details about pension plan allocations, including alternative investments. FASB says it is responding to shareholder demands for more transparency so they can better gauge portfolio risks.

With automatic enrollment quickly becoming a standard, companies are looking for better returns on the default options they offer 401(k) participants who don’t like to choose

SUN MICROSYSTEMS INC.

HALLIBURTON CO.

SAP AMERICA

Mental illness may be on the road to getting the same kind of coverage that physical ailments do, thanks to congress. The good news is that employers may actually see some unexpected cost savings

While few would argue with employers’ desires to contain healthcare costs and get the greatest value for their dollars, just how to achieve those results is a matter of debate.

When it comes to retirement, many finance executives are walking away from the corporate world years earlier than their father’s generation.

Given the potential for many baby boomers to outlive their retirement savings, companies should consider adding annuities to 401(k) plans, according to a recent report by Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting.

When it comes to wellness programs, money talks. And now that the the rules governing cash incentives have been clarified, a growing number of companies are making offers few employees can refuse

Verizon used the decision to freeze its DB plan as an impetus for overhauling and improving its target date retirement funds

Employers appear to be getting serious about embracing health management initiatives that improve employee health

Thanks to changes in pension laws, phased retirement is suddenly an option-and both employers and employees are interested

Health savings accounts have been touted as the future of healthcare. But now Steve Case’s ConnectYourCare, in partnership with banks, is working to make employees see that as a good thing