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The Frugal Fiduciary Small Business 401(k) Blog

Get the latest industry news, deadlines and tips you need to know to help tackle your fiduciary responsibility needs.
401(k) Index Funds – They Make it Easy to Reduce Fiduciary Liability

401(k) Index Funds – They Make it Easy to Reduce Fiduciary Liability

By: Eric Droblyen

February 22nd 2017

When compared to their actively-managed counterparts, 401k index funds are more likely to offer superior returns. They also reduce 401k fiduciary liability.
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Finding Hidden 401(k) Fees in Participant Disclosure Notices

Finding Hidden 401(k) Fees in Participant Disclosure Notices

By: Eric Droblyen

February 8th 2017

Hidden 401(k) fees, like revenue sharing and variable annuity wrap charges reduce 401(k) balances. 401(k) participants must understand when they apply.
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4 Traits of the Best Small Business 401(k) Providers

4 Traits of the Best Small Business 401(k) Providers

By: Eric Droblyen

January 11th 2017

America's Best Small Business 401(k) Providers have 4 traits in common. 401(k) fiduciaries should look for these traits when shopping for 401(k) services.
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Our Top 10 401(k) Blogs of 2016: What Topics Were the Most Popular?

Our Top 10 401(k) Blogs of 2016: What Topics Were the Most Popular?

By: Eric Droblyen

December 28th 2016

401(k) blogs related to plan design, administration and provider fees were the Frugal Fiduciary’s most popular in 2016. 
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401k Plan Design Study: What 2,767 Small Business 401k Plans Are Doing

401k Plan Design Study: What 2,767 Small Business 401k Plans Are Doing

By: Eric Droblyen

November 30th 2016

The right 401k plan design can save a small business thousands of dollars annually. Our plan design study summarizes findings for 2,767 401k plans
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401(k) Fees: Are Traditional 401(k) Services Worth a Smaller Retirement Nest Egg?

401(k) Fees: Are Traditional 401(k) Services Worth a Smaller Retirement Nest Egg?

By: Eric Droblyen

November 16th 2016

The best small business 401k providers only charge fees for value-added 401k services. Providers with high priced superfluous services should be avoided
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How MEPs Complicate 401(k) Plan Terminations

How MEPs Complicate 401(k) Plan Terminations

By: Eric Droblyen

November 2nd 2016

Exiting a 401k plan can be an easy process, as long as you aren't part of an MEP. MEPs complicate the plan termination process and can cost you big time.
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Asset-Based 401(k) Admin Fees Are Unreasonable; Fiduciaries Should Avoid Them

Asset-Based 401(k) Admin Fees Are Unreasonable; Fiduciaries Should Avoid Them

By: Eric Droblyen

October 19th 2016

The best small business 401k providers charge low transparent fees based on participant headcount, not assets. A 401k fiduciary should not settle for less.
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3 Questions for Calculating Small Business 401(k) Provider Fees

3 Questions for Calculating Small Business 401(k) Provider Fees

By: Eric Droblyen

October 5th 2016

Small businesses have a fiduciary responsibility to keep 401k plan expenses reasonable for participants. Three questions can help find service provider fees.
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Government Shocker! The 401(k) Form 5500 May Become Useful Soon

Government Shocker! The 401(k) Form 5500 May Become Useful Soon

By: Eric Droblyen

September 21st 2016

The government is proposing substantial changes to the Form 5500 for 2019. These changes would make 401k information more accessible to stakeholders.
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