Employee Fiduciary Celebrates 20 Years of Service in the 401(k) Industry!

Read more
Search for topics or resources

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.
Department of Labor Guidance for Paying 401(k) Fees from Plan Assets

Department of Labor Guidance for Paying 401(k) Fees from Plan Assets

By: Eric Droblyen

April 4th 2018

The DOL divides 401(k) fees into two categories – administrative and settlor expenses. Employers can only pay administrative expenses from plan assets
Read More
Unpacking the Complex Web of Insurance Company 401(k) Fees

Unpacking the Complex Web of Insurance Company 401(k) Fees

By: Eric Droblyen

March 21st 2018

All insurance company 401(k) providers - including John Hancock, Empower, Voya, Principal – charge hidden fees. Plan fiduciaries must be able to evaluate them.
Read More
The 401(k) Form 5500 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The 401(k) Form 5500 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

By: Eric Droblyen

March 7th 2018

The Form 5500 discloses 401(k) plan information to the Federal government and plan participants. Employers must understand their plan's filing requirements.
Read More
401(k) Plan Compensation – What Employers Need to Know

401(k) Plan Compensation – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

February 21st 2018

A 401k plan can require multiple definitions of employee compensation. To keep their plan in legal compliance, employers must understand all of them.
Read More
401(k) Admin Fees – The Benefits to Business Owners That Pay Them

401(k) Admin Fees – The Benefits to Business Owners That Pay Them

By: Eric Droblyen

January 24th 2018

Small business owners earn four valuable benefits when they pay their 401k administration fees from a corporate bank account instead of plan assets.
Read More
Are Profit Sharing Contributions Right for Your 401(k) Plan?

Are Profit Sharing Contributions Right for Your 401(k) Plan?

By: Eric Droblyen

January 10th 2018

Pro rata, permitted disparity, and new comparability are types of 401k profit sharing contributions. Employers should know if they’re right for their plan.
Read More
The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2017

The Top Ten Frugal Fiduciary 401(k) Blogs of 2017

By: Eric Droblyen

December 27th 2017

Our top 10 blogs for 2017 are must-reads for small business 401k sponsors and participants. They cover retirement plan features, fees and 401k providers.
Read More
Why Multiple Employer 401(k) Plans are Obsolete Today

Why Multiple Employer 401(k) Plans are Obsolete Today

By: Eric Droblyen

December 13th 2017

Supporters of Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) claim these 401ks lower plan fees and fiduciary liability for small businesses. Neither claim is true.
Read More
Worried Your 401(k) Pays Hidden Fees? Answer 2 Questions to Find Out

Worried Your 401(k) Pays Hidden Fees? Answer 2 Questions to Find Out

By: Eric Droblyen

November 29th 2017

Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to pay only reasonable fees from 401k plan assets. Avoid hidden 401k fees to make this job as easy as possible.
Read More
3-Step Guide for Employers to Select and Monitor 401(k) Index Funds

3-Step Guide for Employers to Select and Monitor 401(k) Index Funds

By: Eric Droblyen

November 1st 2017

Index funds make it possible for 401(k) plan sponsors to replace an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) with a 3-step fund selection and monitoring process.
Read More