They often say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The meaning of the proverb is rather simple, that individuals may do bad things even though they intend the results to be good, or, that good intentions may not result in a good outcome because of inaction due to procrastination. While employers sponsor participant directed 401(k) plans to benefit their employees, sometimes their good intentions lead to a harmful result of financial liability because of their inaction or incompetence. However, the Department of Labor (DOL) has made a new exemption to allow for financial advice to be provided by plan providers to participants. In order to avoid the road to hell, plan sponsors should make sure that their 401(k) plans allow for both financial education and advice to plan participants.
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