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) Catch-Up Contributions: Final SECURE 2.0 Rules for Employers

By: Eric Droblyen
October 7th 2025
SECURE 2.0 updates 401(k) catch-up contributions in 2025 and 2026, including Roth-only rules for high earners and higher limits for ages 60–63.
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John Hancock 401(k) Fees: How to Find Them, Calculate Them, and Spot the Hidden Costs

By: Eric Droblyen
September 23rd 2025
John Hancock 401(k) fees are hard to find. This guide shows how to uncover them, calculate your all-in cost, and save big with transparent providers.
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Pooled Employer 401(k) Plans (PEPs): Our Alternative to a DOL Safe Harbor

By: Eric Droblyen
September 9th 2025
Our response to DOL’s PEP RFI: why pooled plans miss on cost and accountability—and why a low cost single employer 401(k) safe harbor works better.
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401(k) Fees: The Hidden Retirement Killer You Can Stop Today

By: Eric Droblyen
August 26th 2025
Even small 401(k) fees can drain hundreds of thousands from your retirement. Learn how to cut costs and keep more of your savings invested.
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401(k) Contribution Deadlines – You Don’t Want to Miss Them!

By: Eric Droblyen
August 12th 2025
Learn the deposit deadlines for employee and employer 401(k) contributions to ensure tax deductibility and regulatory compliance. Avoid IRS penalties with timely funding.
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Is Your Company Part of a Controlled Group? You Need to Know or Risk 401(k) Plan Disqualification

By: Eric Droblyen
July 30th 2025
Learn how IRS controlled group rules impact 401(k) plans, including SECURE 2.0 changes, family attribution, and risks of compliance failures.
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Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans: FAQs for Small Businesses

By: Eric Droblyen
July 15th 2025
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

By: Eric Droblyen
July 1st 2025
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

By: Eric Droblyen
June 17th 2025
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

By: Eric Droblyen
June 3rd 2025
Learn about 401(k) nonelective contributions—safe harbor, profit sharing, and QNECs—and how they benefit employers and employees.
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