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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.
Solo 401(k) Plans – Their Benefits to Self-Employed Workers

Solo 401(k) Plans – Their Benefits to Self-Employed Workers

By: Eric Droblyen

May 16th 2018

Solo - or individual - 401k plans cover business owners and their spouses only. They allow plan participants to make maximum deductible contributions – including “mega back door” Roth IRA contributions – up to the 415 limit.
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3 Common 401(k) Provider Conflicts of Interest!

3 Common 401(k) Provider Conflicts of Interest!

By: Eric Droblyen

May 2nd 2018

Employers have a fiduciary responsibility to evaluate their 401(k) provider's conflicts of interest. They risk personal liability when they don't.
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401(k) Plan Coverage Testing – What Employers Need to Know

401(k) Plan Coverage Testing – What Employers Need to Know

By: Eric Droblyen

April 18th 2018

The IRC section 410(b) coverage test ensures a 401(k) plan sufficiently covers Non-Highly Compensated Employees. Employers should understand its basics.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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