Plan Sponsor: What Not To Do
Examples of “don’ts” offer a crystal clear picture of the diligence expected of retirement plan sponsors. At the Department of Labor (DOL), the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), provides a snapshot of civil violations,…
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Clean Data?
Although retirement plan sponsors typically outsource plan administration, they remain ultimately responsible for the plan’s success, and that means plan data must be accurate and up-to-date. Of course, plan data must also be protected…
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Back To School: Fiduciary Reading List
For retirement plan sponsors, a great way to head into the fall is with a brush up on fulfilling fiduciary obligations. Fortunately, it’s easy and free to pull a reading list together: the Employee Benefits…
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Best Practice: Fiduciary Audit File
Sponsoring a 401(k) plan is a terrific way to put employees on the path to secure retirement. However, given the inherent fiduciary responsibilities and the high standards of ERISA, diligence is essential. One helpful…
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DOL Plan Audits Explained
Plan audits are an important way the Department of Labor ensures compliance with ERISA standards. Sometimes DOL plan audits are random, but errors, including mistakes with the submission of Form 5500, can trigger audits…
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Common Fiduciary Errors
It’s a very, very rare business owner who sets out to screw up the company retirement plan. Most plan sponsors take fiduciary obligations and secure retirements seriously. Nonetheless, ERISA is a complex law with…
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Compliance and Connection
Employers sponsoring retirement plans must comply with Department of Labor requirements for sharing clear, comprehensible information with participants and beneficiaries. Going above and beyond compliance inspires more engagement in the plan, and more trust in…
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ERISA Bonds Explained: Five Facts
The Employee Retirement and Security Act (ERISA) specifically requires those responsible for company sponsored retirement plans to obtain a fidelity bond, known as an ERISA bond, to protect the plan against losses due to…
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July Bring Fireworks & Forms: It’s Time
Most retirement plans operate on a calendar year, which makes July a big deal: Form 5500 must be carefully completed, reviewed and submitted by month-end. Changes effective this year are significant. Though preparation of…
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