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.
The SPIVA Scorecard – A Must-Read for 401(k) Fiduciaries

The SPIVA Scorecard – A Must-Read for 401(k) Fiduciaries

By: Eric Droblyen

July 10th 2019

The SPIVA Scorecard measures the percentage of active funds that outperform their market benchmark over specific periods of time, net of fees. Most don't.
Read More
Switching 401(k) Providers? What to Expect and Pitfalls to Avoid

Switching 401(k) Providers? What to Expect and Pitfalls to Avoid

By: Eric Droblyen

June 26th 2019

To lower your 401k fees, you may need to replace your plan provider. This move can seem daunting until you understand the process and the pitfalls to avoid.
Read More
Employers Must Avoid 401(k) Providers They Can't Understand

Employers Must Avoid 401(k) Providers They Can't Understand

By: Eric Droblyen

June 12th 2019

Avoiding 401k fiduciary liability can be easy. You just need a basic understanding of your fiduciary responsibilities and an easy-to-monitor plan provider.
Read More
The SECURE Act and RESA - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The SECURE Act and RESA - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By: Eric Droblyen

May 29th 2019

Congress wants to expand workplace retirement plan coverage. The SECURE Act and RESA aim to do that. They offer 401(k) reform, but won't expand coverage.
Read More
401(k) Rollovers: When One is in Your Best Interest

401(k) Rollovers: When One is in Your Best Interest

By: Eric Droblyen

May 15th 2019

After leaving a job, you must decide what to do with your 401(k) account. A rollover may or may not be in your best interest. Here's how to decide.
Read More
It's Too Easy to Conceal 401k Fees – We Need 408b-2 Reform

It's Too Easy to Conceal 401k Fees – We Need 408b-2 Reform

By: Eric Droblyen

April 17th 2019

Fidelity is being accused of charging excessive, undisclosed 401(k) fees. Other providers obfuscate fees in 408b-2 disclosures. It's time for reform.
Read More
401(k) Investment Advice – Pros and Cons of the 3 Basic Forms

401(k) Investment Advice – Pros and Cons of the 3 Basic Forms

By: Eric Droblyen

April 3rd 2019

401(k) participants can receive professional investment advice from a mutual fund, financial advisor, or algorithm today. Each advice form has pros and cons
Read More
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
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More