
May 25, 2026
How to Evaluate a 401(k) Provider: A Practical Scorecard for HR Teams
Choosing a 401(k) provider requires evaluating more than fees alone, making it important for HR teams to compare transparency, employee experience, compliance support, and long-term scalability.

May 25, 2026
The Complete 401(k) Provider Transition Checklist for HR Teams
Switching 401(k) providers requires careful planning, employee communication, and fiduciary oversight, making a structured transition checklist essential for HR teams managing the process.

May 25, 2026
401(k) Auto-Enrollment: What Plan Sponsors Need to Know Before Turning It On
Auto-enrollment can significantly improve 401(k) participation rates, but plan sponsors should understand contribution defaults, QDIA requirements, compliance rules, and employee communication obligations before implementing it.
Categories
For Individuals
Risk Tolerance vs. Risk Capacity
The Emotional and Quantitative Measures That Shape Retirement
Why Most Investors Never See "Market Returns"
Why the experience of retirement savings doesn’t always match the data
Finance Legends: Jack Bogle
How "Bogle's folly" became common sense
High Earner Benefits Strategies
Maximizing 401(k) Benefits for Your Leadership Team
The First Thing Former Finance Pros Can Teach Their Teams About Building Wealth
If you’ve spent time in capital markets, you’ve seen how wealth really gets built through time, structure, and smart allocation. Most employees don’t think in those terms. But with the right framing, they could.
The Stock Market Wasn’t Built for Everyone, But It Should Be
The system we live with today was no accident. It was built, and it can be rebuilt.
Using Financing to Become an Owner
In a system built around ownership, debt doesn’t have to be the enemy. It can be a tool.
The Three-Legged Stool Is Busted
The phrase emerged to simplify the public’s understanding of retirement planning, but today, the analogy no longer holds.
These 13 States Require Small Businesses to Provide Retirement Plans
More are on their way, so we’ll keep you posted.
Why the Optimal Retirement Contribution Sequence Sounds Great — But Doesn’t Work for Most People
It’s not that people won’t save. It’s that many simply can’t.
Larry Fink Wants Everyday Americans to “Own a Meaningful Stake” in the Market
But the capital required to take advantage of these opportunities is not within reach.
From Zero to $100K, the New Way
No one likes to hear that “It takes money to make money,” but the old adage has never rang more true—because the sooner you get to $100,000, the faster you’ll get to that next $100,000 and beyond.
401(k) Resources
The Complete 401(k) Provider Transition Checklist for HR Teams
Switching 401(k) providers requires careful planning, employee communication, and fiduciary oversight, making a structured transition checklist essential for HR teams managing the process.
401(k) Auto-Enrollment: What Plan Sponsors Need to Know Before Turning It On
Auto-enrollment can significantly improve 401(k) participation rates, but plan sponsors should understand contribution defaults, QDIA requirements, compliance rules, and employee communication obligations before implementing it.
How to Explain 401(k) Benefits to Employees Who Have Never Saved for Retirement
The way employers communicate 401(k) benefits can play a major role in employee participation, retirement readiness, and long-term financial wellness.
How to Read Your 401(k) Fee Disclosure: A Guide for HR Teams
Understanding your 408(b)(2) fee disclosure can help HR teams evaluate retirement plan costs, benchmark provider fees, and make more informed decisions about plan governance and employee benefits.
Best Retirement Plan Options for Small Businesses in 2026
Choosing the right retirement plan depends on your company’s size, growth plans, and administrative needs, making it important to understand how SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and traditional 401(k)s compare.
Fiduciary Responsibility 101: What Small Business Plan Sponsors Are Actually Liable For
Understanding fiduciary responsibility can help small business plan sponsors better manage 401(k) oversight, reduce compliance risk, and build more transparent retirement benefit programs.
SECURE 2.0 Tax Credits for Small Businesses: How Much Can You Save on Your 401(k)?
SECURE 2.0 introduced expanded tax credits designed to help small businesses reduce the cost of starting and contributing to a 401(k) plan.
401(k) Match Benchmarks: Are You Competitive for Your Company Size?
Benchmarking your company’s 401(k) match can help HR teams evaluate whether retirement benefits remain competitive for recruiting, retention, participation, and long-term employee financial wellness.
401(k) Vesting Schedules Explained: Cliff, Graded, and Immediate Options
Understanding 401(k) vesting schedules can help employers design retirement plans that balance employee retention, transparency, compliance, and long-term workforce goals.
Profit Sharing vs. 401(k) Match: Which Is Better for Your Company?
Understanding the differences between profit sharing and 401(k) matching can help employers choose a retirement contribution strategy that aligns with company goals, employee expectations, and long-term plan flexibility.
How Does 401(k) Employer Matching Work?
Understanding how 401(k) employer matching works can help employees maximize retirement savings while helping employers build more competitive and engaging retirement benefits.
How to Document 401(k) Fiduciary Decisions to Survive a DOL Audit
Properly documenting fiduciary decisions can help 401(k) plan sponsors strengthen governance processes, reduce compliance risk, and better prepare for potential DOL audits.
3(21) vs. 3(38) Fiduciary Services: What Plan Sponsors Actually Need to Know
Understanding the difference between 3(21) and 3(38) fiduciary services can help plan sponsors make more informed decisions about investment oversight, compliance responsibilities, and retirement plan governance.
Fiduciary Responsibility Checklist for 401(k) Plan Sponsors
Managing a 401(k) plan comes with important fiduciary responsibilities, making it essential for employers to regularly review fees, investments, compliance processes, and participant outcomes.
What Happens When Your 401(k) Fails Nondiscrimination Testing?
Failed 401(k) nondiscrimination testing can create compliance challenges for employers, but understanding correction options like refunds, QNECs, and plan restructuring can help teams reduce risk and improve long-term plan stability.
2026 401(k) Compliance Calendar: Key Deadlines Every Plan Sponsor Should Know
Staying ahead of 401(k) compliance deadlines can help plan sponsors reduce administrative risk, avoid penalties, and keep retirement plans running smoothly throughout the year.
401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing Explained: What HR Teams Need to Know
401(k) nondiscrimination testing helps ensure retirement plans remain fair across employee groups, making it important for HR teams to understand how testing works, why plans fail, and when a safe harbor structure may make sense.
Safe Harbor 401(k) Match Formulas Compared: Which One Is Right for Your Company?
Choosing the right safe harbor 401(k) match formula can help employers balance compliance, employee participation, retirement readiness, and long-term plan costs.
Safe Harbor vs. Traditional 401(k): When Does the Switch Make Sense?
Learn the differences between safe harbor and traditional 401(k) plans, and when switching to a safe harbor structure may help employers simplify compliance, improve participation, and support long-term retirement goals.
The Employer's Definitive Guide to High-Impact 401(k) Benefits Platforms
How modern retirement platforms drive measurable ROI through higher participation rates, integrated financial wellness tools, and streamlined administration for lean HR teams
How to Migrate Your 401(k) Seamlessly with Top Rollover Platforms
A step-by-step guide for plan sponsors to execute company-wide 401(k) migrations with minimal risk, maximum efficiency, and zero payroll disruption
Trump Crypto Executive Order and 401(k)s: What It Does and Does Not Change for Plan Sponsors
A crypto executive order analysis explains what it does and does not change for retirement plan sponsors, compliance, and regulatory outlook.
IRA vs 401(k) Fees: What Employers Should Communicate About Total Cost
IRA versus employer plan fees guidance helps employers explain total cost differences and transparency expectations to participants.
401(k) Rollover vs Transfer: Clean Definitions, Timing, and Pitfalls for HR and Finance
Rollover versus transfer definitions for retirement accounts provide clear distinctions, timing guidance, and common pitfalls HR and finance should avoid.
Transfer a 401(k) to Bitcoin? Rollover vs Transfer and What Is Actually Possible
Transferring a retirement account to Bitcoin clarifies rollover and transfer options and outlines practical constraints and tax considerations.
Template: Ask Your Employer to Add Crypto to Our 401(k) (Copy-Paste Email)
Template email to request crypto in a retirement plan provides copy paste language employees can use to open a constructive dialogue with benefits teams.
Streamlining Distribution Options: What Plan Consultants Should Know
What Enterprise Consultants Should Know
Why Is There Crypto in My 401(k)?
Why crypto appears in retirement plans explains demand drivers, product availability, and participant choice trends that influence plan menus.
Risk Controls for Crypto in 401(k) Plans: Caps, Eligibility & Auto-Features
Risk controls for crypto in retirement plans cover caps, eligibility rules, and automated features to limit exposure and meet fiduciary duties.
Adding Crypto to Your Investment Policy Statement (IPS): A Practical Guide
Adding crypto to an investment policy statement offers practical steps to define objectives, risk limits, and review cadence for plan committees.
20 Due-Diligence Questions to Ask a Crypto 401(k) Provider
Due diligence questions for crypto retirement providers list essential topics to evaluate security, custody, and regulatory preparedness.
Fidelity’s Crypto 401(k): How the Digital Assets Account (DAA) Works - and Alternatives
Fidelity crypto offering explains how a digital assets account works and outlines alternative provider approaches and tradeoffs for plan sponsors.
Crypto in the 401(k): Policy, Process & Provider Checklist for Employers
Crypto in retirement plans policy and process checklist gives employers a provider focused framework for governance, controls, and participant communications.
Bitcoin ETFs vs. Direct Crypto in a 401(k): What’s Different for Sponsors?
Bitcoin ETFs versus direct crypto compares vehicle differences, custody models, and sponsor obligations to guide investment menu decisions.
Is Bitcoin in Your 401(k) a Good Idea or an Avoidable Risk
Bitcoin in retirement plans weighs potential benefits against custody, volatility, and fiduciary risks to help sponsors make informed policy choices.
Can I Use My 401(k) to Buy Cryptocurrency? Options for Employees and HR
Using retirement accounts for cryptocurrency explains feasible options for employees and HR and the compliance tradeoffs to consider.
How to Offer Crypto in a 401(k) (Without Breaking ERISA)
Offering crypto in retirement plans outlines compliant strategies that align with ERISA and protect sponsors from undue risk.
Can Employees Hold Bitcoin in a 401(k)? What Plan Sponsors Should Know
Bitcoin in retirement plans explores employee eligibility, custody considerations, and fiduciary responsibilities for plan sponsors.
Blackout Period Checklist for 401(k) Migrations
Blackout period checklist for retirement migrations highlights steps to protect participant access, recordkeeping, and communication during service interruptions.
30/60/90-Day Guide: When to Expect Steady-State After Switching Providers
Transition timeline guide outlines initial, interim, and steady state expectations after switching providers so HR can plan milestones and staffing.
Provider Transition Checklist for HR
Provider transition checklist for HR delivers a downloadable playbook of tasks, responsibilities, and compliance steps to manage a provider change efficiently.
Employee Communication Templates for Provider Changes
Employee communication templates for provider changes include ready to use messages to keep staff informed and reduce questions during transitions.
Moving to a New 401(k) Provider: Step-by-Step for HR Leaders
Moving to a new retirement provider step by step guide equips HR leaders with actionable tasks, documentation checklists, and communications to execute a smooth migration.
Guideline Deconversion: Timeline, Blackout Periods, and How to Prepare
Guideline deconversion overview explains timelines, common blackout periods, and practical prep steps to reduce disruption for participants.
Guideline Support Changes: How to Plan for Continuity
Guideline support changes guidance helps employers plan for continuity with tips on vendor escalation, knowledge transfer, and service overlaps.
If You’re a Guideline Customer and Don’t Use Gusto: Your Options
Options for Guideline customers who do not use Gusto detail migration paths, vendor choices, and support steps to preserve participant experience.
Alternatives to Guideline for Mid-Market Employers: Pricing, Flexibility, Support
Alternatives to Guideline for mid market employers compares pricing, flexibility, and support so you can choose the best retirement provider fit.
Switching 401(k) Providers: Your No-Drama Playbook
Switching retirement providers playbook gives HR leaders a no drama roadmap for moving plans with minimal disruption and clear milestones.
What the Guideline Acquisition Means for Employers (Support, Pricing, Transitions)
Gusto acquisition implications for employers cover support, pricing, and transition planning to help you assess service continuity and costs.
Guideline Acquired by Gusto: What Employers Should Expect
Guideline acquisition by Gusto is changing retirement plan options for employers, outlining key impacts and next steps to keep plans running smoothly.
What Employers Need to Know About 408(b)(2) Disclosures
Employers need to know about 408(b)(2) disclosures to stay compliant and ensure their 401(k) plan fees are reasonable and clearly communicated.
A Practical Guide to 401(k) Fee Disclosures for Employers
A practical guide to 401(k) fee disclosures empowers employers to understand and communicate plan costs transparently to their teams.
Mid-Market 401(k) Benchmarks (250–1,999 Employees): Fees & Participation
Mid-market 401(k) benchmarks for companies with 250 to 1,999 employees reveal trends in fees and participation rates to help employers optimize their plans.
401(k) Advantages for Employers: Beyond a Check-the-Box Benefit
401(k) advantages for employers go beyond a check-the-box benefit, offering strategic value that can enhance employee retention and satisfaction.
Profit Sharing vs 401(k): Plan Design Tradeoffs for Mid-Market Companies
Profit sharing versus 401(k) plan design presents tradeoffs for mid-market companies, so understanding each option helps employers choose the right retirement benefit.
How to Build a 401(k) RFP That Gets Real Responses (+ Downloadable Template)
Building a 401(k) RFP that gets real responses requires clear objectives and a downloadable template to streamline the provider selection process.
Participant Fees vs Employer Fees: Getting the Balance Right
Balancing participant fees and employer fees is key to designing a 401(k) plan that attracts talent and supports long-term financial wellness for employees.
401(k) Provider Pricing: True Costs for Employers vs Employees
401(k) provider pricing includes both employer and employee costs, so understanding the true costs helps companies make informed decisions about their retirement plans.
How Much Should Employers Pay in 401(k) Fees? A Mid-Market Benchmark
Employers should pay attention to 401(k) fees using mid-market benchmarks to ensure their plan remains cost-effective and competitive for their workforce.
401(k) Plan Fees Explained: How Costs Scale as Your Business Grows
401(k) plan fees can vary as your business grows, so understanding how costs scale is crucial for employers seeking the best value for their retirement plans.
Largest 401(k) Providers: What Mid-Market Employers Should Know
The largest 401(k) providers offer scale and experience, but mid-market employers should know how these advantages impact plan administration and participant outcomes.
How Mid-Market Employers Evaluate 401(k) Plan Providers
Mid-market employers evaluate 401(k) plan providers by comparing fees, investment options, and customer service to ensure the best retirement benefits for their teams.
Best 401(k) Providers for Mid-Market Companies (Fees, Flexibility, Support)
Best 401(k) providers for mid-market companies deliver flexibility, transparent fees, and excellent support to help your organization maximize retirement plan value.
Top 401(k) Providers for Mid-Sized Employers in 2025: What to Compare
Top 401(k) providers for mid-sized employers offer competitive fees and robust support, making it essential to compare features before choosing the best fit for your business.


