Get All Access for $5/mo

Think You Can Just Sign up Your Company for a 401(k) and Forget About It? Think Again. Here's how to make sense of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

By Scott Wylie Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You've done your homework on retirement and 401(k) plans. You think you know everything you need to know about fees and returns and being a sponsor. You're up to date.

OK, what about ERISA -- the Employee Retirement Income Security Act?

Skip the class on that one? Sorry, you do need to know some of the details about this important regulation. Fiduciary responsibilities are a key area, and can be a big legal risk.

Lawsuits against companies -- even small ones -- have propagated against companies that don't perfectly follow the rules.
Scott Wylie

Chairman and CEO, First Western

Scott Wylie co-founded First Western in 2002 after recognizing the need for an integrated approach for delivering financial services to the growing affluent market. As chairman and CEO of First Western, Wylie provides leadership for the holding company, as well as management of the bank and trust services. Most recently, he served as chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Bank of Colorado after having sold his prior institution, Trust Bank of Colorado, to Northern in 1998.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Growing a Business

How to Determine The Ideal Length of Your Marketing Emails Your Customers Will Actually Read

Wondering how long your marketing emails should be? Here's what consumers say — so you can send them exactly what they like.

Business News

A Former Corporate Lawyer Now Makes Six Figures on YouTube — Here's How She Does It

Here are the secrets to starting and growing a successful YouTube channel, according to a YouTuber with millions of subscribers.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.