The Wise Fiduciary Podcast
by Fiduciary Wise
The Wise Fiduciary is your go-to source for everything related to fiduciary responsibility, ERISA, and retirement plans. As a podcast owned and produced by Fiduciary Wise, we're committed to sharing the latest news and information on the industry, as well as best practices and expert advice to help retirement plan advisors, TPAs, and other service providers stay ahead of the curve.If you're looking to stay informed and up-to-date on all things fiduciary, ERISA, and retirement planning, then The Wise Fiduciary is the podcast for you. Subscribe now and join us on this journey.
Episodes
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When Is It Time to Outsource Fiduciary Responsibility?
At what point should an employer stop trying to manage every fiduciary responsibility internally? For many retirement plan committees, the answer isn't about capability—it's about time, expertise, governance, and recognizing when outside fiduciary support better serves plan participants. In this...
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Does Joining a PEP Really Reduce Fiduciary Liability?
Many employers join a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) believing most of their fiduciary liability disappears. That's one of the biggest misconceptions in today's retirement plan industry. In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Marta Hurst explains what fiduciary responsibilities employers…
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The Set It and Forget It Trap in 401k Plan Design | The Wise Fiduciary Podcast S5 E8
Retirement plans aren't crock pots. One of the biggest fiduciary mistakes isn't making the wrong decision—it's assuming an old decision never needs to be revisited. Marta Hurst welcomes retirement plan consultant Melissa Terito to discuss how automatic enrollment, eligibility rules, matching...
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When Participant Choice Becomes Participant Harm | Why More Investment Options Can Increase Fiduciary Risk
Does giving participants more investment choices actually help them? Not always. In this episode, Marta Hurst explores one of the most overlooked fiduciary risks in retirement plan design: investment lineup bloat. Many committees assume that adding more funds creates more flexibility and better...
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The QDIA Comfort Trap: Why Choosing a Default Investment Isn't Enough | The Wise Fiduciary S5 E6
Choosing a QDIA is only the beginning. Many retirement plan committees believe selecting a Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA) completes their fiduciary responsibility. In reality, that's where the work begins. In this episode, Marta Hurst is joined by retirement investment expert…
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Managed Accounts: Enhancement or Liability? | Season 5 Episode 5
Most retirement plans now offer managed accounts—but are they actually improving participant outcomes, or simply adding another layer of fees? In this episode of the Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Marta Hurst explores when managed accounts become a fiduciary enhancement… and when they become a fiduciary...
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When Cheap Gets Expensive: The Hidden Cost of Retirement Plan Fees | The Wise Fiduciary Pod S5 E4
Everyone wants lower fees. But at what point does fee compression become a fiduciary red flag? In this episode of the Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Marta Hurst explores why the lowest-cost retirement plan option is not always the best fiduciary decision. Lower fees can be a positive outcome—but only…
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How Much Can You Rely on Your Recordkeeper | The Wise Fiduciary Podcast S5 E3
How much responsibility does your recordkeeper actually have?Many retirement plan sponsors assume their recordkeeper is responsible for far more than they actually are. While recordkeepers provide valuable administrative support, participant tools, transaction processing, and educational…
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When Industry Standard Becomes a Lawsuit | The Wise Fiduciary Podcast S5 E2
Just because everyone is doing it doesn't mean it's prudent.In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, host Marta Hurst explores one of the most common and dangerous assumptions in retirement plan governance: the belief that "industry standard" equals fiduciary protection.From peer-group...
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The Committee That Never Asked Why | The Wise Fiduciary Podcast Season 5 Episode 1
Most plan failures don't begin with bad intentions.They begin with comfort.Most fiduciary failures don't begin with bad intentions.They begin with comfort.In the first episode of The Fiduciary Red Line, Marta Hurst explores what happens when retirement plan committees stop asking questions and...
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TWF 4.7 - Managed Accounts Under the Microscope
Managed accounts promise professional portfolio management inside your 401(k). More personalization. More oversight. More help for participants who do not want to manage investments themselves.But do they actually deliver better outcomes, or just higher fees and a false sense of security?In the...
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TWF 4.5 - The ESG Question: Can Values and Fiduciary Duty Coexist in a 401(k)?
ESG funds are everywhere, but should they be inside a retirement plan?In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, hosts Marta Hurst and Isaac Wood go head-to-head on one of the most debated topics in the 401(k) space. Do ESG funds genuinely serve participants, or do they complicate a…
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TWF 4.4 - 3(38) vs 3(21): The Investment Fiduciary Reality Check
Investment fiduciaries sound straightforward until you ask one question. Who actually owns the risk?In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Marta Hurst and Isaac Wood go head to head on one of the most misunderstood decisions in retirement plan governance: hiring a 3(21) versus a 3(38)...
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TWF 4.1 - PEPs: Game-Changer or Gimmick?
Are PEPs actually helping plan sponsors or are they just another retirement plan trend that sounds better than it performs? In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary, Isaac Wood and Marta Hurst debate the real-world pros and cons of Pooled Employer Plans. We get into fiduciary responsibility, hidden...
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3.10 - The Annual Meeting Playbook: Are You Actually Following ERISA?
Is your annual retirement plan meeting checking a box—or building a real fiduciary defense?In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Kate McBride, Marta Hurst, and Isaac Wood of Fiduciary Wise share the must-have elements of a compliant and productive annual meeting. From meeting minutes to...
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3.9 - The Real Reason Plan Sponsors Are Getting Sued
It's not just about fees. It's not just about investments. It's about what you didn’t document.Plan sponsors are facing a surge in ERISA lawsuits—and many never saw it coming. In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, we break down the real reason fiduciaries are getting hit with claims…
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3.8 - Passing the Buck: The Real Cost of Misplaced Discretion
Fee reasonableness isn’t just a best practice — it’s a legal requirement under ERISA. In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Marta Hurst, Isaac Wood, and Kate McBride of Fiduciary Wise dig into what it takes to demonstrate fee reasonableness under ERISA. They break down the critical...
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TWF 3.7 - Plan Harmony: Don’t Compete — Complete
How can a 402(a) fiduciary work alongside recordkeepers, advisors, and TPAs without stepping on toes? In this episode of The Fiduciary Wise Podcast, Kate McBride and Marta Hurst explain why Fiduciary Wise doesn’t compete with other retirement plan providers — we complete the team.You’ll learn:✅...
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BONUS: Marta & Isaac React to Cunningham v. Cornell University
BONUS EPISODE: Reaction to Cunningham v. CornellIn this special bonus episode of the Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Marta Hurst and Isaac Wood share their candid reactions and insights following the in-depth analysis from Kate McBride and Jim Watkins on the landmark Cunningham v. Cornell University...
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TWF 3.6 - Guilty Until Proven Prudent: How to Avoid Being the Next Headline in a 401(k) Lawsuit
Think your 401(k) plan is safe from a lawsuit? You might already be the target. In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, we explore the real legal exposure facing plan sponsors — especially in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Cunningham v. Cornell University ruling. This isn’t theory…
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TWF 3.5 - Why Smart Employers Let Someone Else Sign the 5500
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...
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TWF 3.4 - The Compliance You Didn’t Know You Were Missing: 404(c)
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...
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TWF 3.3 - The Dangerous Myth of 'Saving' Plan Costs
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,...
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Fiduciary Duty vs. Delegation: What You Need to Know (and What You Can Outsource)
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...
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TWF 3.1 - Limited Scope, Unlimited Risk: The Problem with Relying on Just a 3(16)
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…
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TWF 3.01 - Cunningham v. Cornell: A Turning Point in Fiduciary Law.
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...
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TWF 3.01 - Cunningham v. Cornell: A Turning Point in Fiduciary Law
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...
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TWF 2.10 - Proactive Fiduciary Management: Steering Your Plan Toward Success
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…
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TWF 2.9 - Ongoing Management Made Simple: Best Practices for Plan Sponsors
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...
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TWF 2.8 - Are You Overwhelmed as a Plan Sponsor? Meet Your Compliance Solution!
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...
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TWF 2.7 Investment Management Essentials for 401(k) Plans with Jim Watkins
401(k) Plan Sponsors: Are you managing investments the right way? In this episode of The Wise Fiduciary Podcast, Kate and Marta chat with Jim Watkins about essential strategies for managing 401(k) investment menus under ERISA. Learn how to delegate effectively, avoid common compliance mistakes…
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TWF 2.6 Mastering Retirement Plan Compliance: Tips for Staying Ahead
🎙 Mastering Retirement Plan Compliance: Tips for Staying Ahead Are you prepared to tackle the complexities of retirement plan compliance? Join hosts Kate and Marta as they break down the essential strategies every plan sponsor needs to know. From navigating top-heavy plans to avoiding costly...
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TWF 2.5 - Are You Overestimating What Recordkeepers Are Actually Responsible For?
What’s your recordkeeper actually responsible for? Join Marta and Isaac as they unpack one of the most misunderstood roles in retirement plan management. Learn why your recordkeeper isn’t typically a fiduciary, what their true duties entail, and why it's vital for you to understand these...
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TWF 2.4 - Most Plans Aren't Doing This Correctly... Avoid Costly Mistakes with ERISA’s 404(c)
Most retirement plans aren’t doing this correctly… Are you fulfilling ERISA’s 404(c) requirements? In this eye-opening episode of The Wise Fiduciary, host Kate McBride welcomes special guest Don Jones, Fiduciary Wise founder and former host of Season 1. Together, they dive into the…
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TWF 2.3 - Enroll Call: Everything You Need to Know About 401(k) Enrollment
Episode 3: Enroll Call: Everything You Need to Know About 401(k) Enrollment Join hosts Marta Hurst and Isaac Wood as they dive deep into the ins and outs of 401(k) enrollment. In this episode, we explore critical questions around eligibility, the enrollment process, and the resources available to...
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TWF 2.2 - Plan Sponsor Essentials: Fiduciary Duties
Season 2, Episode 2: Plan Sponsor Essentials: Fiduciary Duties Welcome back to The Wise Fiduciary! In this episode, hosts Marta Hurst and Isaac Wood break down the key roles and responsibilities that come with managing a retirement plan. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between hiring…
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TWF 2.1 - Managing a 401(k): Key Responsibilities for Retirement Plan Sponsors and Service Providers
In the kickoff to Season 2, hosts Kate McBride, AIFA®, CEFEX Analyst, Marta Hurst, QKA, and Isaac Wood, CFP®, AIF® walk you through the first steps you need to take when you find yourself responsible for overseeing a company’s retirement plan. Whether you’re a CEO, HR professional, or new to the...
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Deciphering MEPs, PEPs, and DC GoPs
At around the 3:30-minute mark, when discussing MEPs, PEPs, and Defined Contribution Groups, it's important to clarify that Closed MEPs, Defined Contribution Groups, and PEPs typically have a single Form 5500 filed for the entire group. However, it's worth noting that another type known as an…
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Trust Talks: Mastering Fiduciary Excellence with the Restatement
🎙️ Episode 5: "Trust Talks: Mastering Fiduciary Excellence with The Restatement" 🎙️ Welcome to The Wise Fiduciary Podcast! In this episode, Don Jones, ERISA 402(A) Named Fiduciary at Fiduciary Wise, takes us on a deep dive into fiduciary governance and the Common Law of Trusts. Explore the...
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Common Mistakes Plan Sponsors and Service Providers Make
Discover the essentials of fiduciary responsibility in retirement plan management with The Wise Fiduciary Podcast. Hosted by Don Jones, an ERISA 402(A) Named Fiduciary at Fiduciary Wise, this episode delves into the "Common Mistakes Plan Sponsors and Service Providers Make." From being...
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ERISA Basics and Its Impact on Fiduciary Responsibility
In this episode of "The Wise Fiduciary," we take a deep dive into ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), breaking down the complex law into four essential basics. We start with the Studebaker Corporation's financial crisis in the late 1950s, a key moment that led to the creation of…
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Marketing Fiduciary Services with Guest Marta Hurst, QKA
In Episode 2 of "The Wise Fiduciary," host Don Jones is joined by Marta Hurst, BCF™, QKA, the newest partner at Fiduciary Wise. Marta, previously the VP of Development for a successful TPA firm, shares her remarkable journey from having little knowledge of fiduciary governance to becoming a...
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How the DOL's New Rule Affects YOU
In this inaugural episode of "The Wise Fiduciary" podcast, hosted by Don Jones, BCF, an ERISA 402(A) Named Fiduciary at Fiduciary Wise, listeners are treated to a deep dive into a critical topic for anyone involved in retirement planning. Don introduces the 2022 final rule published by the...
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0.1 The Wise Fiduciary Podcast
Mark your calendars for September 13th because something big is coming your way! The Wise Fiduciary podcast, hosted by Don Jones, BCF, is gearing up to unveil a wealth of insights, expertise, and the latest updates on all things fiduciary, ERISA, retirement plans, and more. Whether you're a...
About this show
The Wise Fiduciary is your go-to source for everything related to fiduciary responsibility, ERISA, and retirement plans. As a podcast owned and produced by Fiduciary Wise, we're committed to sharing the latest news and information on the industry, as well as best practices and expert advice to help retirement plan advisors, TPAs, and other service providers stay ahead of the curve.If you're looking to stay informed and up-to-date on all things fiduciary, ERISA, and retirement planning, then The Wise Fiduciary is the podcast for you. Subscribe now and join us on this journey.
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