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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.
A Common Sense 401(k) Plan for Small Businesses

A Common Sense 401(k) Plan for Small Businesses

By: Eric Droblyen

August 23rd 2017

TSP-like 401(k) plans are a common sense retirement plan but are not meant for everyone. Compare traditional 401(k) services against a TSP baseline here.
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401(k) Loan Rules – What Plan Participants Need to Know

401(k) Loan Rules – What Plan Participants Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

August 9th 2017

If you are a 401(k) participant, use our FAQ to understand when you can take a loan from your account and how to avoid taxes or penalties.
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Expanding Small Biz Retirement Plan Coverage – 401(k) Reforms Are Needed

Expanding Small Biz Retirement Plan Coverage – 401(k) Reforms Are Needed

By: Eric Droblyen

July 12th 2017

Americans save more for retirement when they can do so by payroll deduction, but less than half of small businesses sponsor a retirement plan.
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Are Your 401(k) Fees “Reasonable?”  Benchmark Them to Find Out

Are Your 401(k) Fees “Reasonable?”  Benchmark Them to Find Out

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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The DOL Fiduciary Rule – What Employers Need to Know

The DOL Fiduciary Rule – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

June 14th 2017

What small businesses need to know about the DOL’s Fiduciary Rule is basic: their advisor receives commissions that can increase 401(k) plan sponsor liability.
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401(k) Distribution Rules – Frequently Asked Questions

401(k) Distribution Rules – Frequently Asked Questions

By: Eric Droblyen

May 31st 2017

401(k) plans have restrictive distribution rules which are tied to your age and employment status. Use our FAQ to understand these rules.
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Acquisition or Merger? Don’t Overlook the Seller’s 401(k) Plan!

Acquisition or Merger? Don’t Overlook the Seller’s 401(k) Plan!

By: Eric Droblyen

May 17th 2017

After acquiring a company with a 401(k), there 3 options for the plan - merge it into their own plan, keep it stand-alone, or terminate it.
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DOL Fiduciary Rule: Good for Business But Opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

DOL Fiduciary Rule: Good for Business But Opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

By: Eric Droblyen

May 3rd 2017

The employer benefits of the DOL Fiduciary Rule should get more attention. The regulation will lower 401(k) fees, and in turn, reduce fiduciary liability.
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New Comparability 401(k) Plans - Are They Right for Your Small Business?

New Comparability 401(k) Plans - Are They Right for Your Small Business?

By: Eric Droblyen

April 19th 2017

Small businesses should consider new comparability profit sharing contributions when 401(k) plan goals include maximizing owner contributions at the lowest cost
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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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