Investment Instruments

The OPM says it has been able to reduce the number of federal retirement applications stuck in limbo, marking the third month in a row the backlog was smaller than forecast.

Widows have to deal with myriad difficulties after their spouse's death, including filing income taxes, financial planning, and understanding Social Security benefits.

Expect to see higher cash bonuses and equity awards this year, up five to 10 percent. Figures, however, will vary by firm.

The California pension system, one of the hardest hit during the recession, increases bonuses to retain staff.

The median plan in the public funds segment gained 4.9 percent in the third quarter, while corporate ERISA plans gained 4.4 percent; foundations and endowments returned 4.3 percent at the median.

The funded status of corporate pension plans rose to 91.8 percent in October, according to BNY Mellon Investment Strategy & Solutions Group.