What's New

Recently added to StrategicPlanningAssociates.com:

• 03.05.08 – Ooops! The GAO Did it Again
  Last year, we argued in Employee Benefit News that "The GAO Got It All Wrong" when it came to assessing private pension plans. Now, in turning its sights to the public sector, the GAO has upped the ante – but still hasn’t gotten it right. Here’s what their report to Congress could mean to you.
  .
• 02.14.08 – “Starved” for a GASB/FASB Solution
  Our January “Views & Vents” column unearthed a lot of frustration with GASB, FASB – and us. If it seems like people are starved for a solution, here’s why.
  .
• 01.23.08 – Leadership Lessons From the Cheerleading Squad
  A guest columnist, our friend Wayne Turmel of The Crabby Middle-Manager Show, recently learned a valuable lesson about leadership from his daughter. And now we're sharing it with you.
  .
• 01.18.08 – More on our 2007 Retirement Industry Conference Presentation
  Prosperity and Asset Management Consulting included our presentation to the 2007 Retirement Industry Conference on its list of industry high-points for the year. Here is their review – and you can also download an updated transcript of our remarks.
  .
• 01.14.08 – When the Chickens Come Home to Roost
  Our January column in Employee Benefit News takes on the issue of post-retirement health care. Click here for insight into the “FASB Effect,” the implications of GASB, and changes we (perhaps) can expect in the future.
  .
• 11.20.07 – From Cost Center to Strategic Advisor
  The lead article in the November issue of Small and Medium Business Human Resources discusses how HR managers may be well-positioned to become strategic business partners – but only if they understand how to add value to the company.  Our firm is one of those interviewed for the article, and we contribute four quotes to an excellent and informative cover story.
  .
• 11.14.07 – On “Barking Oneself”
  In this month’s column, we look at the relationship between employers and their consultants. These “tails” of projects gone wrong will resonate with both HR professionals and advisors.
  .
• 11.12.07 – Employee Disaffection: It's Contagious
  A Gallup study and new book reveal record levels of employee alienation from their jobs. Here are the three factors with the strongest correlations to employee commitment — and a special offer for visitors to the SPA site and blog.
  .
• 11.05.07 – Benefits Administration: Mortals or Portals?
  With all the uncertainty about how best to administer HR and benefits, you'd think someone would've come up with an objective way to measure and compare costs. Well, now someone has. The Savings Calculator we developed for SelectSource levels the playing field for HR and benefits managers. You can access the calculator directly, or click here to learn more about the thinking behind it.
  .
• 10.05.07 – Pretty to Think So
  Recent reports suggest that health cost trends are declining. But a closer look shows that what the system is not working. Costs are both on the rise and poised to increase even faster. And most plan-design changes will only ensnare employers in a steeper cost spiral. Read our October Employee Benefit News column to see why so many benefit professionals want you to keep looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
  .
• 09.10.07 – Pension Apocalypse, Now
  The Financial Accounting Standards Board will conduct the “second phase” of person reform with the International Accounting Standards Board. For pension eschatologists, it’s an ominous portent – the benefits equivalent of FASB in bed with Babylon. Our September “Views & Vents” column explores the implications of this unholy alliance.
  .