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.

How Starter 401(k) Plans Compare to Safe Harbor and Traditional Plans

March 12th 2024

Employers with no 401(k) plan can now adopt a starter plan. Small business owners should understand how they compare to traditional and safe harbor plans.

Retirement Plan Types

Replacing a SIMPLE IRA with a 401(k) – Frequently Asked Questions

By: Brian Furgala

July 5th 2023

Replacing a small business SIMPLE IRA with a 401(k) is not a complicated process, but it does require planning. Our FAQ can help the process go smoothly.

Retirement Plan Types

Pooled Employer 401(k) Plans (PEPs): Myth vs. Reality

By: Eric Droblyen

February 16th 2022

Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) can seem attractive at first blush. Ironically, their purported benefits can, in fact, harm 401(k) plan participants and fiduciaries.

Retirement Plan Types

Pooled vs. Single-Employer 401(k) Plans - Are PEPs for You?

By: Eric Droblyen

December 9th 2020

Supporters claim Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) offer lower 401k fees and greater liability protection than single-employer plans. They rarely deliver either.

Retirement Plan Types

401(k) vs SIMPLE IRA: Which is Right for Your Business?

By: Eric Droblyen

May 27th 2020

401(k) or SIMPLE IRA? The kind of plan you pick could have an enormous impact on the finances of everyone involved in your business. Choose wisely.

Retirement Plan Types

How MEPs Signal a Broken 401(k) Industry

By: Eric Droblyen

October 30th 2019

Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) are better for the 401(k) industry than retirement plan savers and sponsors. Small business owners should avoid them.

Retirement Plan Types

TSP-like 401(k)s + Tax Credits = More Small Business Plans

By: Eric Droblyen

October 3rd 2018

Multiple Employers Plans (MEPs) are promoted as a way to expand small business retirement coverage. TSP-like 401ks and tax credits would do a better job

Retirement Plan Types

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.