Start your 2024 401(k) plan today to maximize contributions and secure tax credits before the year ends!
Get started
Search for topics or resources

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.
Picking 401(k) Investments and Related Services Is Easy When Fiduciaries Know Their Options

Picking 401(k) Investments and Related Services Is Easy When Fiduciaries Know Their Options

By: Eric Droblyen

April 6th 2016

Given the dizzying array of 401(k) investment options and services, small business 401(k) fiduciaries are often confused regarding the best options for their plan. The process of 401(k) investment decision making can be made easy by breaking it down.
Read More
SEC Money Market Reform Will Affect Many Small Business 401(k)s in 2016; 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand its Consequences

SEC Money Market Reform Will Affect Many Small Business 401(k)s in 2016; 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand its Consequences

By: Eric Droblyen

March 9th 2016

SEC money market reforms will take effect in 2016. If a 401(k) includes a money market fund in its investment lineup, small business fiduciaries should understand the consequences of these reforms in order to decide if their plan’s money market fund should be replaced in advance of the new rules.
Read More
Shopping For a 401(k) Plan Doesn’t Need To Be Overwhelming For Small Businesses; A Checklist Can Help

Shopping For a 401(k) Plan Doesn’t Need To Be Overwhelming For Small Businesses; A Checklist Can Help

By: Eric Droblyen

January 27th 2016

401k provider services can vary dramatically in breadth, depth and price. This variability can make it difficult for small business 401k fiduciaries to select providers with services that match their plan’s needs at a reasonable price. A checklist can make this job easier.
Read More
Happy Holidays from the Frugal Fiduciary! Our Top 10 Blogs of 2015

Happy Holidays from the Frugal Fiduciary! Our Top 10 Blogs of 2015

By: Eric Droblyen

December 30th 2015

During 2015, the Frugal Fiduciary Blog covered a variety of 401k topics. Our 10 most popular blogs for the year can be found here.
Read More
Understanding a 401(k) Plan’s Fiduciary Hierarchy Can Make It Easier for Employers To Meet Fiduciary Responsibilities

Understanding a 401(k) Plan’s Fiduciary Hierarchy Can Make It Easier for Employers To Meet Fiduciary Responsibilities

By: Eric Droblyen

December 16th 2015

401(k) fiduciary responsibility is receiving increased attention, but employers are still unclear about meeting their plan’s fiduciary responsibilities.
Read More
Good News, 401(k) Fiduciaries! DOL Fee Disclosure Rules Make ERISA 404(c) Compliance Simple

Good News, 401(k) Fiduciaries! DOL Fee Disclosure Rules Make ERISA 404(c) Compliance Simple

By: Eric Droblyen

December 2nd 2015

ERISA 404(c) protects 401(k) fiduciaries from participant investment losses. Participant fee disclosure regulations under ERISA 404a-5 make ERISA 404(c) compliance easier.
Read More
Managing 401(k) Deadlines for the 2016 Plan Year – A Checklist Can Help

Managing 401(k) Deadlines for the 2016 Plan Year – A Checklist Can Help

By: Eric Droblyen

November 18th 2015

401k plans have many ERISA compliance responsibilities that must be satisfied every plan year. The Employee Fiduciary compliance calendar can be used to track these responsibilities for the 2016 plan year.
Read More
401(k) Plan Design – Our Checklist Can Make the Process Simple

401(k) Plan Design – Our Checklist Can Make the Process Simple

By: Eric Droblyen

November 4th 2015

401(k) plan design for small businesses does not need to be difficult. Retirement plan eligibility, compensation, contributions, vesting, distributions and loans are the basics.
Read More
Selecting 401(k) Service Providers: Determine the Professional Help You Need Before You Shop

Selecting 401(k) Service Providers: Determine the Professional Help You Need Before You Shop

By: Eric Droblyen

October 21st 2015

Choosing the best 401(k) for your small business means understanding the 401(k) services you need before you shop.
Read More
The Federal TSP Is a Baseline for 401(k) Plans – And Any Small Business Can Match It

The Federal TSP Is a Baseline for 401(k) Plans – And Any Small Business Can Match It

By: Eric Droblyen

September 23rd 2015

The Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) should be an example for low cost small business retirement plans. 401(k) fiduciaries should understand its virtues.
Read More