Master the full spectrum of employee compensation and benefits with The Tools & Techniques of Employee Benefit and Retirement Planning, 19th edition—your go-to guide for smarter, more strategic planning. Packed with real-world examples of compensation structures, healthcare and life insurance strategies, and fringe benefits, this powerful resource helps you anticipate both the obvious and unexpected consequences of every approach. Clear, straightforward guidance walks you through legal and regulatory requirements while breaking down the tax implications that can make or break a plan. Ready to go deeper? Extensive source references point you to the next level of research—so you can move from informed to expert with confidence.

Get the comprehensive guidance you need to design smarter, more strategic employee benefit programs:

• Covers every dimension of employee benefits planning—from foundational concepts to advanced strategies
• Breaks down key planning considerations, regulatory requirements, and tax implications so you can move forward with clarity and confidence
• Addresses benefits for every segment of your workforce—full- and part-time employees, temporary staff, entry- and mid-level professionals, and executives
• Explains both qualified and nonqualified benefit options to help you structure competitive, compliant programs
• Outlines immediate and deferred compensation strategies that align rewards with long-term goals
• Highlights critical regulatory and tax considerations for healthcare, employer-provided life insurance, retirement plans, and more

New in the 19th Edition:

• Incorporates information from the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act
• Fully updated with 2026 IRS inflation adjustments so your planning reflects the most current contribution limits and thresholds
• Revised Social Security figures for 2026 to keep your projections accurate and up to date
• The latest guidance on the Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act to help you navigate evolving rules with confidence
• New details on medical and dependent care FSA use and rollover provisions so you can advise clients and employers with clarity
• Updated ERISA compliance and reporting requirements—including Form 5500 updates to help you stay audit-ready
• Fresh insights on recent court cases and the current status of the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule to keep you aligned with today's regulatory landscape

Key Topics Covered:

• Quick, clear overviews of each benefit planning tool or technique so you can quickly identify the right solution
• Real-world client scenarios highlighting when each strategy works best—plus the key advantages and potential drawbacks
• Detailed design features and planning options to help you tailor benefits to specific employer and workforce needs
• Comprehensive tax analysis covering federal income, estate, and payroll tax implications for both employer and employee—with relevant state considerations noted
• Straightforward ERISA and compliance summaries outlining reporting, disclosure, funding, and other federal requirements
• Step-by-step implementation guidance to help employers confidently adopt and execute each plan
• Curated "Where Can I Find Out More?" resources for deeper research and continued learning
• Practical FAQs with real solutions addressing the challenges planners most often face when implementing benefit strategies