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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.
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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Why All Employers Should Know their “All-In” 401(k) Fee

Why All Employers Should Know their “All-In” 401(k) Fee

By: Eric Droblyen

August 28th 2014

Breaking down the individual factors of a 401(k) plan is overwhelming. Instead, we recommend an All-In 401(k) fee that provides a single, total price.
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Former DOL Deputy Director declares scandal in IRA rollovers. It’s a scandal, just not the one he thinks it is.

Former DOL Deputy Director declares scandal in IRA rollovers. It’s a scandal, just not the one he thinks it is.

By: Greg Carpenter

August 20th 2014

The scandal is that we do not have fiduciary standards in place that require brokers and other advisors to act in the clients’ IRA best interests.
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New companies are trying to fill the gaps in 401(k) fee disclosure regulations. Here’s why they all fall short.

New companies are trying to fill the gaps in 401(k) fee disclosure regulations. Here’s why they all fall short.

By: Greg Carpenter

August 15th 2014

New companies are springing up to fill gaps in 401(k) fee disclosure regulations. Here is what small business retirement plan sponsors need to know.
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