Category Archives: Retirement Plans

In the world of retirement plans, it’s easy to overlook the fine print — until someone sues you over it. The IRS just reminded us why distribution notices matter with the release of Notice 2026-13, which updates the safe harbor … Continue reading →

In the world of retirement plans, it’s easy to overlook the fine print — until someone sues you over it. The IRS just reminded us why distribution notices matter with the release of Notice 2026-13, which updates the safe harbor … Continue reading →

Fee compression isn’t coming. It’s here. Every provider I speak to says the same thing: “We’re losing deals on price.” But here’s the uncomfortable question — are you losing on price, or are you losing on clarity? If a prospect … Continue reading →

Plan sponsors are busy people. Running a business involves managing employees, customers, vendors, and finances. In the middle of all that, a 401(k) plan can feel like just one more administrative burden competing for attention. The problem is that ERISA … Continue reading →

We’ve all seen it. The branded tablecloth. The stress balls. The bowl of candy. The hopeful smiles. And then… nothing. Conferences don’t generate revenue. Relationships do. Too many providers treat conferences like fishing expeditions. Set up the booth, wait for … Continue reading →

I can’t tell you how many times I hear this from plan sponsors: “The plan is fine. No one’s complaining.” Silence is not a fiduciary audit. Participants rarely complain about fees they don’t understand, investment lineups they didn’t choose, or … Continue reading →

Recurring 410(b) failures are rarely random. When a plan consistently struggles with coverage testing, it’s not bad luck. It’s structural. Maybe the ownership group is highly compensated and aging while rank-and-file turnover is high. Maybe eligibility rules were designed for … Continue reading →

Too many plan providers approach the retirement plan business like traditional salespeople. They focus on pitching services, promoting features, and explaining why their company is better than the competition. The problem is that plan sponsors aren’t looking for sales presentations. … Continue reading →

Nobody brags about changing the oil in their car. It’s not exciting. It doesn’t generate applause. But skip it long enough, and the engine fails. Fiduciary governance works the same way. Most retirement plan failures don’t happen because of dramatic … Continue reading →

I like bagels as much as the next person. But breakfast meetings do not equal fiduciary protection. Plan sponsors often assume that because their recordkeeper provides education sessions, quarterly reports, and cheerful service reps, someone else is “handling the fiduciary … Continue reading →