To address those concerns, the new rates, proposed to account for increased longevity assumptions, would be phased in over five years beginning in fiscal 2016-17.

The percentage of plans that offered passive funds, which have lower management fees, in 2013 was up to 12.5 percent.

The big unknown is the effect of the stimulus on the equity market, said Zorast Wadia, principal and consulting actuary for Milliman Inc. in New York. A loss [in those markets] could offset gains garnered from higher interest rates.

The C (common stocks) and S (small and midsize companies) funds, gained about 32 percent and 38 percent, respectively, The I Fund, which is centered on international equities, rose 22 percent.

Help both employees and clients by reminding them to be aware of Medicare eligibility and signup rules, as well other possible sources of health insurance.

The payments are due Oct. 15, the same deadline for paying variable rate premiums.

Tapering doesnt necessarily mean tightening, said Joe Lucey, president of Secured Retirement Advisors in St. Louis Park, Minn. Were probably looking at two to three years before interest rates gets back to where they were.

For workers in the 45 to 54 age group, those with the longest tenure saw gains of 44 percent, while those with 10 to 19 years of service, saw growth of 51.5 percent.