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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.
JP Morgan publishes a piece on choosing target date funds for your plan. Good points made, but even better points are left out.

JP Morgan publishes a piece on choosing target date funds for your plan. Good points made, but even better points are left out.

By: Greg Carpenter

December 23rd 2014

Managers of target date funds should be evaluated on their ability to add value net of fees. Plan sponsors should ask what value will I get for my money vs fees.
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There are no “economies of scale” in 401(k) plans – unless you are trying to beat the market

There are no “economies of scale” in 401(k) plans – unless you are trying to beat the market

By: Greg Carpenter

December 17th 2014

Do economies of scale exist in small business 401(k) plans? To improve the quality of small business 401(k) plans we need to set and enforce fiduciary standards
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Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) are a marketing play, not a way to cut costs. We don’t need them.

Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) are a marketing play, not a way to cut costs. We don’t need them.

By: Greg Carpenter

December 10th 2014

Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) are not a way to reduce costs in small business retirement plans.
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Reforming Roth provisions may be key to improving savings rates for Millennials. My proposal.

Reforming Roth provisions may be key to improving savings rates for Millennials. My proposal.

By: Greg Carpenter

November 20th 2014

Millennials are not saving enough for retirement. The Roth 401k concept is outstanding and provides an excellent way to build long-term wealth with tax benefits
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Let’s put “Income” back in ERISA

Let’s put “Income” back in ERISA

By: Greg Carpenter

November 13th 2014

We recommend the government and industry nudge plan participants toward better retirement income results. Tweak ERISA by allowing more competition.
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MassMutual settled its “functional fiduciary” lawsuit – a cause for hope for greater fee transparency.

MassMutual settled its “functional fiduciary” lawsuit – a cause for hope for greater fee transparency.

By: Greg Carpenter

November 10th 2014

MassMutual Life Insurance Company settled its functional fiduciary lawsuit. Revenue sharing payments were not disclosed to the plan sponsor.
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Small business owners are redefining the market for 401(k) plans. Result: Mass market “products” are about to go extinct.

Small business owners are redefining the market for 401(k) plans. Result: Mass market “products” are about to go extinct.

By: Greg Carpenter

October 29th 2014

Small business retirement 401k plans value choice over all other buying factors. That’s a common observation across all markets and professions.
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Edison International case highlights a needed reform: Share class restrictions in 401(k) plans.

Edison International case highlights a needed reform: Share class restrictions in 401(k) plans.

By: Greg Carpenter

October 23rd 2014

The time has come for share class reform in 401(k) plans. The use of multiple share classes for mutual funds in 401k plans is confusing small business retirement plan sponsors.
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Hiring an ERISA 3(38) Investment Manager can be the simplest way to limit 401(k) investment liability.

Hiring an ERISA 3(38) Investment Manager can be the simplest way to limit 401(k) investment liability.

By: Greg Carpenter

October 15th 2014

The need for a professional investment manager for small business retirement plans should not be overlooked. It limits 401(k) investment liability
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Financial wellness is impossible to achieve without plan participation. Here’s how to address the issue with your employees.

Financial wellness is impossible to achieve without plan participation. Here’s how to address the issue with your employees.

By: Greg Carpenter

October 8th 2014

Financial wellness is difficult to achieve without 401k plan participation. The primary reason employees do not participate in 401k plans is their personal budget.
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