Category Archives: Non-Fiduciary Advisor

Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Your Financial Future Deserves a Champion: Why a Fiduciary Advisor is Non-Negotiable

Posted on by Matthew Rice
01
Feb

 

Let’s talk about your money—your savings, your retirement goals, your children’s education. All of it depends on the financial choices you make. And when it comes to advice on those choices, the real question is: who do you trust?

This isn’t just a small detail. It’s the difference between guidance that’s tailored to you and recommendations that may serve someone else’s interests. At the heart of it all is one essential question: Is your advisor a fiduciary?

If you’re not sure what that means—or why it matters—it’s time to find out. Because knowing the answer could be the most important step you take toward protecting your financial future.

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401(k) Plan Litigation, 401(k) Plans, Active Versus Passive Management, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Pensions, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a 401(k) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Shield Your 401(k) Plan: 5 Essential Strategies to Prevent Fiduciary Lawsuits

Posted on by Matthew Rice
27
Aug

The landscape for 401(k) plan sponsors has become increasingly challenging. With over 200 ERISA class-action lawsuits filed since 2020, fiduciary litigation targeting 401(k) plans is surging, creating unprecedented legal exposure. High-profile cases, even against well-respected entities like NYU and Fidelity, highlight a stark reality: even the most well-intentioned fiduciaries can face devastating personal liability for participant losses.

But here’s the good news: you’re not powerless. By implementing these five evidence-backed strategies, you can significantly shield your plan from costly litigation while simultaneously strengthening outcomes for your participants.

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401(k) Plans, Active Versus Passive Management, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Pensions, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a 401(k) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Navigating Your Fiduciary Compass: A Guide for 401(k) Investment Committee Members

Posted on by Matthew Rice
23
Aug

 

As a 401(k) investment committee member, you hold a position of profound trust and critical responsibility. This isn’t merely an oversight role; you are a plan fiduciary, legally and ethically bound to act exclusively in the best interests of your plan participants and their beneficiaries. This article serves as a direct guide for every committee member to effectively fulfill these vital duties and navigate the complexities of plan governance.

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Corporate Defined Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Pensions, Selecting a Pension Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Navigating the Future: Why Asset Liability Management is Key for Corporate Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Posted on by Matthew Rice
18
Aug

 

Corporate defined benefit (DB) pension plans are constantly navigating a turbulent financial sea, buffeted by market volatility, a shifting regulatory landscape, and ever-evolving liabilities. While many U.S. corporate plans enjoyed a strong 2024, with the top 100 boasting over 103% funded status, this hard-won stability is now at risk from anticipated rate cuts and a climate of geopolitical uncertainty. To truly safeguard these gains and ensure long-term solvency, forward-thinking sponsors are no longer just seeking returns; they’re embracing Asset Liability Management (ALM) and Liability-Driven Investing (LDI). These aren’t just buzzwords; they represent a fundamental shift, transforming pension management from a growth-focused endeavor into a precision-driven exercise in risk mitigation.

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401(k) Plans, 403(b) Plans, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting a 403(B) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

The 403(b) Revolution is Coming: What Fiduciaries Must Know About CITs

Posted on by Matthew Rice
21
May

The retirement landscape for millions of public sector and non-profit employees is on the cusp of a groundbreaking shift. For years, 403(b) plans—the retirement vehicles for teachers, hospital workers, clergy, and many non-profit staff—have operated with a significant disadvantage compared to their 401(k) counterparts. But a recent legislative breakthrough in Washington D.C. is set to change that, potentially unleashing a wave of benefits for participants and new responsibilities for plan fiduciaries.

On May 20, 2025, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee advanced H.R. 1013, aptly named the “Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025.” This isn’t just another piece of legislative jargon; it’s a bill that, if passed, will open the door for 403(b) plans to invest in Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) for the very first time.

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Cash Balance Plans, Defined Benefit Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Pensions, Selecting a Pension Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Cash Balance Plans: The Hybrid Solution Powering Retirement and Tax Savings

Posted on by Matthew Rice
20
Apr

 

The world of retirement planning is constantly evolving, and for business owners and high-earning professionals, the quest for strategies that maximize savings, slash taxes, and offer robust flexibility is more critical than ever. If you’ve been searching for a game-changer, allow us to introduce you to the cash balance plan – a powerful, yet often overlooked, retirement vehicle that masterfully blends the best features of traditional pensions and modern 401(k)s.

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401(k) Loans, 401(k) Plan Litigation, 401(k) Plans, Active Versus Passive Management, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Employer Match, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Pensions, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a 401(k) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Crafting Your 401(k) Investment Policy Statement: Your Roadmap to Retirement Success

Posted on by Matthew Rice
18
Sep

 

Running a 401(k) plan comes with significant responsibility. As a fiduciary, you’re tasked with safeguarding your employees’ financial futures, a role that demands careful planning and unwavering diligence. While it might sound like another piece of corporate jargon, a well-crafted 401(k) Investment Policy Statement (IPS) isn’t just a document—it’s your strategic blueprint.

Think of the IPS as the compass guiding your plan’s investment journey. It helps you navigate fiduciary duties, maintain consistency, and, most importantly, demonstrate procedural prudence under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). And while it’s not legally mandated, it’s widely considered a best practice and often a key request during regulatory audits.

Ready to build your plan’s financial fortress? Here’s your step-by-step guide to writing an effective IPS:

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