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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.
Finding Hidden 401(k) Fees in Participant Disclosure Notices

Finding Hidden 401(k) Fees in Participant Disclosure Notices

By: Eric Droblyen

February 8th 2017

Hidden 401(k) fees, like revenue sharing and variable annuity wrap charges reduce 401(k) balances. 401(k) participants must understand when they apply.
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4 Traits of the Best Small Business 401(k) Providers

4 Traits of the Best Small Business 401(k) Providers

By: Eric Droblyen

January 11th 2017

America's Best Small Business 401(k) Providers have 4 traits in common. 401(k) fiduciaries should look for these traits when shopping for 401(k) services.
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Our Top 10 401(k) Blogs of 2016: What Topics Were the Most Popular?

Our Top 10 401(k) Blogs of 2016: What Topics Were the Most Popular?

By: Eric Droblyen

December 28th 2016

401(k) blogs related to plan design, administration and provider fees were the Frugal Fiduciary’s most popular in 2016. 
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401k Plan Design Study: What 2,767 Small Business 401k Plans Are Doing

401k Plan Design Study: What 2,767 Small Business 401k Plans Are Doing

By: Eric Droblyen

November 30th 2016

The right 401k plan design can save a small business thousands of dollars annually. Our plan design study summarizes findings for 2,767 401k plans
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401(k) Fees: Are Traditional 401(k) Services Worth a Smaller Retirement Nest Egg?

401(k) Fees: Are Traditional 401(k) Services Worth a Smaller Retirement Nest Egg?

By: Eric Droblyen

November 16th 2016

The best small business 401k providers only charge fees for value-added 401k services. Providers with high priced superfluous services should be avoided
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How MEPs Complicate 401(k) Plan Terminations

How MEPs Complicate 401(k) Plan Terminations

By: Eric Droblyen

November 2nd 2016

Exiting a 401k plan can be an easy process, as long as you aren't part of an MEP. MEPs complicate the plan termination process and can cost you big time.
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Asset-Based 401(k) Admin Fees Are Unreasonable; Fiduciaries Should Avoid Them

Asset-Based 401(k) Admin Fees Are Unreasonable; Fiduciaries Should Avoid Them

By: Eric Droblyen

October 19th 2016

The best small business 401k providers charge low transparent fees based on participant headcount, not assets. A 401k fiduciary should not settle for less.
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3 Questions for Calculating Small Business 401(k) Provider Fees

3 Questions for Calculating Small Business 401(k) Provider Fees

By: Eric Droblyen

October 5th 2016

Small businesses have a fiduciary responsibility to keep 401k plan expenses reasonable for participants. Three questions can help find service provider fees.
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Government Shocker! The 401(k) Form 5500 May Become Useful Soon

Government Shocker! The 401(k) Form 5500 May Become Useful Soon

By: Eric Droblyen

September 21st 2016

The government is proposing substantial changes to the Form 5500 for 2019. These changes would make 401k information more accessible to stakeholders.
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Is Human 401(k) Advice More Expensive Than Robo Advice? You Might Be Surprised

Is Human 401(k) Advice More Expensive Than Robo Advice? You Might Be Surprised

By: Eric Droblyen

September 7th 2016

New robo 401k advisors use a computer algorithm, instead of a human, to construct 401k investment portfolios. Providers claim lower fees. We disagree.
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