Monthly Archives: August 2026

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 →

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “It’s in our employee handbook.” That’s great. But if it conflicts with the retirement plan document, the handbook usually loses. Your employee handbook is an important HR tool. It … Continue reading →