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Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans: FAQs for Small Businesses
Reduce 401(k) testing headaches and boost retirement savings—your top Safe Harbor 401(k) FAQs answered.
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Choosing Between a State‑Mandated Retirement Plan and a 401(k): A Guide for Small Business Owners
Trying to decide between a state-mandated retirement plan and a 401(k)? Learn how the two options compare in terms of contributions, investment choices, costs, and employer responsibilities.
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State-Mandated Retirement Plans: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Learn which states require employers to offer retirement plans. Compare deadlines, penalties, and program features for state-mandated retirement plans—including CalSavers, OregonSaves, and more.
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401(k) Nonelective Contributions Explained: Safe Harbor, Profit Sharing, and QNECs
Learn about 401(k) nonelective contributions—safe harbor, profit sharing, and QNECs—and how they benefit employers and employees.
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401(k) Matching Contributions – What Employers Need to Know
Explore 401(k) match types, safe harbor rules, Roth match options, and true-ups to design a plan that fits your business goals and budget.
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401(k) Distribution Rules: Frequently Asked Questions for Employers and Employees
Understand 401(k) distribution rules, taxes, and rollover options with this updated FAQ for employers and employees, including SECURE Act changes.
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Classic vs. QACA Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Business
Compare classic vs. QACA Safe Harbor 401(k) plans. Learn key differences, SECURE Act updates, and how to choose the best plan for your business.
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The 401(k) Form 5500: Your Questions Answered
Form 5500 reports information about a 401(k) plan to government agencies and employees. In this guide, we'll break down frequently asked questions.
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Why Asset-Based 401(k) Admin Fees Are a Problem – And What You Can Do About It
Asset-based 401(k) admin fees can quietly drain thousands from retirement savings. Discover why fiduciaries should switch to transparent fee structures.
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Boost Retirement Savings and Reduce Taxes by Paying Your 401(k) Fees from a Business Account
Paying your 401(k) provider’s administration fees from your business account – not plan assets – can directly benefit you, your employees, and your business.
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SECURE Act 2.0: 2025 Changes for Small Business 401(k) Plans
SECURE Act 2.0 made significant changes to 401(k) plans for 2025. It’s crucial for business owners to understand them and prepare their plan for compliance.
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The DOL’s Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program: What Business Owners Need to Know
Learn how DOL’s Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program (VFCP) helps businesses fix 401(k) plan errors, avoid penalties, and stay ERISA compliant.
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401(k) Catch-Up Contributions: Key Updates for 2025 and 2026
The SECURE 2.0 updates to 401(k) catch-up contributions are straightforward but will require some planning to implement properly.
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Lost a 401(k)? Here's How to Reclaim Your Retirement Savings
Learn how to reclaim lost or forgotten 401(k) and pension accounts with the DOL's Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database. Follow our easy steps to secure your retirement savings today.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2024
Our top 10 blogs for 2024 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover SECURE 2.0, plan administration, and investment fees.
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401(k) Variable Annuities - 5 Reasons to Avoid Them
Over time, the cumulative effect of variable annuity wrap fees can cost a 401(k) participant hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement. Here’s what you need to know.
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401(k) Annual Administration - A Checklist for 2025
An important 401(k) fiduciary responsibility is ensuring plan administration tasks are completed timely each year. Our 2025 checklist makes this job easy.
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401(k) Mutual Funds – Choose Low-Cost Share Classes to Maximize Returns
Discover how choosing low-cost share classes for your 401(k) plan can significantly enhance returns and fulfill your fiduciary responsibilities.
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How Small Business Owners Are Redefining the 401(k) Market—and Helping Employees Thrive
Discover how small business owners are transforming the 401(k) market with flexible, low-cost plans that empower employees' financial futures.
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401(k) Revenue Sharing - 5 Reasons for Businesses to Avoid it
Revenue sharing can seem like a convenient way to pay 401(k) administration fees, but the method often leads to hidden costs for employees and employers.
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401(k) Tax Incentives for Small Businesses
The tax benefits of a 401(k) plan can be substantial. A basic understanding can help a small business owner take full advantage with the help of their accountant.
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Options to Correct a Failed ADP/ACP Test
If you’re a business owner, understanding your options for correcting a failed ADP/ACP test can help you mitigate the consequences - or avoid them altogether.
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A Guide to Small Businesses Retirement Plan Options for Owners
Our guide breaks down the most popular retirement plan options for small businesses, including their pros and cons, to help business owners pick the right plan.
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Solo 401(k) Plans – How to Maximize their Benefits
A solo 401(k) plan can only cover business owners and their spouses. Understanding their rules and options can help a business owner maximize their benefit.
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401(k) Document Retention Rules Made Simple
Meeting ERISA document retention standards can help employers defend 401(k) plan challenges. Organizing the necessary records in 3 files can make the job easy.
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401(k) Amendment Rules – A Guide for Employers
The Internal Revenue Service has strict rules for amending 401(k) plan documents. To stay out of trouble, employers should understand some amendment basics.
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Understanding ERISA 404(c): Importance, Compliance, and the Role of QDIAs
ERISA 404(c) protects employers from liability for investment losses resulting from 401(k) participant decision-making. Compliance is easy.
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401(k) Participant Disclosures - What Employers Need to Know
401(k) plans have complicated participant disclosure rules. However, an employer’s role in meeting these requirements is basic when a qualified 401k provider is used.
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401(k) Matching Contributions – What Retirement Savers Need to Know
In this article, we will explore the mechanics of 401(k) matching contributions, their importance, and strategies to maximize their benefits.
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401(k) Rollovers – FAQs for Retirement Investors
Rolling retirement savings from a low-cost 401(k) plan to an overpriced plan or IRA today can cost an investor dearly in retirement. Our FAQ can help you make an informed rollover decision.
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401(k) Advisor Fee Study: How Much Fiduciary Advice Lowers Plan Costs
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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The DOL’s New Retirement Security Rule - A Win for Retirement Investors
The DOL's Retirement Security Rule aims to protect investors by making all professional retirement advice subject to ERISA’s rigorous fiduciary standards.
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Enrolling in a 401(k) Plan – How to Make Informed Decisions
Making informed 401(k) enrollment decisions can significantly reduce your future retirement's out-of-pocket cost. Our 4-step process can help you do that.
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SECURE 2.0’s Automatic Enrollment Mandate for 401(k)s – What Employers Need to Know
SECURE 2.0 requires new 401(k) plans to implement an automatic enrollment feature in 2025 unless an exception applies. Here's what employers need to know.
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How Starter 401(k) Plans Compare to Safe Harbor and Traditional Plans
Employers with no 401(k) plan can now adopt a starter plan. Small business owners should understand how they compare to traditional and safe harbor plans.
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A Simple Guide for Meeting 401(k) Fiduciary Responsibilities
Meeting 401(k) fiduciary responsibilities does not need to be scary or time-consuming for small business plan sponsors. Following some simple guidance is the key.
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Roth Matching and Nonelective Contributions – What Employers Need to Know
Roth matching and nonelective contributions will be available to 401(k) plans soon. Here’s what employers need to know to decide if they are right for their plan.
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Deadlines for 401(k) Adoption – Including SECURE 2.0 Changes
The SECURE Act made it easier for businesses to adopt a new 401(k) plan or add a safe harbor feature to an existing plan by extending the deadlines to do so.
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How to Replace a SIMPLE IRA with a 401(k) - SECURE 2.0 Update
SECURE 2.0 allows employers to terminate a SIMPLE IRA mid-year by replacing the plan with a safe harbor 401(k) plan. Our checklist can make the job easy.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2023
Our top 10 blogs for 2023 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover plan contributions, law changes, and plan establishment.
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How Much a Low Cost 401(k) Can Increase Your Future Savings
The cumulative effect of 401(k) fees can cost a saver hundreds of thousands in retirement. Here’s what workers need to know to lower their fees today.
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401(k) Long-Term, Part Time Rules – What Employers Need to Know
The SECURE Act’s long-term, part-time rules for 401(k) plans are complicated. Plan design changes can help employers with part-time employees avoid them.
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Mega Backdoor Roth – A Perfect Fit for Solo 401(k) Plans
Mega backdoor Roth contributions allow high-income individuals to grow tax-free retirement savings quickly. A solo 401(k) plan is a perfect fit for the strategy.
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Is Your Company Part of an Affiliated Service Group? Know for Certain or Risk 401(k) Plan Disqualification
Determining whether your company is part of an affiliated service group is complex, but necessary to avoid plan errors which can result in plan disqualification.
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The 402(g) Limit For 401(k) Plans – FAQs for Employers
The 402(g) limit may be the most straightforward 401(k) contribution limit, but it can get complicated fast when an individual contributes to multiple plans in a year.
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403(b) vs 401(k): Which is Best for a Tax-Exempt Organization?
Tax exempts can help their employees save for retirement with a 403(b) or 401(k) plan. Understanding how these plans compare can make the best choice easy.
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4 Questions to Achieve the Ideal 401(k) Plan
An ideal 401(k) plan helps employees and employers meet their goals at a low cost. Ask your plan provider four questions to achieve one for your business.
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DOL Requests 401(k) Fee Disclosure Feedback; We Responded
Participant-directed 401(k) plans must distribute a fee disclosure to participants annually. We suggested content changes to the DOL to improve their effectiveness.
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401(k) Contribution Deductibility - What Employers Need to Know
Understanding the deduction rules for 401(k) plan contributions can significantly reduce your business’s tax liability. These rules boil down to limits and timing.
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SECURE 2.0 Non-Discrimination Testing Changes: Good News for Small Businesses
The 401(k) non-discrimination testing changes made by SECURE 2.0 can help a small business increase employee savings and reduce plan costs.
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How to Prepare Your 401(k) Plan for SECURE 2.0 Changes
Not preparing a 401(k) plan for SECURE 2.0 could lead to lower contribution limits, missed tax breaks, or unnecessary administration. Here are changes to consider.
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Replacing a SIMPLE IRA with a 401(k) – Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing a small business SIMPLE IRA with a 401(k) is not a complicated process, but it does require planning. Our FAQ can help the process go smoothly.
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401(k) Investment Selection – Don’t Let ESG Factors Distract You
Fiduciaries should be focusing on relevant risk-return factors, including investment fees, in evaluating 401(k) investment options and not be distracted by ESG factors.
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401(k) Forfeitures: How and When They Must Be Used
A forfeiture is the non-vested portion of a 401(k) account when certain events occur. We summarize how and when 401(k) plans must use forfeitures based on IRS rules.
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New 401(k) Audit Rule for Form 5500 is Good News for Small Businesses
Recent Form 5500 changes will subject fewer small business 401(k) plans to an independent qualified public accountant audit.
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Roth 401(k) Contributions — Answers to Common Questions
Historically, low income tax rates make Roth 401(k) contributions more affordable than ever. This FAQ can help you decide if they are right for you.
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401(k) In-Service Distributions – New SECURE 2.0 Options
Discover how SECURE 2.0 expands 401(k) in-service distribution options for emergencies, terminal illness, domestic abuse victims, and long-term care premiums.
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401(k) Eligibility: When to Let Employees Join Your Plan
Company goals, employee demographics, and plan features are all factors small businesses should consider when choosing 401(k) eligibility terms.
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401(k) Required Minimum Distributions – What You Need to Know
Failing to take required minimum distributions from your 401(k) can result in tax penalties. Understanding the RMD rules can keep you safe.
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Automatic Enrollment – Is It Right for Your Small Business 401(k) Plan?
Learn the 3 options of automatic enrollment in a 401(k) plan and decide which is right for your business. Plus, read the latest changes from SECURE 2.0.
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Small Business 401(k) Tax Credits – SECURE 2.0 Updates
Discover three small business 401(k) tax credits that can help lower the out-of-pocket cost of starting a small business retirement plan. Plus, read the latest changes due to SECURE 2.0.
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Three Features of a FIRE-Inspired 401(k) Plan
Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) is a financial movement defined by frugality. A FIRE-inspired 401(k) plan can help any worker retire years sooner.
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SECURE 2.0 – My Top 5 401(k) Related Provisions
SECURE 2.0 makes sweeping 401(k) plan changes. My top five provisions will grow retirement savings the most. Banning hidden fees would help even more.
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SECURE Act 2.0 – A Summary of the Major 401(k) Provisions
SECURE Act 2.0 makes sweeping changes to 401(k) plans. Employers should understand the most significant provisions to prepare their 401(k) plan for them.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2022
Our top 10 blogs for 2022 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover controlled groups, testing, and plan administration.
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Removing Hidden 401(k) Fees - What Employers Need to Know
Revenue-sharing payments are hidden fees paid to 401(k) providers by some mutual funds. By replacing these funds, employers can increase participant returns.
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401(k) Plan Design Choices to Simplify Annual Admin the Most
Proper 401(k) plan design can reduce the time employers must spend on annual plan administration by hours. We outline the simplest options to administer.
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How 401(k) Participants Can Match the Federal TSP's Low Fees
The Federal TSP is the lowest cost defined contribution plan in the US. Employers can help their 401(k) participants pay similar fees by taking two simple steps.
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Pooled 401(k) Plan Fees – A Case Study
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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The Ideal 401(k) Plan for Employees and Employers
The ideal 401(k) plan helps employees and employers meet their respective goals at the lowest cost. To achieve one, employers must understand their features.
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401(k) Contributions - What Workers Need to Know
401(k) plans can offer dramatically different employee and employer contribution options. Workers should understand their plan’s options to not miss out.
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The 415(c) Limit For 401(k) Plans – FAQs for Employers
The 415(c) limit caps the “annual additions” a 401(k) plan can allocate to participants each “limitation year.” To avoid violations, check out our FAQ.
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The Top 401(k) Priorities on the DOL’s Regulatory Agenda
The DOL's latest regulatory agenda includes 401(k) reform. I recommend 401(k) fiduciaries check it out to learn the DOL's priorities.
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Morningstar's Active/Passive Barometer – Takeaways for 401(k) Fiduciaries
401(k) fiduciaries can struggle to choose between active or index funds when picking plan investments. The Morningstar Active/Passive Barometer can help.
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Pew Finds Rolling a 401(k) to an IRA can be a Costly Mistake
A Pew study found investment expenses in IRAs to be higher than 401(k)s and the difference can cost an investor tens of thousands of dollars in retirement.
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Is Your 401(k) About to Lose Solo Status? Here’s How to Prepare
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 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
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
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
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)
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 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!
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
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
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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401(k) Fiduciary Takeaways from a Jerry Schlichter Interview
Understanding the drivers of 401(k) fiduciary liability can help employers avoid it. The top drivers are well defined in a recent interview with Jerry Schlichter.
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Pooled Employer 401(k) Plans (PEPs): Myth vs. Reality
Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) can seem attractive at first blush. Ironically, their purported benefits can, in fact, harm 401(k) plan participants and fiduciaries.
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Hughes v Northwestern: What is a "Prudent" 401(k) Investment?
When the Supreme Court re-opened the Hughes v. Northwestern University case, they didn't offer plan fiduciaries a "prudent" 401(k) investment definition. We do.
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401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing Study – What % of Plans Fail?
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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How to Make Small Business 401(k)s Cheaper than Mega Plans
Small 401(k) plans are notorious for high fees. Here's how business owners can benefit by making their small plan cheaper than a mega plan for participants.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2021
Our top 10 blogs for 2021 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover controlled groups, testing, and plan administration.
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401(k) Annual Administration - A Checklist for 2022
An important 401(k) fiduciary responsibility is ensuring plan administration tasks are completed timely each year. Our 2022 checklist makes this job easy.
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Small Business 401(k) Plans – How the Best Can Help You Retire Faster
Avoiding 401(k) pitfalls during your working years can help you retire years faster. The best small business plans make this job easy. Don't settle for less.
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Bundled or Unbundled 401(k) Provider – How to Choose
Bundled (or full-service) 401k providers deliver all of the major plan administration services, while unbundled providers must ally with other companies to do so.
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401(k) Fee Study: How Much Does a Fiduciary-Grade Advisor Cost?
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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Employee Fiduciary Launches New 401(k) Fee Savings Calculator
Paying low 401(k) fees during your working years can mean dramatically higher savings in retirement. Our 401(k) fee calculator estimates how much higher.
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Proposed 5500 Reform Won’t Help 401(k) Fee Benchmarking
401(k) fees can be impossible for plan fiduciaries and participants to compare apples-to-apples. Proposed Form 5500 changes will do little to help.
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GAO Recommends Much Needed 401(k) Fee Disclosure Reform
The GAO found 40% of plan participants do not understand the 401k fee information mandated by the DOL; recommends welcome fee disclosure reform.
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Could the FTC Save Consumers from Hidden 401(k) Fees?
The Institute for Policy Integrity petitioned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ban “hidden fees in all industries." They should start with hidden 401(k) fees.
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401(k) Fiduciary Liability Insurance – Factors that Raise Premiums
Understanding the factors that increase the price of 401(k) fiduciary liability insurance coverage can help plan fiduciaries more easily avoid liability.
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How to Simplify Your 401k Admin with a Cycle 3 Plan Restatement
Most 401(k) plans must be "restated" to reflect IRS-mandate Cycle 3 changes from August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022. Here are some plan simplifications to consider.
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401(k) Plan Oversight - Understanding Your Fiduciary Hierarchy is Key
As a business owner, you want to understand the basic fiduciary hierarchy applicable to all 401(k) plans and the responsibilities of each role within it.
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Preventing Identity Theft in a Retirement Program as an Employer
Identity theft is a big problem with retirement plans. Learn the steps you can take to protect your participants.
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Lost Participants – What Employers Need to Know
One of the most frustrating issues plan sponsors run into is locating “lost” participants. Learn how to handle this issue in this quick read.
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Terminating Your Plan? Here’s What You Need to Know
Learn about the process of terminating your 401(k) plan. Discover actions required, fully vesting participant accounts, IRS involvement, participant options & necessary last steps to avoid penalties.
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How to Select an Auditor for the Form 5500
Learn how to select the right 401k auditor, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure compliance with ERISA. Discover what qualities to look for, and where to find reputable auditors.
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Preventing Identify Theft in Your Retirement Plan
Identify theft is a big problem with retirement plans. Luckily there are steps you can take to prevent it. Learn more in this FAQ.
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401(k) Vesting Schedules – What They Are and How They Work
Learn everything you need to know about 401(k) vesting schedules in this short guide.
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Voluntary Contributions - Probably Not a Fit for Your 401(k) Plan
Voluntary 401(k) contributions are after-tax employee contributions like Roth deferrals, but subject to different ERISA rules.
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The ADP and ACP Tests - What You Need to Know
Learn about the ADP & ACP tests – the two of the three main 401(k) nondiscrimination tests.
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How to Calculate Your All-In 401(k) Fee
Learn step-by-step how to calculate the total 401(k) fee in this short, easy-to-read guide.
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401(k) Contribution Limits - What You Need to Know
Discover the 2024 401(k) contribution limits for employees and employers. Learn about IRS-defined limits, catch-up contributions, and ADP/ACP test limits for HCEs.
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401(k) Fees - What You Need to Know About The 3 Major Categories
The DOL places 401(k) fees into 3 major categories. Learn everything you need to know about each in this quick read.
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What to Do When Your Retirement Plan Terminates
Is your employer terminating your retirement plan? Learn what to do in this easy-to-read guide.
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The Top Heavy Test - What You Need to Know
Learn everything you need to know about the Top Heavy Test – an important 401(k) nondiscrimination test.
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Vesting Schedules – Everything You Need to Know
As a 401(k) participant, understanding your vesting schedule is crucial. Learn what you need to know in this short guide.
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401(k) Rollovers - How to Evaluate Your Options
401(k)s and IRAs can offer wide-ranging investments, fees, and features. Making a bad rollover decision can set your retirement back years.
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401(k) Earned Income – What Employers Need to Know
401(k) plans must allocate and test the contributions made to self-employed individuals using a special definition of plan compensation called earned income.
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Is Your Company Part of a Controlled Group? You Need to Know or Risk 401(k) Plan Disqualification
IRS controlled group rules often obligate 2 or more employers with common ownership to cover their employees with the same 401k plan in order to pass annual nondiscrimination testing.
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How Much Lower 401(k) Fees Can Grow Your Retirement Savings
Cost matters a LOT when saving for retirement. Even 401(k) fee small reductions today can mean much higher account balances for participants in retirement.
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401(k) Fee Study: 75% of Small Business Plans Pay Hidden Fees
“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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Starting a 401(k)? A Short Initial Plan Year is Probably a Bad Idea
401(k) plans must define a plan year cycle for annual administration. Most new plans should avoid a short plan year for first year administration.
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Design a 401(k) Plan Like a Pro in 6 Steps
Expert 401(k) plan design can help small business owners meet their plan goals for thousands less. The process can be completed in 30 minutes or less.
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How to Lobby Your Employer for a Better 401(k) Plan
401(k) plans with top investments and no admin fees can help you retire years sooner by delivering much higher returns. Here's how to lobby for such a plan.
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The Benefits of a 401(k) Plan for Employers and Employees
When a small business offers a 401(k) plan, it’s often a win-win for business owners and employees. Here are some of the top benefits of these plans.
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Want to Retire Early? Three 401(k) Features That Can Help
For 401(k) participants to reach their retirement savings goal as soon as possible, they will need help from their plan. These are the features they'll need.
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401(k) Plan Restatements - Save Fees With These Amendments
Most 401(k) plans must be 'restated' to reflect IRS Cycle 3 (or 'post-PPA') changes from August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022. Here are some amendments to include.
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401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing - Basics and Deadlines
401(k) plans must pass nondiscrimination tests each year to confirm HCEs do not disproportionately benefit and that no IRS contribution limits are exceeded.
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'Hidden' 401(k) Fees – What Business Owners Need to Know
Hidden administration fees increase the cost of investing for 401(k) participants - reducing their returns. Here are the most common and how to uncover them.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2020
Our top 10 blogs for 2020 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover plan administration, features, fees and providers.
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How to Find & Calculate Transamerica 401(k) Fees
Finding Transamerica 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Transamerica fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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Pooled vs. Single-Employer 401(k) Plans - Are PEPs for You?
Supporters claim Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) offer lower 401k fees and greater liability protection than single-employer plans. They rarely deliver either.
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401(k) Reform – How to Make Plans More Transparent
401(k) plans should offer objective value for participants and straightforward fiduciary responsibilities for business owners. Often, they deliver neither.
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401(k) Fiduciary Outsourcing – Roles That MEPs Can Abuse
Multiple-Employer 401k Plans (MEPs) require business owners to delegate fiduciary roles to their provider. This delegation makes MEPs highly prone to abuse.
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401(k) Retirement Planning – 4 Steps to Retire On-Time
Some basic retirement planning can dramatically reduce the cost of retirement for 401k participants. Our 4-step plan requires no investing knowledge at all.
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401(k) Investments - Options for Selecting a “Prudent” Menu
Inappropriate investment selection is a top cause of 401(k) lawsuits today. This trouble can be easily avoided with some impartial investment guidance.
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Paying 401(k) Admin Fees from Plan Assets Hurt Business Owners Most
Small business owners often have the most to gain personally by paying their 401k provider's administration fees from a bank account instead of plan assets
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Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) Contributions – How to Choose
If your 401(k) plan permits Roth deferrals, it can be worth your time to decide whether they're a better choice than traditional deferrals for your account.
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The 5 Most Popular Small Business 401(k) Plan Features
Different 401(k) “types” (safe harbor, Roth, profit sharing, etc…) are in fact different contribution “features” that a plan can combine in numerous ways.
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How Much Time Does Annual 401(k) Administration Take?
401(k) administration shouldn't take small businesses much time. A quality provider will do the heavy lifting, leaving an owner with basic tasks to complete.
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How to Find & Calculate MassMutual 401(k) Fees
Finding MassMutual's 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average MassMutual fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate VOYA 401(k) Fees
Finding VOYA's 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average VOYA fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate Principal 401(k) Fees
Finding Principal's 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Principal fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate American Funds 401(k) Fees
Finding American Funds 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average American Funds fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate Ascensus 401(k) Fees
Finding Ascensus 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Ascensus fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate Paychex 401(k) Fees
Finding Paychex 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Paychex fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate Vanguard 401(k) Fees
Finding Vanguard's 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Vanguard fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate Fidelity 401(k) Fees
Finding Fidelity 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Fidelity fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate Empower 401(k) Fees
Finding Empower 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Empower fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate ADP 401(k) Fees
Finding ADP 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average ADP fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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How to Find & Calculate Nationwide 401(k) Fees
Finding Nationwide's 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average Principal fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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The DOL Finalizes New Electronic 401(k) Disclosure Rules
The new DOL rule would allow employers to electronically deliver required 401(k) notices to all plan participants by e-mail or by posting them to a website.
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Lowering 401(k) Fees – Options for Sponsors and Participants
Lowering 401(k) fees will increase the investment returns of plan participants dollar-for-dollar. Our guide can help plan sponsors and participants do that.
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How to Find & Calculate John Hancock 401(k) Fees
Finding John Hancock 401k fees isn't easy. In this guide, we'll show you average John Hancock fees, then how to find & calculate them in your plan.
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401(k) vs SIMPLE IRA: Which is Right for Your Business?
401(k) or SIMPLE IRA? The kind of plan you pick could have an enormous impact on the finances of everyone involved in your business. Choose wisely.
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How to “Value” 401(k) Administration Services and Investments
To value your 401k provider, I recommend benchmarking their administration fees per capita and their investment fees based on returns. Our process can help.
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A “Rosetta Stone” for Finding 401(k) Provider Fees
When 401(k) fees are paid from plan assets, they reduce participant investment returns dollar-for-dollar. Find your 401(k) provider's fees using our guide.
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The CARES Act - 401(k) Participant Distribution and Loan Options
Taking a CARES Act 401(k) distribution or loan can delay an individual's future retirement by years. Our overview can help weigh this difficult decision.
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COVID-19 – 401(k) FAQs for Business Owners and Plan Participants
Many small business owners affected by COVID-19 want to know how to defray their 401(k) plan expenses or help workers tap their savings. Our FAQ can help.
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Index Funds Are Indisputably Prudent 401(k) Investments - How to Pick a Lineup
Index funds from providers like Vanguard, Fidelity, or Schwab make it easy for employers to meet their investment-related 401(k) fiduciary responsibilities
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401(k) Investing – Professional Advice is Easy to Access Today
To afford retirement as soon as possible, 401(k) participants must invest appropriately. Today's professional investment advice options make doing so easy.
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Don’t Let Your 401(k) Provider Hide the Cost of Your Plan
401(k) providers can charge different fees for comparable services and investments. To avoid excessive fees, employers must know the cost of their plan.
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401(k) Testing – Deadlines Employers Should Know
While a professional TPA usually completes 401k testing, employers must understand the deadlines that apply to test corrections and contribution deposits.
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The SECURE Act of 2019 – An Analysis of Key 401(k) Changes
The SECURE Act of 2019 is the most extensive retirement plan legislation in over a decade. 401k sponsors and participants must understand its key changes.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2019
Our top 10 blogs of 2019 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover plan administration, features, fees, and providers.
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How to Attribute Family Ownership When 401(k) Plan Testing
Under the 401(k) family attribution rules, individuals are attributed the ownership of family members. These rules can greatly affect plan test results.
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The DOL Proposes New Electronic 401(k) Disclosure Rules
The proposal would allow employers to electronically deliver 401(k) disclosures to plan participants by posting them to a website. This reform is overdue.
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How MEPs Signal a Broken 401(k) Industry
Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) are better for the 401(k) industry than retirement plan savers and sponsors. Small business owners should avoid them.
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3 Warning Signs Your 401(k) Provider is Ripping You Off
If you’re a business owner, you must know how much your 401(k) plan costs because the consequences for paying excessive fees are high.
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401(k) Fees - Rules for Allocating Among Plan Participants
Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to allocate 401(k) fees among plan participants equitably. This job can be easy with some basic education.
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Steps for Reducing the Out-of-Pocket Cost of Retirement
A simple plan can dramatically reduce the cost of retirement for 401(k) participants. Investing knowledge is not required to follow the plan.
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401(k) Fee Study: What Does a Fiduciary-Grade Advisor Cost?
Our fee study of 753 fiduciary-grade financial advisors shows impartial advice reduces the total cost of a 401(k) plan. Employers should not settle for less.
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The SPIVA Scorecard – A Must-Read for 401(k) Fiduciaries
The SPIVA Scorecard measures the percentage of active funds that outperform their market benchmark over specific periods of time, net of fees. Most don't.
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Switching 401(k) Providers? What to Expect and Pitfalls to Avoid
To lower your 401k fees, you may need to replace your plan provider. This move can seem daunting until you understand the process and the pitfalls to avoid.
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Employers Must Avoid 401(k) Providers They Can't Understand
Avoiding 401k fiduciary liability can be easy. You just need a basic understanding of your fiduciary responsibilities and an easy-to-monitor plan provider.
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The SECURE Act and RESA - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Congress wants to expand workplace retirement plan coverage. The SECURE Act and RESA aim to do that. They offer 401(k) reform, but won't expand coverage.
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401(k) Rollovers: When One is in Your Best Interest
After leaving a job, you must decide what to do with your 401(k) account. A rollover may or may not be in your best interest. Here's how to decide.
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It's Too Easy to Conceal 401k Fees – We Need 408b-2 Reform
Fidelity is being accused of charging excessive, undisclosed 401(k) fees. Other providers obfuscate fees in 408b-2 disclosures. It's time for reform.
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401(k) Investment Advice – Pros and Cons of the 3 Basic Forms
401(k) participants can receive professional investment advice from a mutual fund, financial advisor, or algorithm today. Each advice form has pros and cons
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Small Business 401(k) Plan Design Study: What 3,975 401(k) Plans Are Doing
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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Safe Harbor or Traditional 401(k) Plan – How to Decide
Safe harbor 401(k) plans are the most popular type of 401(k) used by small businesses today, but they are not the best fit for every small business.
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Hardship 401(k) Distributions – Frequently Asked Questions
At first blush, the 401(k) hardship distribution rules can seem overwhelming. In truth, most can be understood with some basic education. Our FAQ can help.
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Applying Jack Bogle’s Guiding Principle to 401(k) Provider Fees
Jack Bogle's guiding principle was simple - costs matter. 401(k) participants should apply the same principle to 401(k) provider fees paid by their account.
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How Compound Interest and Dollar Cost Averaging Reduce the Cost of Retirement
Saving for retirement can seem futile when you can't afford to contribute much to a 401(k) plan. Compound interest and dollar cost averaging can help.
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401(k) Contribution Deadlines – You Don’t Want to Miss Them!
When 401(k) contributions - employee or employer - are deposited late, there are consequences for employers. With some education, they are easily avoided.
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The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2018
Our top 10 blogs for 2018 are must-reads for small business 401(k) sponsors and participants. They cover plan administration, features, fees and providers.
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2018 Small Business 401(k) Fee Study – What’s Too High?
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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Calculating American Funds 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2
American Funds is one of the largest 401k providers in the nation. Their 408b-2 fee disclosure is also one of the worst. Here are steps for deciphering it.
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Apathy is the #1 Source of 401(k) Liability – It’s Easy to Avoid
401(k) fiduciary responsibilities are manageable once they’re understood. The problem is many small businesses don’t make the effort.
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TSP-like 401(k)s + Tax Credits = More Small Business Plans
Multiple Employers Plans (MEPs) are promoted as a way to expand small business retirement coverage. TSP-like 401ks and tax credits would do a better job
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How Trump’s Executive Order on Retirement Plans Falls Short
Multiple Employer 401(k) Plans (MEPs) are not the answer for expanding small business retirement plan coverage. Other reforms would be more effective.
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How to Total Paychex 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2 Disclosure
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
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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Guidelines for Benchmarking 401(k) Admin and Investment Fees
Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to pay reasonable fees for 401k plan administration and investments. This job can be easy using simple guidelines.
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401(k) Fee Levelization – It Can Make Revenue Sharing Worse!
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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401(k) Fidelity Bonds – Frequently Asked Questions
An ERISA fidelity bond protects 401(k) plan participants against losses caused by acts of fraud or dishonesty. Employers should understand their basics.
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Four 401(k) Plan Services That Justify Higher Provider Fees
To avoid 401k fiduciary liability for paying excessive fees, pay as little as possible for “commodity” 401k services and extra for “value-added” ones only.
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3 Common 401(k) Provider Conflicts of Interest!
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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401(k) Plan Coverage Testing – What Employers Need to Know
The IRC section 410(b) coverage test ensures a 401(k) plan sufficiently covers Non-Highly Compensated Employees. Employers should understand its basics.
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Department of Labor Guidance for Paying 401(k) Fees from Plan Assets
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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