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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.
Small Business 401(k) Plan Design Study: What 3,975 401(k) Plans Are Doing

Small Business 401(k) Plan Design Study: What 3,975 401(k) Plans Are Doing

By: Eric Droblyen

March 20th 2019

The right 401(k) plan design can help a small business meet plan goals at the lowest possible cost. Our study summarizes the designs of 3,975 401(k) plans
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Safe Harbor or Traditional 401(k) Plan – How to Decide

Safe Harbor or Traditional 401(k) Plan – How to Decide

By: Eric Droblyen

March 6th 2019

Safe harbor 401(k) plans are the most popular type of 401(k) used by small businesses today, but they are not the best fit for every small business.
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Hardship 401(k) Distributions – Frequently Asked Questions

Hardship 401(k) Distributions – Frequently Asked Questions

By: Eric Droblyen

February 20th 2019

At first blush, the 401(k) hardship distribution rules can seem overwhelming. In truth, most can be understood with some basic education. Our FAQ can help.
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Applying Jack Bogle’s Guiding Principle to 401(k) Provider Fees

Applying Jack Bogle’s Guiding Principle to 401(k) Provider Fees

By: Eric Droblyen

February 6th 2019

Jack Bogle's guiding principle was simple - costs matter. 401(k) participants should apply the same principle to 401(k) provider fees paid by their account.
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How Compound Interest and Dollar Cost Averaging Reduce the Cost of Retirement

How Compound Interest and Dollar Cost Averaging Reduce the Cost of Retirement

By: Eric Droblyen

January 23rd 2019

Saving for retirement can seem futile when you can't afford to contribute much to a 401(k) plan. Compound interest and dollar cost averaging can help.
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401(k) Contribution Deadlines – You Don’t Want to Miss Them!

401(k) Contribution Deadlines – You Don’t Want to Miss Them!

By: Eric Droblyen

January 9th 2019

When 401(k) contributions - employee or employer - are deposited late, there are consequences for employers. With some education, they are easily avoided.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2018

The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2018

By: Eric Droblyen

December 26th 2018

Our top 10 blogs for 2018 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover plan administration, features, fees and providers.
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2018 Small Business 401(k) Fee Study – What’s Too High?

2018 Small Business 401(k) Fee Study – What’s Too High?

By: Eric Droblyen

November 28th 2018

Are my 401(k) fees too high?” is a common question asked by both plan sponsors and participants. Our small business fee study can give some perspective.
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Calculating American Funds 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2

Calculating American Funds 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2

By: Eric Droblyen

October 31st 2018

American Funds is one of the largest 401k providers in the nation. Their 408b-2 fee disclosure is also one of the worst. Here are steps for deciphering it.
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Apathy is the #1 Source of 401(k) Liability – It’s Easy to Avoid

Apathy is the #1 Source of 401(k) Liability – It’s Easy to Avoid

By: Eric Droblyen

October 17th 2018

401(k) fiduciary responsibilities are manageable once they’re understood. The problem is many small businesses don’t make the effort.
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