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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.
Is Your 401(k) About to Lose Solo Status? Here’s How to Prepare

Is Your 401(k) About to Lose Solo Status? Here’s How to Prepare

By: Eric Droblyen

July 19th 2022

Preparing a small business 401(k) plan to lose its solo status is not complicated. Here’s what you need to know to smoothly transition your plan.
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Target Date Index Funds – The Best Investment for Most 401(k) Participants?

Target Date Index Funds – The Best Investment for Most 401(k) Participants?

By: Eric Droblyen

July 5th 2022

Target Date Index Funds may be the best investment for most 401(k) participants. They combine strong net-of-fee returns and set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
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New 401(k) Lifetime Income Disclosures – What to Know

New 401(k) Lifetime Income Disclosures – What to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

June 22nd 2022

The SECURE Act's lifetime income disclosure should help 401(k) participants understand how much income their account balance could produce in retirement.
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401(k) Distributions - FAQs for Employers

401(k) Distributions - FAQs for Employers

By: Eric Droblyen

June 8th 2022

When employers do not follow their 401(k)'s distribution rules, IRS penalties can result. Our distribution guide can help employers avoid these consequences.
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401(k) Plan Design Study: Safe Harbor and Roth Adoption Is Up

401(k) Plan Design Study: Safe Harbor and Roth Adoption Is Up

By: Eric Droblyen

May 25th 2022

Proper 401(k) plan design can help a small business meet its plan goals at the lowest possible cost. Our study summarizes the designs of 4,330 401(k) plans.
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Good Luck Escaping a Pooled Employer 401(k) Plan (PEP)

Good Luck Escaping a Pooled Employer 401(k) Plan (PEP)

By: Eric Droblyen

May 11th 2022

Employers can terminate a single-employer 401(k) at any time, but they can't terminate their portion of a Pooled Employer Plan. That can trap participants.
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SECURE Act 2.0 – Not the 401(k) Reform Americans Deserve

SECURE Act 2.0 – Not the 401(k) Reform Americans Deserve

By: Eric Droblyen

April 27th 2022

SECURE 2.0 delivers welcome, but incremental, reform. 401(k) plans are not cost-efficient enough today. Here are four things Washington can do to change that.
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Don’t Be Fooled by These 401(k) Conflicts of Interest!

Don’t Be Fooled by These 401(k) Conflicts of Interest!

By: Eric Droblyen

April 13th 2022

The 401(k) industry is rife with conflicts of interest. Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to protect employees from them. Common ones hide in plain sight.
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The Ultimate Guide to Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans

By: Eric Droblyen

March 30th 2022

Safe harbor 401(k) plans are popular with small businesses that struggle to pass IRS-mandated nondiscrimination testing. Our guide answers common questions.
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Five Reasons Why Hidden 401(k) Fees Should be Illegal

Five Reasons Why Hidden 401(k) Fees Should be Illegal

By: Eric Droblyen

March 16th 2022

Hidden 401(k) fees should be illegal. They can make it almost impossible for employers to protect the interests of plan participants and avoid fiduciary liability.
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