Monthly Archives: May 2026

There’s a certain kind of victory that doesn’t come with applause. No trophy. No recognition. Just quiet proof that you made it through something that was designed—whether intentionally or not—to break you. I’m still here. If you’ve read anything I’ve … Continue reading →

Plan sponsors love the idea of simplicity. One provider, one platform, one point of contact. The recordkeeper says they can “handle the TPA work,” and suddenly it feels like you’ve eliminated a layer. Cleaner, cheaper, easier. Until it isn’t. The … Continue reading →

I had a plan provider sponsoring many of my events. It was a great relationship, the kind that works because both sides understand the value. Then in one city, the local salesperson dropped out. Not once, but twice. His reason … Continue reading →

I used to think it was random. Watching mediocre people get pushed forward at work and in life, I figured maybe I was missing something. Maybe there was a skill I didn’t see, something behind the curtain that explained it. … Continue reading →

I’ve always liked immediate eligibility for deferrals. Clean, simple, easy to explain. Let people in the door and let them start saving. Where things go sideways is when a provider layers on a safe harbor contribution, a match, or even … Continue reading →

The most expensive calls I get usually start the same way. “Our payroll provider handles the TPA work too, and something went wrong.” Contributions were missed, eligibility was misapplied, or the match didn’t follow the document. The assumption is that … Continue reading →

The latest executive order aimed at expanding retirement savings sounds like a win on paper. Millions of Americans without access to workplace plans are now being nudged into the system through simplified IRA access, a new federal matching contribution, and … Continue reading →

There’s a certain strain of thinking in this business that more is better. More funds. More features. More “solutions.” If a lineup has 18 options, someone will suggest 28. If the platform works, someone wants to bolt on three more … Continue reading →

Everyone loves a “partner” who agrees with them. Until it blows up. In the retirement plan world, there’s a dangerous kind of service model—the nod-and-smile model. Sponsor says they want a bloated investment lineup? “Sounds great.” Wants to keep a … Continue reading →

Plan providers think they win the business at the RFP. Nice presentation, polished deck, competitive pricing. Everyone shakes hands, everyone’s excited, and the deal is done. Not even close. The real sale happens during implementation. And sponsors remember those first … Continue reading →