401(k) Plans Are Changing Fast: PEPs, Hidden Fees, and Smarter Default Investing

EP21 Enlightened Wealth Strategies with James and JimJames and Jim welcome special guest John Edwards of Allaris to break down what recordkeeping actually does inside a 401(k), why “open architecture” matters, and how newer plan structures like PEPs and MEPs are reshaping retirement plans for small and mid-sized businesses. They also dig into fee transparency (and why it still feels confusing), Secure Act-driven participation changes, innovations in target-date and managed account defaults, and where the industry may be heading with alternative investments plus a clear primer on ESOPs and cash balance plans.