Monthly Archives: August 2020

Dealing with clients isn’t one size fits all

I believe that in this business, there isn’t a one size fits all. That deals with 3(38) advisors, new comparability, safe harbor, and anything where there is a choice. It also deals with how you interact with clients, no two … Continue reading

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ESG reminds me of Target Date funds, for a reason

Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) funds are a hot potato item as the Department of Labor (DOL) is giving a pushback because their current belief is that returns on investment mean most. The problem I have with ESG funds … Continue reading

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Want your own PEP? Think again

As an ERISA attorney an ERISA 3(16) administrator, I’ve been asked by many clients, advisory firms, bundled providers, and third-party administrators. Many advisory firms want their own pooled employer plan (PEP) and I think they should think again. As someone … Continue reading

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Give them the e-mail addresses

Your third-party administrator (TPA) might be asking for the work email addresses and you’re wondering why? Don’t worry that they’re selling products and services. The email addresses are preparation of your TPA getting into the 21st century with the new … Continue reading

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Not going to travel for awhile

I planned on a Las Vegas conference for December, way back in May. I don’t think I was ahead of myself because I anticipated the COVID pandemic was going to be done by the end of the Summer. Of course, … Continue reading

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401(k) Tasks I Know You’re Probably Not Doing As A Plan Sponsor

My latest article on JDSupra.com can be found here.

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Lawsuits against plan providers and sponsors are only allegations at first

It seems like every week, there is another major lawsuit against a plan sponsor and one of their service providers. Allegations of impropriety are just allegations until decided by a trier of fact of whether they are substantiated or not. … Continue reading

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If you have ESG, look to your IPS

It seems everything is political. I believe the purposes of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is political and I believe that the Department of Labor’s questioning of a fiduciary’s use of ESG funds on a fund lineup is political too. … Continue reading

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Gambling against an audit is a bad bet

I love Las Vegas and the last two times I was there; I didn’t gamble a nickel. I hate gambling because I hate to lose. For me, getting up in the morning is a big enough gamble. A lot of … Continue reading

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Don’t let grudges get in the way of doing right

I always joke that I get rid of old grudges to make way for new ones. Recently, an advisor asked about a well-known third-party administrator (TPA) for a plan that I serve as a fiduciary. This TPA has a very … Continue reading

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