Monthly Archives: August 2026

Ask most retirement plan providers why they lost a client and you’ll often hear the same answer: “We were undercut on fees.” While price certainly plays a role, I don’t think it’s the reason most relationships end. More often than … Continue reading →

Plan sponsors spend a surprising amount of time preparing participant communications. Notices are drafted, emails are reviewed, attachments are added, and everything is sent on schedule. Then… nothing. Employees delete the email without opening it, promise themselves they’ll read it … Continue reading →

One of the biggest misconceptions among plan sponsors is that hiring a recordkeeper means someone else is now responsible for everything. It doesn’t work that way. A recordkeeper can process payroll files, maintain participant accounts, generate notices, and provide reports. … Continue reading →

One of the first lessons I learned practicing ERISA law is that memories fade, people leave, and years later everyone swears something happened—until they’re asked to prove it. That’s when documentation becomes priceless. I’ve heard plan sponsors tell me they … Continue reading →

Cybersecurity can seem overwhelming for plan sponsors. Data breaches, phishing attacks, ransomware, account takeovers—the list of threats keeps growing. It’s easy to assume protecting a retirement plan requires expensive software, outside consultants, and a six-figure technology budget. It doesn’t. One … Continue reading →

Cybersecurity can seem overwhelming for plan sponsors. Data breaches, phishing attacks, ransomware, account takeovers—the list of threats keeps growing. It’s easy to assume protecting a retirement plan requires expensive software, outside consultants, and a six-figure technology budget. It doesn’t. One … Continue reading →

A recent Vanguard report found that a record 6% of eligible 401(k) participants took hardship withdrawals during 2025, up from 5% the year before and roughly three times the pre-pandemic rate. While the numbers are concerning, they shouldn’t surprise anyone. … Continue reading →

Years ago, I worked at a law firm that wasn’t a good fit for me. While I was there, I introduced a financial advisor to the firm’s most successful partner, who had a thriving tax certiorari practice. The partner hired … Continue reading →

Remember those old Roach Motel commercials? “Roaches check in…but they don’t check out.” For some employers, that’s exactly what it feels like with a PEO. Don’t get me wrong. I understand why businesses use Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). They can … Continue reading →

Every retirement plan should have an annual meeting. Not the participant education meeting. Not the investment review. I’m talking about a meeting where the people responsible for administering the plan sit down and ask one simple question: “How are we … Continue reading →