by David Gensler | Jun 10, 2025 | article
Eric, the CFO of a new client, came into my office. “Our company’s 401(k) plan has been under examination by the IRS for a year and a half! We hired a competent ERISA attorney, but the audit shows no signs of ending. The IRS is pushing to extend the audit into prior...
by David Gensler | May 13, 2025 | article
Here’s another story from the vault: Tony stormed into my office, frustration written on his face. He ran the retirement plan for his employer, and something had gone terribly wrong. I gestured for him to take a seat. “Tell me what happened.” “David, you won’t...
by David Gensler | Apr 8, 2025 | article
John—a client of ten years—shared his plans to switch jobs. His new position came with a significant raise, and he was excited about the new opportunity. “I’ll be earning more, but I’m not sure how it will affect my 401(k). Will my savings continue to grow at the same...
by David Gensler | Mar 11, 2025 | article
Jaime, a longtime client, came in to ask me about rolling over her 401(k) to an IRA. “David, I’ve been considering rolling over my 401(k) from my previous job into an IRA. What are the pros and cons of doing this?” “That’s a good question,” I said. “Rolling over your...
by David Gensler | Feb 4, 2025 | article
A fifth client this month asked me to review their internal controls. Usually, they make the same mistakes: Wrong compensation used to calculate payroll deductions and match Failure to mail out participant notices Deferral Elections made on RK platform are not updated...
by David Gensler | Jan 7, 2025 | article
I sat at my monthly SHRM chapter meeting with a group of HR managers from various businesses. We enjoyed some pre-meeting small talk until Linda, one of the HR managers, leaned in with a question that piqued my interest. “Has anyone heard about this new Catch-Up...
by David Gensler | Dec 10, 2024 | article
Margaret, the president of her company came into my office one late November morning feeling great! “We had another good year and I was going to write holiday bonus checks for everyone. This year we’ll be giving out bonuses equal to 7% of our employees’ annual pay....
by David Gensler | Nov 26, 2024 | article
Geoff came into my office looking concerned. “David, I heard something about mandatory automatic enrollment for retirement plans starting in 2025. Is that true?” “Hi, Geoff. And yes, you’re right. Starting in 2025, most new 401(k) or 403(b) plans will be required to...
by David Gensler | Nov 5, 2024 | article
Hector asked me if it would be possible to make an early withdrawal from his retirement plan. He’s a small consultant and though he does well overall, his income tends to “roller-coaster” as he works on one project and then sets up a new one. “I’ve been saving for...
by David Gensler | Oct 1, 2024 | article
At my last SHRM chapter meeting, I found myself engaged in conversation with several HR managers who were responsible for managing their companies’ retirement plans. I was surprised to discover that none of the professionals at my table were aware of how dramatically...
