(Indianapolis) – Nyhart, one of the nation’s largest independent actuarial and employee benefits consulting firms, has announced an educational series for CFOs and defined benefit plan sponsors in government and private businesses who currently offer pension benefits. Actuaries will teach pension plan sponsors on the ongoing expenses and costs of defined benefit plans

The series of three seminars, available both as a webinar and in-person as Nyhart’s headquarters in Indianapolis, will be geared to highlight how ongoing regulatory changes and financial factors are impacting the viability of pension benefits.

Sustainability of Costs in Public Pension Plans
Thursday, June 16 at 11 a.m., featuring Actuary Heath Merlak

The liability in public pension plans keep increasing while the government entity supporting the plan is not. With most public pension plans currently underfunded and operating budgets feeling pressure, where are these plans headed? Will costs continue to rise? Will benefit promises need to be revised?

High Pension Costs: When and Where is the Peak?
Thursday, June 23 at 11 a.m. featuring Actuary John Dowell

For private pension plans that must comply with the funding rules introduced by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, investment performance and interest rate levels drive the contribution requirements. The collapse of the stock market in 2008 has been followed by extremely low interest rates in 2009 and 2010, increasing costs in nearly all U.S. private pension plans. How high will they get and when will we get over the hump?

Managing a Frozen Pension Plan – Should Our Strategy Change?
Thursday, June 30 at 11 a.m. featuring Actuary John Dowell

Once benefit accruals are frozen in a pension plan, the game is changed. The indefinite horizon becomes finite. If plan termination is the ultimate goal, the desired horizon is likely five years or less. Should strategic changes be made given this reduced timeframe?

Individuals interested in attending the events in person or via webinar may contact James Burnes at connect@nyhart.com to be added to the invitation list. There is no cost to attend the program. Seating is limited.