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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.
Employers Should Avoid Providers That Treat 401(k) Plans Like a Product, Not a Service

Employers Should Avoid Providers That Treat 401(k) Plans Like a Product, Not a Service

By: Eric Droblyen

September 6th 2017

Insurance and mutual fund companies treat 401k plans like a product by restricting fund and plan design options. Plan Sponsors need impartial and consultative advice instead
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A Common Sense 401(k) Plan for Small Businesses

A Common Sense 401(k) Plan for Small Businesses

By: Eric Droblyen

August 23rd 2017

TSP-like 401(k) plans are a common sense retirement plan but are not meant for everyone. Compare traditional 401(k) services against a TSP baseline here.
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401(k) Loan Rules – What Plan Participants Need to Know

401(k) Loan Rules – What Plan Participants Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

August 9th 2017

If you are a 401(k) participant, use our FAQ to understand when you can take a loan from your account and how to avoid taxes or penalties.
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403(b) vs. 401(k) Plans for Non-Financial People

403(b) vs. 401(k) Plans for Non-Financial People

By: Holly Roussel-Godfrey

July 26th 2017

These two big differences are truly all you need to know when deciding between a 403(b) or 401(k) plan – their eligibility and testing requirements.
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Expanding Small Biz Retirement Plan Coverage – 401(k) Reforms Are Needed

Expanding Small Biz Retirement Plan Coverage – 401(k) Reforms Are Needed

By: Eric Droblyen

July 12th 2017

Americans save more for retirement when they can do so by payroll deduction, but less than half of small businesses sponsor a retirement plan.
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Are Your 401(k) Fees “Reasonable?”  Benchmark Them to Find Out

Are Your 401(k) Fees “Reasonable?”  Benchmark Them to Find Out

By: Eric Droblyen

June 28th 2017

Small businesses have a fiduciary responsibility to pay only reasonable 401k fees, but "reasonable" is not defined. Benchmarking 401(k) providers and industry averages is the key to confirming 401k fee reasonableness.
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The DOL Fiduciary Rule – What Employers Need to Know

The DOL Fiduciary Rule – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

June 14th 2017

What small businesses need to know about the DOL’s Fiduciary Rule is basic: their advisor receives commissions that can increase 401(k) plan sponsor liability.
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401(k) Distribution Rules – Frequently Asked Questions

401(k) Distribution Rules – Frequently Asked Questions

By: Eric Droblyen

May 31st 2017

401(k) plans have restrictive distribution rules which are tied to your age and employment status. Use our FAQ to understand these rules.
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Acquisition or Merger? Don’t Overlook the Seller’s 401(k) Plan!

Acquisition or Merger? Don’t Overlook the Seller’s 401(k) Plan!

By: Eric Droblyen

May 17th 2017

After acquiring a company with a 401(k), there 3 options for the plan - merge it into their own plan, keep it stand-alone, or terminate it.
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DOL Fiduciary Rule: Good for Business But Opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

DOL Fiduciary Rule: Good for Business But Opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

By: Eric Droblyen

May 3rd 2017

The employer benefits of the DOL Fiduciary Rule should get more attention. The regulation will lower 401(k) fees, and in turn, reduce fiduciary liability.
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