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.

How MEPs Signal a Broken 401(k) Industry

By: Eric Droblyen
October 30th 2019
Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) are better for the 401(k) industry than retirement plan savers and sponsors. Small business owners should avoid them.
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3 Warning Signs Your 401(k) Provider is Ripping You Off

By: Eric Droblyen
October 16th 2019
If you’re a business owner, you must know how much your 401(k) plan costs because the consequences for paying excessive fees are high.
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401(k) Fees - Rules for Allocating Among Plan Participants

By: Eric Droblyen
October 2nd 2019
Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to allocate 401(k) fees among plan participants equitably. This job can be easy with some basic education.
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Steps for Reducing the Out-of-Pocket Cost of Retirement

By: Eric Droblyen
September 4th 2019
A simple plan can dramatically reduce the cost of retirement for 401(k) participants. Investing knowledge is not required to follow the plan.
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Traditional Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan vs. QACA – How to Choose

By: Eric Droblyen
August 21st 2019
There are two basic types of safe harbor 401(k) plans available today – traditional and QACA. Business owners should understand their differences.
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401(k) Fee Study: What Does a Fiduciary-Grade Advisor Cost?

By: Eric Droblyen
August 7th 2019
Our fee study of 753 fiduciary-grade financial advisors shows impartial advice reduces the total cost of a 401(k) plan. Employers should not settle for less.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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