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.

Guidelines for Benchmarking 401(k) Admin and Investment Fees

By: Eric Droblyen
August 8th 2018
Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to pay reasonable fees for 401k plan administration and investments. This job can be easy using simple guidelines.
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401(k) Fee Levelization – It Can Make Revenue Sharing Worse!

By: Eric Droblyen
July 11th 2018
401k providers claim "fee levelization" makes revenue sharing payments more transparent and fair. In truth, the complicated process can do the opposite.
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401(k) Fidelity Bonds – Frequently Asked Questions

By: Eric Droblyen
June 27th 2018
An ERISA fidelity bond protects 401(k) plan participants against losses caused by acts of fraud or dishonesty. Employers should understand their basics.
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Four 401(k) Plan Services That Justify Higher Provider Fees

By: Eric Droblyen
May 30th 2018
To avoid 401k fiduciary liability for paying excessive fees, pay as little as possible for “commodity” 401k services and extra for “value-added” ones only.
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3 Common 401(k) Provider Conflicts of Interest!

By: Eric Droblyen
May 2nd 2018
Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to evaluate their 401(k) provider's conflicts of interest. They risk personal liability when they don't.
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401(k) Plan Coverage Testing – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen
April 18th 2018
The IRC section 410(b) coverage test ensures a 401(k) plan sufficiently covers Non-Highly Compensated Employees. Employers should understand its basics.
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Department of Labor Guidance for Paying 401(k) Fees from Plan Assets

By: Eric Droblyen
April 4th 2018
The DOL divides 401(k) fees into two categories – administrative and settlor expenses. Employers can only pay administrative expenses from plan assets
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Unpacking the Complex Web of Insurance Company 401(k) Fees

By: Eric Droblyen
March 21st 2018
All insurance company 401(k) providers - including John Hancock, Empower, Voya, Principal – charge hidden fees. Plan fiduciaries must be able to evaluate them.
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401(k) Plan Compensation – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen
February 21st 2018
A 401k plan can require multiple definitions of employee compensation. To keep their plan in legal compliance, employers must understand all of them.
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Are Profit Sharing Contributions Right for Your 401(k) Plan?

By: Eric Droblyen
January 10th 2018
Pro rata, permitted disparity, and new comparability are types of 401k profit sharing contributions. Employers should know if they’re right for their plan.
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