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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.
401(k) Advisor Fee Study: How Much Fiduciary Advice Lowers Plan Costs

401(k) Advisor Fee Study: How Much Fiduciary Advice Lowers Plan Costs

By: Eric Droblyen

May 21st 2024

Our fee study of 1,109 401(k) financial advisors shows how much fiduciary-grade investment advice can lower the total cost of a 401(k) plan vs. national averages.
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Pooled 401(k) Plan Fees – A Case Study

Pooled 401(k) Plan Fees – A Case Study

By: Eric Droblyen

October 25th 2022

We compared the 401(k) fees paid by pooled and single-employer plans. The pooled plan costs more due to a higher percentage of asset-based fees.
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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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401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing Study – What % of Plans Fail?

401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing Study – What % of Plans Fail?

By: Eric Droblyen

January 19th 2022

Our 401(k) nondiscrimination testing study shows the percentage of small business plans that fail the ADP/ACP, top-heavy, 402(g), and 415 tests.
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401(k) Fee Study: How Much Does a Fiduciary-Grade Advisor Cost?

401(k) Fee Study: How Much Does a Fiduciary-Grade Advisor Cost?

By: Eric Droblyen

October 27th 2021

Our fee study of 860 fiduciary-grade 401(k) financial advisors shows impartial advice reduces the total cost of a retirement plan. Employers should not settle for less.
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401(k) Fee Study: 75% of Small Business Plans Pay Hidden Fees

401(k) Fee Study: 75% of Small Business Plans Pay Hidden Fees

By: Eric Droblyen

April 28th 2021

“Are my 401(k) fees too high?” is a common question asked by both plan sponsors and participants. Our small business fee study can give some perspective.
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Small Business 401(k) Plan Design Study: What 3,975 401(k) Plans Are Doing

Small Business 401(k) Plan Design Study: What 3,975 401(k) Plans Are Doing

By: Eric Droblyen

March 20th 2019

The right 401(k) plan design can help a small business meet plan goals at the lowest possible cost. Our study summarizes the designs of 3,975 401(k) plans
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Fee Study of 525 401(k) Financial Advisors – Fiduciary Advice Costs Less!

Fee Study of 525 401(k) Financial Advisors – Fiduciary Advice Costs Less!

By: Eric Droblyen

April 5th 2017

To lower their 401k plan liability, small businesses should only hire fiduciary-grade financial advisors. Our study shows their superior care can cost less.
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401k Plan Design Study: What 2,767 Small Business 401k Plans Are Doing

401k Plan Design Study: What 2,767 Small Business 401k Plans Are Doing

By: Eric Droblyen

November 30th 2016

The right 401k plan design can save a small business thousands of dollars annually. Our plan design study summarizes findings for 2,767 401k plans
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(Possibly) The Biggest Small Business 401(k) Fee Study Ever!

(Possibly) The Biggest Small Business 401(k) Fee Study Ever!

By: Eric Droblyen

August 24th 2016

Small business 401k fee data is difficult to find. Employee Fiduciary has summarized the fees of 121 401k plans with an average of $1M in plan assets
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