--- title: Retirement Planning & Regulatory Trends You Should Be Watching description: Feeling out of the loop this summer? Get caught up. DWC Partners Keith Clark and Jennifer Gibbs Swets have offered their insights into recent industry trends and regulations in these articles in Investopedia and Business News Daily. image: https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_ii_png_category.png --- [![logo](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/_global/logo.svg "logo")](https://www.dwc401k.com/) [![logo](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Dwc-2019/SVG/logo.svg "logo")](https://www.dwc401k.com/) [![Contribution Limits](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/af3ae025-72b1-41fa-8855-5e196d6c26e4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/af3ae025-72b1-41fa-8855-5e196d6c26e4) [![Log in](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/3466ce37-58ba-4a93-bddb-0d4c8bb8ccbc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/3466ce37-58ba-4a93-bddb-0d4c8bb8ccbc) [![services-icon1](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon1.png) ## Plan Document A properly drafted document is the foundation of achieving the company's objectives and keeping the plan in operational compliance. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/plan-document) [![services-icon2](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon2.png) ## Plan Compliance We have a fundamental understanding of how critical plan compliance is to both the IRS and Department of Labor. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/plan-compliance) [![services-icon3](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon3.svg) ## Defined Benefits Services We work with business owners and investment advisors to determine what makes the most sense by providing a detailed cost benefit analysis. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/defined-benefits-services) [![services-icon4](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon4.svg) ## Mergers, Aquisitions & Related Company Analysis The DWC team is well-versed enough in the nuances and is ready to help you navigate the situation. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/mergers-acquisitions-analysis) [![services-icon5](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon5.png) ## Plan Corrections DWC's extensive experience with both the IRS and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs allows us to help you address just about any accident that might happen. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/plan-corrections) [![services-icon6](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon6.png) ## Government Audits Being selected for an audit can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn't have to be. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/government-audits) ![service-right-icon](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/service-right-icon.svg) ## Investment Advisor Support DWC has a long history of successfully partnering with investment advisors. We bring decades of experience, supported by the resources to deliver comprehensive solutions for your clients. Our consultants understand the importance of your relationships and will work seamlessly alongside your team. 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[![https://3113501.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3113501/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20without%20category%20name/hero_pp_png.png](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20without%20category%20name/hero_pp_png.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/the-new-era-of-401ks-evaluating-private-equity-for-retirement-portfolios) ### [The New Era of 401(k)s: Evaluating Private Equity for Retirement Portfolios](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/the-new-era-of-401ks-evaluating-private-equity-for-retirement-portfolios) [![https://3113501.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3113501/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20without%20category%20name/hero_pp_png.png](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20without%20category%20name/hero_pp_png.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/why-the-simple-to-401k-transition-is-finally-simple) ### [Why the SIMPLE-to-401(k) Transition Is Finally… Simple](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/why-the-simple-to-401k-transition-is-finally-simple) [![https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/SVG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_pp_category.svg](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/SVG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_pp_category.svg) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/decoding-the-alphabet-soup-whats-with-all-the-acronyms-part-6) ### [Decoding the Alphabet Soup: What’s With All the Acronyms | Part 6](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/decoding-the-alphabet-soup-whats-with-all-the-acronyms-part-6) [![https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/SVG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_pp_category.svg](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/SVG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_pp_category.svg) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/decoding-the-alphabet-soup-whats-with-all-the-acronyms-part-5) ### [Decoding the Alphabet Soup: What’s With All the Acronyms | Part 5](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/decoding-the-alphabet-soup-whats-with-all-the-acronyms-part-5) [![https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/SVG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_pp_category.svg](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/SVG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_pp_category.svg) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/decoding-the-alphabet-soup-whats-with-all-the-acronyms-part-4) ### [Decoding the Alphabet Soup: What’s With All the Acronyms | Part 4](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/decoding-the-alphabet-soup-whats-with-all-the-acronyms-part-4) [![https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_rr_png_category.png](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_rr_png_category.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/in-case-of-emergency-dont-break-plan) ### [In Case of Emergency, (Don't) Break Plan!](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/in-case-of-emergency-dont-break-plan) [![See all](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/da389b32-e8ba-4681-ac07-738df4376a5b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/da389b32-e8ba-4681-ac07-738df4376a5b) [!["Complete Control" with Recommended Contributions](https://www.dwc401k.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Cash%20Balance%20Corner/September%202020/CBC%20-%209.3.2020%20-%20Complete%20Control%20with%20Recommended%20Contributions_Retirement%20Plan%20Design.png?width=800&height=350&name=CBC%20-%209.3.2020%20-%20Complete%20Control%20with%20Recommended%20Contributions_Retirement%20Plan%20Design.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/calculating-recommended-contributions-cash-balance-corner) ### ["Complete Control" with Recommended Contributions](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/calculating-recommended-contributions-cash-balance-corner) [![“Cover Me” with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation](https://www.dwc401k.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CBC-8.19-PBGC.png?width=800&height=350&name=CBC-8.19-PBGC.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/cover-me-with-pbgc) ### [“Cover Me” with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/cover-me-with-pbgc) [![10-Retirement-Compliance-Failures](https://www.dwc401k.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Collateral%20-%20Old%20Designs/Blog%20Header%20Images_Old%20Watermarked%20Design/10-Retirement-Compliance-Failures.png?width=800&height=350&name=10-Retirement-Compliance-Failures.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/10-common-retirement-plan-compliance-failures-found-by-the-irs) ### [10 Common Retirement Plan Compliance Failures Found by the IRS](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/10-common-retirement-plan-compliance-failures-found-by-the-irs) [![2020 DOL Enforcement Stats: Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?](https://www.dwc401k.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Question%20of%20the%20Week/3.4.2021%20DOL%20Enforcement%20Blog.png?width=800&height=350&name=3.4.2021%20DOL%20Enforcement%20Blog.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/2020-dol-enforcement-statistics) ### [2020 DOL Enforcement Stats: Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/2020-dol-enforcement-statistics) [![2020 Retirement Plan Tax Deductions - It's Not Too Late](https://www.dwc401k.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%204.15.2021%20-%202020%20Retirement%20Plan%20Deductions.png?width=800&height=350&name=Blog%20-%204.15.2021%20-%202020%20Retirement%20Plan%20Deductions.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/2020-retirement-plan-deductions-not-too-late) ### [2020 Retirement Plan Tax Deductions - It's Not Too Late](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/2020-retirement-plan-deductions-not-too-late) [![QOTW - 5.8.2018 - 401k Distribution Rules - After Taking a Hardship Distribution How Quickly Must a Participant Stop 401k Contributions - Plan Distributions](https://www.dwc401k.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Question%20of%20the%20Week/QOTW%202018/May%202018/QOTW%20-%205.8.2018%20-%20401k%20Distribution%20Rules%20-%20After%20Taking%20a%20Hardship%20Distribution%20How%20Quickly%20Must%20a%20Participant%20Stop%20401k%20Contributions%20-%20Plan%20Distributions.png?width=800&height=350&name=QOTW%20-%205.8.2018%20-%20401k%20Distribution%20Rules%20-%20After%20Taking%20a%20Hardship%20Distribution%20How%20Quickly%20Must%20a%20Participant%20Stop%20401k%20Contributions%20-%20Plan%20Distributions.png) ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/whats-happens-when-you-take-a-hardship-distribution) ### [401(k) Distribution Rules: After Taking a Hardship Distribution, How Quickly Must a Participant Stop 401(k) Contributions?](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/whats-happens-when-you-take-a-hardship-distribution) [![See 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[Legislation](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/legislation) - [Cash Balance](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/cash-balance) - [Fiduciary Responsibility](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/fiduciary-responsibility) [![See all](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/6e4f2713-d231-4e2f-9509-351824dea8bd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/6e4f2713-d231-4e2f-9509-351824dea8bd) Company ### The DWC Difference Meet our team, explore career opportunities, and learn how DWC partners with TPAs to grow. - [About Us Who we are and our story ](https://www.dwc401k.com/about) - [Join the 401k Experts Open roles and life at DWC ](https://www.dwc401k.com/about/careers) - [Mergers and Acquisitions Grow faster with DWC ](https://www.dwc401k.com/mergers-and-acquisitions) [![feature image](https://3113501.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3113501/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20without%20category%20name/hero_pp_png.png) 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Sharing](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/profit-sharing), [DWC](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/dwc), [Employer Match Contributions](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/employer-match-contributions), [Regulations](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/regulations), [Industry Insights](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/industry-insights) Feeling out of the loop on industry happenings this summer? DWC stays on top of what's trending, and our self-proclaimed pension geeks often offer their insights in industry publications. Get caught up with this month's round-up:  ## The Dangers of Putting Your 401(k) on Autopilot | Investopedia Vanguard's 2018 "How America Saves" report is in, and reveals some interesting findings about how Americans are planning for retirement. Among the most significant trends is the use of target-date funds. These are attractive because they remove the responsibility of reallocating the portfolio from the plan administrator.  However, DWC Managing Partner Keith Clark points out a [primary issue with putting your 401(k) on autopilot](https://www.investopedia.com/news/dangers-putting-your-401k-autopilot/): target-date funds only focus on one variable. According to Clark, defined contribution plan participants should be focusing on at least three variables: contribution rate, company matching contributions or profit sharing, and how much progress has been made toward retirement goals. If you plan to pursue target-date funds in your retirement plan, remember that they look different with each provider. These funds do offer simplicity but at the end of the day you still need to do your due diligence to ensure you are moving your retirement plan in the right direction. [Read the full article on Investopedia here.](https://www.investopedia.com/news/dangers-putting-your-401k-autopilot/) ## 5 Big Regulatory Changes That Could Affect Your Business | Business News Daily In other news, there are several federal regulations that are changing, or are likely to change in the near future, that could affect your business. Keeping an eye on these developments could save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches in the end.  Some of these regulatory changes include: - **Sales Tax:** A recent Supeme Court decision marked the end of e-commerce businesses enjoying zero sales tax. This ruling could become extremely problematic for online retailers, who will now potentially have to navigate 50 state laws for dealing with sales tax for out-of-state businesses. - **Federal Tax Overhaul:** Federal tax policy reform narrowly passed last year, and carries huge implications for businesses of all sizes. DWC Partner [Jennifer Gibbs Swets](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jengswets/) speaks to how the Tax Cut and Jobs Act passed last year is impacting, and will continue to impact small business owners. - **General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in the EU:** While the GDPR regulations are currently only being implemented overseas, many expect more stringent data security policies to follow in the U.S. While it is not clear how these regulations will change in the future, business owners should ensure this policy is on their radar to stay ahead of the changes. [Read the full article on Business News Daily here.](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7671-regulatory-issues-changes.html) [![Submit Your Question Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/ea1283f0-31cd-4e2b-ac92-d185c9da303c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/ea1283f0-31cd-4e2b-ac92-d185c9da303c) - Share - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/retirement-planning-regulatory-trends-you-should-be-watching&title=Retirement%20Planning%20&%20Regulatory%20Trends%20You%20Should%20Be%20Watching&picture=https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20with%20category%20name/hero_ii_png_category.png&description=Feeling%20out%20of%20the%20loop%20this%20summer?%20Get%20caught%20up.%20DWC%20Partners%20Keith%20Clark%20and%20Jennifer%20Gibbs%20Swets%20have%20offered%20their%20insights%20into%20recent%20industry%20trends%20and%20regulations%20in%20these%20articles%20in%20Investopedia%20and%20Business%20News%20Daily.) - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/retirement-planning-regulatory-trends-you-should-be-watching&hashtags=) ## Browse categories [ DWC Developments ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/dwc-developments) [ Industry Insights ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/industry-insights) [ Regulatory Round-Up ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/regulatory-round-up) [ Cash Balance Corner ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/cash-balance-corner) [ 401(k) Q&A ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/401k-qa) [ Operational Overview ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/operational-overview) [ Lessons from Litigation ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/lessons-from-litigation) [ Pension Primer ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/pension-primer) [ Browse by Topic ](https://www.dwc401k.com/knowledge-center-topics) ## Subscribe to our newsletter ### Only the Best Retirement Industry Content Get our 401(k) and defined benefits content delivered directly to your inbox. 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