What do you really know about the Form 5500—and what’s hiding in plain sight?In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving deep into why savvy employers are rethinking their approach to 5500 reviews—and why letting someone else sign that form might be the smartest fiduciary move you can make. Our expert panel uncovers the red flags, audit triggers, and silent risks that most plan sponsors miss.From filing inaccuracies to the myth of the "safe harbor," this conversation pulls back the curtain on the 5500's real-world consequences. You'll hear jaw-dropping examples of common mistakes, misinterpreted data, and how one line on the form can expose you to major risk.In this episode, we cover:- Who should be signing your 5500—and who definitely shouldn't- The hidden power of the Schedule C- Common 5500 mistakes that set off DOL alarms- What “zero fees” really says to regulators (spoiler: it’s not good)Whether you’re a plan sponsor, financial advisor, or just trying to avoid your next audit surprise, this is an essential listen. It’s time to stop seeing the 5500 as a checkbox—and start treating it like a blueprint for better plan oversight.#RetirementPlans #5500Form #FiduciaryRisk #PlanGovernance #SmartERISA #FinancialWellness #EmployeeBenefits #AuditRisk

Think you're 404(c) compliant? Think again. In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most commonly misunderstood (and misused) fiduciary protections in the retirement plan world: ERISA 404(c).We break down:- What 404(c) actually is — and what it definitely isn’t- Why just saying you're compliant doesn’t mean you're protected- How to earn 404(c) status the right way- What signing the Form 5500 really means for fiduciaries- And why 404(c) might just be the most important safe harbor the DOL ever createdPlus, Marta shares a hilarious story from her TPA days, and we bring back another sketch to keep things fun while we talk serious compliance.👉 If you're a plan sponsor, advisor, or TPA, you don't want to miss this one.#404c #RetirementPlans #FiduciaryDuty #SafeHarbors #5500 #DOLCompliance #PlanGovernance

Are your retirement plan fiduciaries meeting their legal obligations—or unknowingly putting themselves at risk? In this episode, we break down the essential fiduciary duty to hire experts, especially when it comes to investment advisors and ERISA compliance. Whether you're a 401(k) plan sponsor, retirement committee member, or financial professional, this conversation will change how you view your responsibilities.

We cover:

• The three core fiduciary roles in a retirement plan: administrative, investment, and legal

• Why hiring the right experts isn’t optional—and how failing to do so could be a breach of fiduciary duty

• The real-world implications of recent ERISA litigation and Supreme Court cases

• How to document fiduciary decisions to mitigate risk and protect participants

You’ll walk away with clear, actionable insights into ERISA fiduciary best practices, and a better understanding of how to safeguard your retirement plan—and yourself.

Perfect for:

• 401(k) plan sponsors

• ERISA attorneys

• Financial advisors and consultants

• HR and benefits professionals

• Fiduciary committee members

Keywords: fiduciary duty, ERISA compliance, 401(k) plan sponsors, hiring investment advisors, fiduciary breach, retirement plan best practices, plan governance, hiring experts, fiduciary responsibility

🎧 Available on Spotify and YouTube.

Can you delegate fiduciary responsibility? In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Marta, Kate, and Isaac unpack the critical difference between fiduciary duty and delegation — and what every plan sponsor, business owner, and committee member needs to know.

You'll learn:

• What you can and can’t delegate when managing a retirement plan

• Why “I didn’t know” won’t protect you from liability

• How to reduce fiduciary risk without giving up control

• The real meaning of a fiduciary “outsourcer” — and how to choose one wisely

Whether you're just getting started or have been managing a plan for years, this episode will help you understand how to stay compliant, protect yourself, and make smarter decisions for your participants.

Subscribe for practical insights and expert guidance on fiduciary responsibility, risk mitigation, and retirement plan governance.

Listen + Follow:Spotify | YouTube | https://linktr.ee/fiduciarywise

Need help? Visit fiduciarywise.com/scheduling

Many employers believe appointing a 3(16) fiduciary takes them off the hook for ERISA compliance—but is that really the case? In this episode, we break down the major differences between a 3(16) administrative fiduciary and a 402(a) named fiduciary—and expose where liability actually lies.

We also explore common misconceptions about “limited scope” arrangements, what it means to sign a Form 5500, and why certifying plan data isn’t as hands-off as some might think. If you're a plan sponsor or advisor looking to understand where responsibility starts and stops, this episode is a must-listen.

• Schedule a meeting with Fiduciary Wise: https://fiduciarywise.com/scheduling

• Learn more about ERISA fiduciary roles: https://fiduciarywise.com

In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, we unpack the implications of the recent Cunningham v. Cornell Supreme Court decision and how it impacts plan sponsors and fiduciaries. James Watkins and Kate McBride discuss the evolution of fiduciary roles under ERISA, the importance of the Restatement of Trusts, and the growing need for 402(a) named fiduciaries. If you're still managing your 401(k) plan in-house or using outdated documents like overloaded IPSs, this episode is a must-listen.What you’ll learn:– Why the Restatement of Trusts matters more than ever– How plan sponsors unintentionally increase liability– What a 402(a) named fiduciary does (and doesn’t) do– Common ERISA missteps that lead to lawsuits– Practical risk management tips for peace of mindMentioned:– Restatement (Third) of Trusts– Cunningham v. Cornell University– Investment Policy Statement (IPS) risks– ERISA Sections 402 & 404This episode is hosted by: Kate McBride with Special Guest, James Watkins, III, JD, CFP Board Emeritus™, AWMA®Schedule a free consultation: https://fiduciarywise.com/schedulingHave questions? Send us a note or topic idea!

In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, we unpack the implications of the recent Cunningham v. Cornell Supreme Court decision and how it impacts plan sponsors and fiduciaries. James Watkins and Kate McBride discuss the evolution of fiduciary roles under ERISA, the importance of the Restatement of Trusts, and the growing need for 402(a) named fiduciaries. If you're still managing your 401(k) plan in-house or using outdated documents like overloaded IPSs, this episode is a must-listen.What you’ll learn:– Why the Restatement of Trusts matters more than ever– How plan sponsors unintentionally increase liability– What a 402(a) named fiduciary does (and doesn’t) do– Common ERISA missteps that lead to lawsuits– Practical risk management tips for peace of mindMentioned:– Restatement (Third) of Trusts– Cunningham v. Cornell University– Investment Policy Statement (IPS) risks– ERISA Sections 402 & 404This episode is hosted by: Kate McBride with Special Guest, James Watkins, III, JD, CFP Board Emeritus™, AWMA®Schedule a free consultation: https://fiduciarywise.com/schedulingHave questions? Send us a note or topic idea!

In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, we dive into the critical importance of proactive fiduciary management. Learn how regular semi-annual meetings, collaboration with service providers, and a hands-on approach to retirement plan oversight can ensure compliance, improve plan outcomes, and help you stay ahead of potential challenges.

Managing a retirement plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming! In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Kate and Marta guide you through the essentials of ongoing plan management.

Discover best practices for documenting roles and responsibilities, creating policies and procedures, and staying compliant with ERISA standards.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why documenting roles and responsibilities is crucial for plan success

✅ The importance of written policies and procedures for compliance

✅ How to avoid costly mistakes and streamline corrections

✅ Tips for making ongoing plan management simple and effective

Whether you're new to managing a retirement plan or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you reduce liability, improve processes, and ensure better outcomes for participants.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert advice on retirement plan management!

👍 Like this video and leave a comment below – what’s your biggest challenge as a plan sponsor?

Learn more about Fiduciary Wise: www.fiduciarywise.com

Watch The Wise Fiduciary Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fiduciarywise

Follow us on LinkedIn for more tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15221377/

#RetirementPlan #FiduciaryResponsibility #401kManagement #ERISACompliance #EmployeeBenefits #HRLeaders #PlanSponsors #FinancialWellness

Are you feeling overwhelmed managing your company’s 401(k) plan? As a plan sponsor, the weight of compliance, investment oversight, and fiduciary duties can feel like too much. But what if you could delegate up to 90% of your tasks and liability?

In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary, hosts Kate and Isaac dive into ERISA’s expectations for fiduciaries, the importance of expertise, and how delegating to a 3(38) investment manager or a 402(a) named fiduciary—like Fiduciary Wise—can ease your burden.

Discover how Fiduciary Wise serves as the CEO of your retirement plan, ensuring compliance, managing service providers, and improving outcomes for both employers and employees.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

Don’t miss this insightful discussion that could transform how you manage your retirement plan.

🔗 Learn more about Fiduciary Wise at fiduciarywise.com

👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into navigating retirement plan challenges.