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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.
Guess what percentage of ETF assets are actively managed?

Guess what percentage of ETF assets are actively managed?

By: Greg Carpenter

October 8th 2013

There are only 64 actively managed ETFs, and two of those (two popular PIMCO bond investments) account for over half of all of the assets. Why?
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Going “Bold” on Safe Harbor Plans

Going “Bold” on Safe Harbor Plans

By: Greg Carpenter

September 25th 2013

Can Safe Harbor 401(k) plan provisions be extended? The Frugal Fiduciary offers thoughts on extending the safe harbor concept, help with 401(k)
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Form 5500: The Form that Needs Reform

Form 5500: The Form that Needs Reform

By: Greg Carpenter

August 30th 2013

Can Form 5500 be improved? The Frugal Fiduciary thinks so and suggests collecting fee data that can be used in an “apples-to-apples” plan comparison.
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The Two-Headed Monster, Fairness and Safe Harbor Plans

The Two-Headed Monster, Fairness and Safe Harbor Plans

By: Greg Carpenter

August 23rd 2013

Safe harbor plans are built to meet the Fed’s “fairness” rules. The Frugal Fidcuiary muses on extending these ideas to all of retirement plan management.
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“Amateur Hour”? Professor makes waves with Form 5500 study

“Amateur Hour”? Professor makes waves with Form 5500 study

By: Greg Carpenter

July 31st 2013

The Frugal Fiduciary shares his opinion on the use of Form 5500 and why it isn’t a great way to assess 401k plan costs.
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Life After the 401(k) Fee Disclosure Rule

Life After the 401(k) Fee Disclosure Rule

By: Greg Carpenter

July 23rd 2013

The Frugal Fiduciary explores life one year after the DOL’s 401(k) fee disclosure rule: it's not working because the expense ratios are not broken out.
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The ETF moment?

The ETF moment?

By: Greg Carpenter

July 10th 2013

We over here at the Frugal Fiduciary haven’t shied away from our admiration for that nimble investment vehicle, the ETF.
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In Praise of the 401(k) Employer Match

In Praise of the 401(k) Employer Match

By: Greg Carpenter

June 26th 2013

A 401(k) employer match is an incredible way for employers to do right by their employees, explains the Frugal Fiduciary.
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Self-directed investing in 401(k)s: Paternalism or Freedom?

Self-directed investing in 401(k)s: Paternalism or Freedom?

By: Greg Carpenter

June 19th 2013

When it comes to plan sponsors, is offering self-directed investing in a 401(k) a question of paternalism or freedom? The Frugal Fiduciary weighs in.
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401(k) Investing: Trends

401(k) Investing: Trends

By: Greg Carpenter

June 12th 2013

Small businesses are starting to forego active management and making low cost investments instead. 401(k) investing adjustments are made to fit the new standard of living.
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