Enron has been selling plants that it has used to decorate its Houston offices to its remaining employees. Prices for the plants ranged from $10 for smaller desk-sized ones to $30 for larger ones such as palm and banana trees. "I guess you could say that we're pruning costs," an Enron spokesperson said, trying to be funny.



In an opinion piece for The Washington Post, Michelle Singletary concludes that changes proposed by the Boener Bill may not be best for employees, given what has occurred with Enron. She believes that advice given by financial services firms -- even those that fully disclose conflicts of interest -- will not be enough for participants who have little understanding of investing. She favors the bill proposed by Senator Bingaman or utilizing an independent advice provider. To read this article, follow this link.



George Aguiar, president and ceo of GP Capital Corporation, has been named chair of the Federation of Independent Mutual Fund Dealers. The Canada-based organization represents 30 independent dealer firms.



According to The Wall Street Journal, officials in the Bush Administration are continuing to explore ways to improve the security of participants' 401(k) assets. They are examining options that are limited in scope to ones that are much more comprehensive. Currently, regulators are investigating issues surrounding investment advice and blackout periods. Follow this link to read the article, but you must be a subscriber of the publication to gain access. 

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