Darla Mercado

Darla Mercado writes about retirement issues and products, including taxes, annuities and 401(k) plans. She welcomes feedback and tips from readers on interesting topics. Outside of the newsroom, Darla spends her time inline skating, biking, running and swimming. She Tweets at: @Darla_Mercado

Darla Mercado
Displaying 883 results
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 21, 2014
Plaintiffs win mixed decision in landmark 401(k) fee case

Plaintiffs, represented by Jerome Schlichter, win mixed decision in a landmark 401(k) fee case as appeals court backs fiduciary claim against ABB but reverses decision against two Fidelity companies.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 21, 2014
Schlichter in new 401(k) lawsuit, this one against health care provider Novant Health

A group of medical professionals are suing their employer, health care provider Novant Health, arguing that the company violated its fiduciary duty by offering excessively costly 401(k) investments and overpaying its providers.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 20, 2014
Lockheed Martin 401(k) case to proceed as class action

On Monday, the Supreme Court let stand a decision in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that permits employees of the defense contractor to proceed with a class action against the firm. The case will now go to trial.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 19, 2014
More Americans renouncing citizenship

But declaring 'independence' comes with hefty taxes – which trusts can help curb.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 19, 2014
Risks lurk in annual 401(k) matches

As more employers switch to lump sum contributions, clients may miss out on market rallies.

RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES MAR 19, 2014
Warning signs your client is at risk of an audit

Earnings above a certain threshold, charitable donations or business deductions may all be red flags that a client is a prime candidate for a tax audit. Here's a rundown of what advisers need to know to keep their clients away from the tax man.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 17, 2014
Is your variable annuity safe?

A New York regulator alleges that one insurer limited the returns of legacy variable annuity clients

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 13, 2014
The horsepower behind 401(k) plans: A specialist adviser

Employers are turning to a new kind of adviser to help their employees save for retirement, a new survey shows.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 13, 2014
The ticking time bomb of forced drawdowns on variable annuities

Fine print on older contracts leaves elderly clients in position of losing death benefits.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAR 12, 2014
Employees win mixed decision in landmark 401(k) fee case

Appeals court backs claims that company breached its fiduciary duty. Could their win change how you save?