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.
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3-Step Guide for Employers to Select and Monitor 401(k) Index Funds
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By: Eric Droblyen
November 1st 2017
Index funds make it possible for 401(k) plan sponsors to replace an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) with a 3-step fund selection and monitoring process.
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Top 10 401(k) Mistakes Found in the IRS Voluntary Compliance Program
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By: Eric Droblyen
October 18th 2017
Severe consequences can result when a 401(k) plan fails to meet one or more of the plan qualification requirements – including IRS penalties for the employer.
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401(k) Cybercrime – Key to Keeping a Plan Safe Is Not Delegating Fiduciary Responsibilities
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By: Eric Droblyen
September 20th 2017
Some employers delegate fiduciary roles that approve cash disbursements to their 401(k) provider, which can make a 401(k) plan more vulnerable to cybertheft.
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Employers Should Avoid Providers That Treat 401(k) Plans Like a Product, Not a Service
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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