Category Archives: Retirement Plans

One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that finding an operational error means someone must have done a terrible job. That’s simply not true. Retirement plans are governed by thousands of pages of statutes, regulations, IRS guidance, and plan-specific … Continue reading →

If I had a dollar for every time a plan sponsor asked me a question that was already answered in their plan document, I’d probably have enough money to retire. The retirement plan document isn’t something you sign once and … Continue reading →

One thing I hate about social media is that the loudest voices are often the least interested in having an actual conversation. They’re not looking to exchange ideas or learn something new. They’re looking for clicks, comments, and outrage. That’s … Continue reading →

I’ve joked for years that I’m the turd in the punch bowl. I’m rarely afraid to say what I think, even when I know it won’t be popular. That’s not because I enjoy being contrarian. It’s because I’ve always believed … Continue reading →

When people ask me how to build a successful practice in the retirement plan business, they’re often looking for the magic answer. Is it social media? Conferences? Speaking engagements? Fancy marketing? Those things certainly help, but they aren’t what build … Continue reading →

Recent data shows that Americans’ 401(k) balances reached record levels in 2025. Average account balances climbed to nearly $168,000, while median balances increased to more than $44,000. At first glance, these numbers suggest that retirement savers are in excellent shape. … Continue reading →

One of the biggest questions surrounding Trump Accounts has finally been answered. The Department of Labor recently issued Technical Release 2026-02, concluding that Trump Accounts and most employer contribution programs associated with those accounts generally will not be treated as … Continue reading →

When plan sponsors think about retirement plan risk, they often focus on dishonest employees, cybersecurity threats, or regulatory changes. In my experience, the most dangerous employee in a retirement plan is often none of those things. It is the employee … Continue reading →

Many plan sponsors view an annual retirement plan audit as an isolated event. The auditor arrives, requests documents, asks questions, and eventually issues a report. In reality, the success or failure of a retirement plan audit is determined long before … Continue reading →

Every retirement plan committee benefits from knowledgeable people. What it doesn’t need is a room full of people who automatically agree with each other. One of the biggest risks for any committee is groupthink. Everyone nods in agreement, nobody asks … Continue reading →