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Here are five suggested articles for financial advisors to read this weekend: 1. Post DOL Fiduciary Rule Regulatory Challenges – The DOL Fiduciary Rule is dead. All we know is that something will replace it, someday. Maybe. According to a recent article, that leaves advisors in a state of regulatory uncertainty. 2. 10 Litigation Lessons for 401k Fiduciaries – If you are a plan fiduciary looking to avoid (or win) future lawsuits over fees and investments, there are lessons to be learned from recent decisions and settlements about the best ways to protect yourself in 2019. 3. Pros and Cons of Completing a Rollover Before Year-End – For many individuals, their 401(k) makes up the bulk of their...

Daniel Satchkov

13 Dec 2018

4 Reasons for Financial Advisors to Implement a Newsletter Email Campaign

A recent article listed the biggest reasons that advisors cite for why they have implemented newsletter marketing campaigns via email. Lets take a look at several of the key points: Cheap Many email marketing platforms offer free trials and inexpensive options but will vary on the amount of emails an advisor sends as well as the total number the number of contacts. There are many to choose from so it is always recommended to try several until you find the right one for your strategy. Here are 15 free platforms to choose from: HubSpot CRM Wix ShoutOut MailChimp Zoho Campaigns Elastic Email MailJet Benchmark SendinBlue MailerLite NetHunt VerticalResponse Reachmail Sendpulse Mad...

Daniel Satchkov

13 Dec 2018

Great Variety of Investment Options that 403(b) Plans Bring to the Table

Based on the Investment Company Institute and BrightScope data, an average large 403(b) plan provided 27 core options. It’s implied that recognizing the importance of plan design and features that will help to attract and retain qualified workers is crucial for nonprofit employers sponsoring 403(b) plans. According to a study from 2015, nearly all 403(b) plans included a great variety of investment options. For example, ninety percent of plans had fixed annuities, and over 90 percent offered target-date funds. Majority of 403(b) plans included high percent of employer contributions, providing 8$ billion in total, which is good for future savings. The rest of an average plan menu consisted of mutual...

Daniel Satchkov

12 Dec 2018

Important Lessons on 401k Contributions

In a recent video from 401kTV, we heard from Colleen Anderson, an Analyst on the Chick-Fil-A, Inc. Retirements Benefit Team. In her interview with 401kTV, they discussed the importance of company contributions and early eligibility as a critical tool for the health of their 401(k) plan and the retirement planning of participants. In an industry with such high turnover, Chick Fil A takes advantage of a great package that lets participants start contributing right away along with a very competitive employer match. Something to take away from this interview is the importance of employee participation in the plan and how to keep it up. Some companies with a non-competitive plan...

Daniel Satchkov

12 Dec 2018

What are the Best Ways to Avoid a 401K Fiduciary Lawsuit?

There are general guidelines provided by ERISA to follow by plan fiduciaries to avoid any unpleasant surprises in their practice when working with retirement plans. To successfully avoid any litigation and not to fall prey to any lawsuits, it is of a paramount importance to make sure that the necessary infrastructure and tools are in place when conducting any retirement plan business. According to a recent 401ktv.com article, “now, is as good a time as any to get your retirement plan committee together to review the plan’s investment lineup and fees”. This is because there are a lot people now looking at the retirement plans trying to find any reason to...