Editorial Team

Our Editorial Team

Pension FAQ is researched, written, and reviewed by a small team of benefits specialists and financial researchers. Every article on this site passes through at least two sets of eyes before publication.

James Alderman – Senior Editor

James has spent more than 15 years in employee benefits communication – first as a benefits analyst at a Fortune 500 manufacturing company, then as a retirement plan communicator for a mid-size benefits consulting firm. His work has focused on translating complex plan documents and government rules into language that employees and retirees can actually use.

What James does at Pension FAQ:

  • Researches each article using primary sources: IRS publications, SSA Program Operations Manual (POMS), PBGC coverage determinations, state tax codes, and plan summary plan descriptions (SPDs)
  • Reviews every article for factual accuracy before publication
  • Updates existing articles when tax-year limits, state thresholds, or federal rules change
  • Responds to reader corrections and questions

    • What James does not do:

  • Provide individual pension or financial advice
  • Calculate personal benefit estimates
  • Contact employers or plan administrators on behalf of readers
  • Make recommendations about specific retirement products

    • How We Work

    Each article on Pension FAQ goes through a four-step process:

    1. Research – We locate the relevant official source: the IRS publication, the state comptroller’s instruction booklet, the plan document, or the federal regulation. We read it. We take notes.

    2. Draft – We write an explanation in plain English that answers one specific question, with concrete numbers and examples. No jargon without explanation. No vague advice.

    3. Review – A second team member checks the article against the source material. Numbers are verified. Examples are tested. Links are confirmed.

    4. Update – We re-check articles when tax-year thresholds change (typically annually), when new legislation passes, or when a reader notifies us of an error.

    We are transparent about our process because pension information affects real financial decisions. If you find an error on any page, please contact us and we will investigate within 48 hours.

    Why We Don’t List Credentials

    You will not see “CFP” or “CPA” after anyone’s name on this site. We are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or attorneys. We are pension researchers and communicators. The value we provide is not personal advice – it is clear, source-verified information that helps you ask better questions when you do talk to the professionals who handle your benefits.

    Contact the Editor

    For corrections, suggestions, or questions about our editorial process:

    Email: [email protected]

    Response time: We read every message and respond to editorial inquiries within 2 business days.

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    *Last updated: July 2026*