The new financial environment for retirement emerging in the 1980s is marked by increased individual responsibility for financial well-being, a changed workforce, and the need to contain costs. The trend will be away from the group approach and toward cafeteria-style benefit programs, providing greater freedom of benefit choice. (MSE)

New federal laws and regulations, particularly non-discrimination rules, concerning welfare plans, fringe benefits, and tax-sheltered annuities are examined, and new law and regulatory developments concerning pensions are highlighted. (MSE)