Author Archives: admin

I’m still amazed at how often I come across participant-directed 401(k) plans that don’t have a financial advisor attached. Now, I completely get why solo 401(k) plans usually don’t. Most individuals think they can manage things themselves. I’m in that … Continue reading →

Another week, another excessive fee case settled. This time, it’s Jack Henry & Associates Inc., a well-known technology provider, and its 401(k) retirement committee agreeing to a $1.6 million settlement in a fiduciary breach case under ERISA. What Was the … Continue reading →

New York has officially joined the list of states mandating retirement savings programs. The New York Secure Choice Savings Program is moving toward full implementation, and employers without a plan need to prepare. What Is It? Secure Choice is a … Continue reading →

That 401(k) Conference is back on the road for 2026, and the lineup is shaping up nicely. After the Milwaukee stop fell through, we’re bringing the show to Wrigley Field in April. Chicago in the spring, five hours of 401(k) … Continue reading →

The Department of Labor has never been shy about changing its mind, and here we go again. In Advisory Opinion 2025-01A, the DOL rescinded its 2023 advisory opinion that had given some comfort to plan sponsors with racial equity vendor … Continue reading →

Another excessive fee case is wrapping up, this time involving the $5.6 billion Northwell Health 403(b) Plan. After five years of motions, amendments, and appeals, the parties have agreed to a $2.75 million settlement. The lawsuit, brought by plan participant … Continue reading →

One thing I’ve learned in the retirement plan business is that participant demand usually runs ahead of what plan sponsors and providers are willing to offer. The Schroders 2025 U.S. Retirement Survey drives that point home. Almost half of defined … Continue reading →

One of the biggest problems I see when new clients hire me is that they never bothered to review the provider contracts they signed years ago. It’s human nature — you’re excited to get the plan up and running, the … Continue reading →

I’ll admit it—I loved Cracker Barrel. Living in New York, I never had one nearby, so whenever I traveled, I made it a point to stop. In 2014, I was in Florida and ended up at three different Cracker Barrel … Continue reading →

When I look back on my brief tenure at that union law firm, the irony wasn’t lost on me. We were representing labor, but as associates, we were treated so poorly that the running joke was that we ought to … Continue reading →