Charlie Epstein

About the Author

Charlie Epstein

Charlie Epstein, CLU, ChFC, AIF® is the founder of The 401k Coach® Program, which offers expert training to develop the skills, systems and processes necessary to excel in the 401(k) industry for Advisors, Plan Sponsors and Plan Participants. Charlie Epstein has been nominated by 401kWire as one of the Most Influential People in the 401(k) Industry and was recently named to the Legg Mason Retirement Advisory Council. He can be reached at 413-539-2370 or at cdepstein@the401kcoach.com.

• 5 rules for safer social media use

  By Charlie Epstein  |  November 6, 2012

  With compliance concerns on the rise, it can be difficult for retirement advisors to know what to post - and what not to post. Here's a rough social media guide.

• What we can learn from Tussey v. ABB Inc.

  By Charlie Epstein  |  September 17, 2012

  The importance of understanding and upholding fiduciary duties is more critical than ever, as a judgment awarded $37 million to one plan's participants.

• 5 tips for advisors in a post-fee disclosure world

  By Charlie Epstein  |  August 23, 2012

  The participant fee disclosure deadline hits in a week. Are you ready to demonstrate your value to your customers?

• Creating a referral system for more 401(k) business

  By Charlie Epstein  |  August 2, 2012

  When it comes to marketing, referral sources are some of your best allies. Here are ways to create a system for generating and sustaining your referral sources.

• Helping your participants earn a paycheck for life

  By Charlie Epstein  |  June 1, 2012

  Figuring out a way to guarantee retirement plan participants a virtual paycheck for life means factoring in their assets and liabilities with their projected lifespans.

• Upcoming disclosure prompts participant fee education

  By Charlie Epstein  |  April 23, 2012

  Many companies and advisors are worried that their clients will view the newly disclosed fees to be too high. It's time to educate participants.

• Are you blogging yet?

  By Charlie Epstein  |  April 10, 2012

  It's a common misconception that blogging is a personal, not professional, endeavor. It is in fact a way for your clients to stay up-to-date on your practice.

• Using the 404(a)(5) to add value to your services

  By Charlie Epstein  |  March 2, 2012

  The soon-to-be-mandatory Education Policy Statement should provide 401(k) plan participants with clear objectives, performance standards and results.

• Another tough year: Showing your clients you care

  By Charlie Epstein  |  December 22, 2011

  It's been another tough year for the market, and your clients may have suffered some serious financial blows. Now is the time to show them how grateful you are that they chose your services over your competition

• Past performance is no guarantee of future results: Understanding bear markets

  By Charlie Epstein  |  September 14, 2011

  Due to recent market volatility, many are claiming that we are in a bear market. Although frightening, it isn’t the end of the world. In this climate, a financial advisor’s duty is to educate their clients about these turbulent periods and to prevent panicked investors from making poor choices.