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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.
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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Why small business retirement plans with high asset balances actually pay more for their plan services.

Why small business retirement plans with high asset balances actually pay more for their plan services.

By: Greg Carpenter

October 2nd 2014

Benchmarking fees of small business retirement plans or small business 401k recordkeeping is way more difficult than it needs to be.
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Vanguard’s John Bogle makes his case for improving 401(k) plans. Here’s why his Senate testimony rocks.

Vanguard’s John Bogle makes his case for improving 401(k) plans. Here’s why his Senate testimony rocks.

By: Greg Carpenter

September 24th 2014

John Bogle details the flaws in the current regulations governing 401(k) plans and the mutual fund industry putting profits above fiduciary duty.
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Senate Finance Committee holds a hearing today on “Retirement Savings 2.0.” Here is what they should address to help small business retirement plans.

Senate Finance Committee holds a hearing today on “Retirement Savings 2.0.” Here is what they should address to help small business retirement plans.

By: Greg Carpenter

September 16th 2014

Congress should provide greater incentives, 401k participation should become a serious commitment by the employee for their small business retirement plans
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Brokerage Windows in 401(k) Plans: Nope. Not even if they say “pretty please.”

Brokerage Windows in 401(k) Plans: Nope. Not even if they say “pretty please.”

By: Greg Carpenter

September 10th 2014

Brokerage windows are risky, potentially very expensive and appropriate for only a very small fraction of 401(k) investors. Use the fiduciary responsibility model
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