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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.
3 Common 401(k) Provider Conflicts of Interest!

3 Common 401(k) Provider Conflicts of Interest!

By: Eric Droblyen

May 2nd 2018

Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to evaluate their 401(k) provider's conflicts of interest. They risk personal liability when they don't.
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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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The Top 4 Lies Told by 401(k) Providers

The Top 4 Lies Told by 401(k) Providers

By: Eric Droblyen

March 22nd 2017

Some 401(k) providers lie to excuse excessive fees or mask inexperience. With some basic facts, 401(k) fiduciaries can easily debunk the lies.
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4 Traits of the Best Small Business 401(k) Providers

4 Traits of the Best Small Business 401(k) Providers

By: Eric Droblyen

January 11th 2017

America's Best Small Business 401(k) Providers have 4 traits in common. 401(k) fiduciaries should look for these traits when shopping for 401(k) services.
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How to Evaluate 401(k) Provider Competence in 2 Easy Steps

How to Evaluate 401(k) Provider Competence in 2 Easy Steps

By: Eric Droblyen

May 18th 2016

ERISA requires small business 401(k) fiduciaries to select “competent” 401(k) providers, but this job can be difficult due to the technical complexity of 401(k) services. To simplify the evaluation of provider competence, fiduciaries should focus on objective criteria that indicate competence.
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Shopping For a 401(k) Plan Doesn’t Need To Be Overwhelming For Small Businesses; A Checklist Can Help

Shopping For a 401(k) Plan Doesn’t Need To Be Overwhelming For Small Businesses; A Checklist Can Help

By: Eric Droblyen

January 27th 2016

401k provider services can vary dramatically in breadth, depth and price. This variability can make it difficult for small business 401k fiduciaries to select providers with services that match their plan’s needs at a reasonable price. A checklist can make this job easier.
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Selecting 401(k) Service Providers: Determine the Professional Help You Need Before You Shop

Selecting 401(k) Service Providers: Determine the Professional Help You Need Before You Shop

By: Eric Droblyen

October 21st 2015

Choosing the best 401(k) for your small business means understanding the 401(k) services you need before you shop.
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“Bundling” 401(k) services with other corporate services can result in fiduciary liability

“Bundling” 401(k) services with other corporate services can result in fiduciary liability

By: Eric Droblyen

May 6th 2015

Small business retirement plan sponsors have a duty to avoid conflicts of interest and self-dealing.
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Evaluating 401(k) Providers: Separating Commodity from Value-Added Services

Evaluating 401(k) Providers: Separating Commodity from Value-Added Services

By: Eric Droblyen

February 10th 2015

When shopping 401k providers for your small businesses retirement plan, it's important to separate commodity from value-added services.
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Small business owners are redefining the market for 401(k) plans. Result: Mass market “products” are about to go extinct.

Small business owners are redefining the market for 401(k) plans. Result: Mass market “products” are about to go extinct.

By: Greg Carpenter

October 29th 2014

Small business retirement 401k plans value choice over all other buying factors. That’s a common observation across all markets and professions.
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