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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.
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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Design a 401(k) Plan Like a Pro in 6 Steps

Design a 401(k) Plan Like a Pro in 6 Steps

By: Eric Droblyen

March 31st 2021

Expert 401(k) plan design can help small business owners meet their plan goals for thousands less. The process can be completed in 30 minutes or less.
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401(k) Plan Restatements - Save Fees With These Amendments

401(k) Plan Restatements - Save Fees With These Amendments

By: Eric Droblyen

February 3rd 2021

Most 401(k) plans must be 'restated' to reflect IRS Cycle 3 (or 'post-PPA') changes from August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022. Here are some amendments to include.
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The 5 Most Popular Small Business 401(k) Plan Features

The 5 Most Popular Small Business 401(k) Plan Features

By: Eric Droblyen

July 22nd 2020

Different 401(k) “types” (safe harbor, Roth, profit sharing, etc…) are in fact different contribution “features” that a plan can combine in numerous ways.
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Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans: Answers To Common Questions

Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans: Answers To Common Questions

By: Brian Furgala

March 18th 2020

Safe harbor 401(k) plans are increasingly popular with small businesses. Our FAQ can help owners decide if one is right for their company.
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Traditional Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan vs. QACA – How to Choose

Traditional Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan vs. QACA – How to Choose

By: Eric Droblyen

August 21st 2019

There are two basic types of safe harbor 401(k) plans available today – traditional and QACA. Business owners should understand their differences.
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Safe Harbor or Traditional 401(k) Plan – How to Decide

Safe Harbor or Traditional 401(k) Plan – How to Decide

By: Eric Droblyen

March 6th 2019

Safe harbor 401(k) plans are the most popular type of 401(k) used by small businesses today, but they are not the best fit for every small business.
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Plan Participation Problems? No Problem

Plan Participation Problems? No Problem

By: Holly Roussel-Godfrey

May 10th 2016

Sometimes it can be a struggle for plan sponsors to encourage participation in their company’s 401k plan. Plan design options as well as participant education can make a huge difference in participant interest and enthusiasm about saving.
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401(k) Plan Design – Our Checklist Can Make the Process Simple

401(k) Plan Design – Our Checklist Can Make the Process Simple

By: Eric Droblyen

November 4th 2015

401(k) plan design for small businesses does not need to be difficult. Retirement plan eligibility, compensation, contributions, vesting, distributions and loans are the basics.
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Reforming Roth provisions may be key to improving savings rates for Millennials. My proposal.

Reforming Roth provisions may be key to improving savings rates for Millennials. My proposal.

By: Greg Carpenter

November 20th 2014

Millennials are not saving enough for retirement. The Roth 401k concept is outstanding and provides an excellent way to build long-term wealth with tax benefits
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