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Striking A Balance In The Cash Balance Plan Debate, Regina T. Jefferson

Scholarly Articles

Cash balance plans are hybrid plans designed to offer the best characteristics of both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. However, conversions of existing defined benefit plans into cash balance plans are highly controversial because they can significantly reduce the expected retirement benefits of older workers. Because future plan costs are reduced and plan surpluses are often created, the use of surplus plan assets by employers has raised serious concerns. This article describes and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of using cash balance plans as primary retirement savings vehicles. It argues that the controversy over conversions is really about the …