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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.
401(k) Long-Term, Part Time Rules – What Employers Need to Know

401(k) Long-Term, Part Time Rules – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

December 5th 2023

The SECURE Act’s long-term, part-time rules for 401(k) plans are complicated. Plan design changes can help employers with part-time employees avoid them.
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Is Your Company Part of an Affiliated Service Group? Know for Certain or Risk 401(k) Plan Disqualification

Is Your Company Part of an Affiliated Service Group? Know for Certain or Risk 401(k) Plan Disqualification

By: Eric Droblyen

October 24th 2023

Determining whether your company is part of an affiliated service group is complex, but necessary to avoid plan errors which can result in plan disqualification.
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How to Prepare Your 401(k) Plan for SECURE 2.0 Changes

How to Prepare Your 401(k) Plan for SECURE 2.0 Changes

By: Brian Furgala

July 18th 2023

Not preparing a 401(k) plan for SECURE 2.0 could lead to lower contribution limits, missed tax breaks, or unnecessary administration. Here are changes to consider.
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401(k) Eligibility: When to Let Employees Join Your Plan

401(k) Eligibility: When to Let Employees Join Your Plan

By: Eric Droblyen

April 11th 2023

Company goals, employee demographics, and plan features are all factors small businesses should consider when choosing 401(k) eligibility terms.
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Automatic Enrollment – Is It Right for Your Small Business 401(k) Plan?

Automatic Enrollment – Is It Right for Your Small Business 401(k) Plan?

By: Brian Furgala

March 14th 2023

Learn the 3 options of automatic enrollment in a 401(k) plan and decide which is right for your business. Plus, read the latest changes from SECURE 2.0.
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401(k) Plan Design Choices to Simplify Annual Admin the Most

401(k) Plan Design Choices to Simplify Annual Admin the Most

By: Eric Droblyen

December 6th 2022

Proper 401(k) plan design can reduce the time employers must spend on annual plan administration by hours. We outline the simplest options to administer.
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The Ultimate Guide to Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans

By: Eric Droblyen

March 30th 2022

Safe harbor 401(k) plans are popular with small businesses that struggle to pass IRS-mandated nondiscrimination testing. Our guide answers common questions.
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How to Simplify Your 401k Admin with a Cycle 3 Plan Restatement

How to Simplify Your 401k Admin with a Cycle 3 Plan Restatement

By: Eric Droblyen

July 21st 2021

Most 401(k) plans must be "restated" to reflect IRS-mandate Cycle 3 changes from August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022. Here are some plan simplifications to consider.
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Is Your Company Part of a Controlled Group?  You Need to Know or Risk 401(k) Plan Disqualification

Is Your Company Part of a Controlled Group?  You Need to Know or Risk 401(k) Plan Disqualification

By: Eric Droblyen

May 26th 2021

IRS controlled group rules often obligate 2 or more employers with common ownership to cover their employees with the same 401k plan in order to pass annual nondiscrimination testing.
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Starting a 401(k)? A Short Initial Plan Year is Probably a Bad Idea

Starting a 401(k)? A Short Initial Plan Year is Probably a Bad Idea

By: Eric Droblyen

April 14th 2021

401(k) plans must define a plan year cycle for annual administration. Most new plans should avoid a short plan year for first year administration.
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