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Signs of an Unhealthy Plan

When it comes to your health, there are signs—little warnings your body gives you—that something might be off. You don’t ignore chest pain, blurry vision, or persistent fatigue (at least, you shouldn’t). The same is true with your company’s 401(k) p...

The whole problem with loans

When I draft a new 401(k) plan for a client, one of the first provisions I’ll recommend—including with some reluctance—is a loan feature. Not because I enjoy dealing with it. On the contrary, it’s an administrative pain. But because I believe, deeply ...

The Retirement Plan Dentist

About 20 years ago, there was a medical report claiming that dental plaque could cause heart diseas...

Maybe time to get rid of the SEP?

Those small employer plans like SEPs and SIMPLE-IRAs? They’re great starter tools for retirement ...

Experience can mean a lot of things

I always say that plan sponsors need a solid team: an experienced financial advisor, a competent th...

Gambling against a government audit is a bad bet

I love Las Vegas. Great restaurants, great shows, and five trips in a row without dropping a nickel...

Being aggressive on your mistakes could be a bad idea

Many moons ago, I got a call from a bank with a problem. For two decades—yes, twenty years—they...

I will never understand a TPA asset based fee

Alright, listen—I’m stubborn. I admit it. There are just some things I don’t understand, and ...

The problem with stock market volatility

I have experienced several bear markets as an ERISA attorney, and it’s never easy, especially...

Keep it simple stupid

As famously quoted in *This Is Spinal Tap*, there is a fine line between stupidity and cleverness. ...