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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How to Total Paychex 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2 Disclosure
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By: Eric Droblyen
September 5th 2018
Paychex is one of the largest 401(k) providers in country. Their 408b-2 fee disclosure is also one of the worst. Here are 3 steps for deciphering it.
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Calculating ADP 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2 Disclosure
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By: Eric Droblyen
August 22nd 2018
ADP is one of the largest 401(k) providers in country. Their 408b-2 fee disclosure is also one of the worst. Here are 3 steps for deciphering it.
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401(k) Fee Levelization – It Can Make Revenue Sharing Worse!
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By: Eric Droblyen
July 11th 2018
401k providers claim "fee levelization" makes revenue sharing payments more transparent and fair. In truth, the complicated process can do the opposite.
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Department of Labor Guidance for Paying 401(k) Fees from Plan Assets
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By: Eric Droblyen
April 4th 2018
The DOL divides 401(k) fees into two categories – administrative and settlor expenses. Employers can only pay administrative expenses from plan assets
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
Unpacking the Complex Web of Insurance Company 401(k) Fees
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By: Eric Droblyen
March 21st 2018
All insurance company 401(k) providers - including John Hancock, Empower, Voya, Principal – charge hidden fees. Plan fiduciaries must be able to evaluate them.
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401(k) Admin Fees – The Benefits to Business Owners That Pay Them
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By: Eric Droblyen
January 24th 2018
Small business owners earn four valuable benefits when they pay their 401k administration fees from a corporate bank account instead of plan assets.
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Worried Your 401(k) Pays Hidden Fees? Answer 2 Questions to Find Out
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By: Eric Droblyen
November 29th 2017
Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to pay only reasonable fees from 401k plan assets. Avoid hidden 401k fees to make this job as easy as possible.
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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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401(k) Fees – Frequently Asked Questions by Plan Fiduciaries
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By: Eric Droblyen
March 8th 2017
The #1 source for 401(k) fiduciary liability today is paying excessive fees to plan service providers. Our FAQ can help small businesses evaluate their fees.
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401(k) Fees: Are Traditional 401(k) Services Worth a Smaller Retirement Nest Egg?
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By: Eric Droblyen
November 16th 2016
The best small business 401k providers only charge fees for value-added 401k services. Providers with high priced superfluous services should be avoided
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