401(k) Training Hub for Plan Sponsors
Browse concise, plain-English guides on plan design, governance, testing, and audits.
If you’d like help applying any of this to your plan, talk to our team.
Plan Design & Participation
Streamlining Plan Administration with Auto-Features
Auto-enroll, auto-escalate, payroll validations, and default investments that boost outcomes.
Why Choosing a QDIA Is Critical
What QDIAs are, why they matter, notices, and prudent monitoring.
When a Safe Harbor 401(k) Makes Sense
Who should adopt safe harbor and key timing considerations.
Boosting Participation with QACA Safe Harbor
Auto-enroll + auto-escalate with safe-harbor testing relief.
Designing a Plan that Supports Your Goals
Eligibility, match formulas, vesting, and other levers to align benefits with strategy.
Should You Offer Roth 401(k)?
Who benefits, payroll impacts, and employee education points.
Financial Wellness Improves Retirement Readiness
Budgeting, emergency savings, and nudges that raise deferrals.
Governance & Compliance
Understanding Your Fiduciary Duties
Prudence, fees, documentation, and monitoring service providers.
Why Professional Fiduciary Services Matter
3(16)/3(21)/3(38)—what’s delegated and what you still own.
ERISA Fidelity Bond vs. Fiduciary Insurance
Two different protections—and you may need both.
Retirement Plan Loans—Why the Option Still Matters
Policies that minimize leakage and encourage participation.
Using Forfeitures Properly
Permitted uses, timing, and documentation to stay compliant.
Key Changes Under the SECURE Act
LTPT eligibility, credits, RMD changes, and what to update.
When Plans Need a Financial Statement Audit
100+ participants with balances, the 80–120 rule, and prep tips.
Keeping Your Plan Current
When to revisit design due to growth, M&A, or regulatory change.
Plan Types & Advanced Design
Defined Benefit Plans—Still Valuable
Where DB fits, trade-offs, PBGC, and multi-year planning.
Cash Balance Plans for High Contributions
Six-figure deductions, demographics, and combined testing.
Restating Defined Benefit Plan Documents
Why restate, timing windows, and pitfalls to avoid.
Unbundled vs. Bundled—What’s Best?
Transparency, control, and provider accountability.
Maximizing a Business Owner’s Retirement Benefit
401(k)+profit sharing vs. cash balance—tax and succession impact.
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