Named one of the 7 Best 401(k) Plans of 2024 by Forbes Advisor!

Get started
Search for topics or resources

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.
Applying Jack Bogle’s Guiding Principle to 401(k) Provider Fees

Applying Jack Bogle’s Guiding Principle to 401(k) Provider Fees

By: Eric Droblyen

February 6th 2019

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.
Read More
How Compound Interest and Dollar Cost Averaging Reduce the Cost of Retirement

How Compound Interest and Dollar Cost Averaging Reduce the Cost of Retirement

By: Eric Droblyen

January 23rd 2019

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.
Read More
401(k) Contribution Deadlines – You Don’t Want to Miss Them!

401(k) Contribution Deadlines – You Don’t Want to Miss Them!

By: Eric Droblyen

January 9th 2019

When 401(k) contributions - employee or employer - are deposited late, there are consequences for employers. With some education, they are easily avoided.
Read More
The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2018

The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2018

By: Eric Droblyen

December 26th 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.
Read More
2018 Small Business 401(k) Fee Study – What’s Too High?

2018 Small Business 401(k) Fee Study – What’s Too High?

By: Eric Droblyen

November 28th 2018

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.
Read More
Calculating American Funds 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2

Calculating American Funds 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2

By: Eric Droblyen

October 31st 2018

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.
Read More
Apathy is the #1 Source of 401(k) Liability – It’s Easy to Avoid

Apathy is the #1 Source of 401(k) Liability – It’s Easy to Avoid

By: Eric Droblyen

October 17th 2018

401(k) fiduciary responsibilities are manageable once they’re understood. The problem is many small businesses don’t make the effort.
Read More
TSP-like 401(k)s + Tax Credits = More Small Business Plans

TSP-like 401(k)s + Tax Credits = More Small Business Plans

By: Eric Droblyen

October 3rd 2018

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
Read More
How Trump’s Executive Order on Retirement Plans Falls Short

How Trump’s Executive Order on Retirement Plans Falls Short

By: Eric Droblyen

September 19th 2018

Multiple Employer 401(k) Plans (MEPs) are not the answer for expanding small business retirement plan coverage. Other reforms would be more effective.
Read More
How to Total Paychex 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2 Disclosure

How to Total Paychex 401(k) Fees Using Their 408b-2 Disclosure

By: Eric Droblyen

September 5th 2018

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.
Read More