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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.
The DOL’s New Fiduciary Rule – the Value of 401(k) Investment Services Will Be More Critical Than Ever

The DOL’s New Fiduciary Rule – the Value of 401(k) Investment Services Will Be More Critical Than Ever

By: Eric Droblyen

April 20th 2016

The final version of the DOL’s fiduciary rule was released April 6. This rule will make the value of 401k investments and related services more critical than ever for small businesses and financial advisors.
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Picking 401(k) Investments and Related Services Is Easy When Fiduciaries Know Their Options

Picking 401(k) Investments and Related Services Is Easy When Fiduciaries Know Their Options

By: Eric Droblyen

April 6th 2016

Given the dizzying array of 401(k) investment options and services, small business 401(k) fiduciaries are often confused regarding the best options for their plan. The process of 401(k) investment decision making can be made easy by breaking it down.
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When ADP/ACP Testing Fails, 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand Their Options

When ADP/ACP Testing Fails, 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand Their Options

By: Eric Droblyen

March 23rd 2016

March 15 was the deadline for most 401k plans to distribute 2015 ADP/ACP test corrections in order to avoid a 10% IRS excise tax. Small business 401k fiduciaries do not need to settle for annual ADP/ACP test failures. There are many ways ADP/ACP test returns can be avoided or reduced. Once a fiduciary understands these options, they can discuss them with their 401k provider.
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SEC Money Market Reform Will Affect Many Small Business 401(k)s in 2016; 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand its Consequences

SEC Money Market Reform Will Affect Many Small Business 401(k)s in 2016; 401(k) Fiduciaries Should Understand its Consequences

By: Eric Droblyen

March 9th 2016

SEC money market reforms will take effect in 2016. If a 401(k) includes a money market fund in its investment lineup, small business fiduciaries should understand the consequences of these reforms in order to decide if their plan’s money market fund should be replaced in advance of the new rules.
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Small Business Retirement Plan Options: 401(k)s vs. SIMPLE and SEP IRAs

Small Business Retirement Plan Options: 401(k)s vs. SIMPLE and SEP IRAs

By: Eric Droblyen

February 10th 2016

401(k) plans are the most popular type of small business retirement plan today, but they are not the only option available.
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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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Happy Holidays from the Frugal Fiduciary! Our Top 10 Blogs of 2015

Happy Holidays from the Frugal Fiduciary! Our Top 10 Blogs of 2015

By: Eric Droblyen

December 30th 2015

During 2015, the Frugal Fiduciary Blog covered a variety of 401k topics. Our 10 most popular blogs for the year can be found here.
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Understanding a 401(k) Plan’s Fiduciary Hierarchy Can Make It Easier for Employers To Meet Fiduciary Responsibilities

Understanding a 401(k) Plan’s Fiduciary Hierarchy Can Make It Easier for Employers To Meet Fiduciary Responsibilities

By: Eric Droblyen

December 16th 2015

401(k) fiduciary responsibility is receiving increased attention, but employers are still unclear about meeting their plan’s fiduciary responsibilities.
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Good News, 401(k) Fiduciaries! DOL Fee Disclosure Rules Make ERISA 404(c) Compliance Simple

Good News, 401(k) Fiduciaries! DOL Fee Disclosure Rules Make ERISA 404(c) Compliance Simple

By: Eric Droblyen

December 2nd 2015

ERISA 404(c) protects 401(k) fiduciaries from participant investment losses. Participant fee disclosure regulations under ERISA 404a-5 make ERISA 404(c) compliance easier.
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Managing 401(k) Deadlines for the 2016 Plan Year – A Checklist Can Help

Managing 401(k) Deadlines for the 2016 Plan Year – A Checklist Can Help

By: Eric Droblyen

November 18th 2015

401k plans have many ERISA compliance responsibilities that must be satisfied every plan year. The Employee Fiduciary compliance calendar can be used to track these responsibilities for the 2016 plan year.
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