Partnering with a Third Party Administrator (TPA) can be very beneficial to help manage compliance-oriented and day-to-day tasks related to managing a retirement plan. Many TPA’s refer to themselves as ERISA Consultants. 401(k) plan sponsors know that running a plan requires a lot of work, whether it’s seeking answers to…
Do you know who’s who in the world of the 401(k)? With 401(k) plans set to celebrate their 40th birthday in 2018, their popularity continues to grow. Assets neared the $5 trillion mark at the end of 2016. 401(k) plans are a great way for participants to save for their…
The potential for an audit is a fact of life for retirement plan sponsors. Audits can be conducted by either the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Department of Labor (DOL). They can’t really be avoided—but you can prepare in advance for an audit. Incorporating a process of prudence…
As a plan sponsor, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the mechanics of running your plan—from monitoring performance and transactions, to keeping your plan compliant with Department of Labor (DOL) and ERISA regulations. While these day-to-day activities demand attention, you can’t lose sight of your primary fiduciary responsibility—managing the…
“Fee-fi-fo-fum!” roars the giant. You may not be afraid of giants or believe in fairy tales anymore, but that phrase still holds plenty of lessons if you serve as a fiduciary to your employees’ retirement plan. And, if you slip up on your fiduciary role, you may have plenty to…