The Sentinel Show
Sentinel Pension
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The Sentinel Show is presented by Sentinel Pension, a retirement plan consulting firm. Hosts Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon discuss hot topics and current issues in the retirement plan industry. The podcast offers insights and analysis for professionals and listeners interested in retirement plan management.
Epizode
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The Sentinel Show S7E9: The 401(k) Loan - What Plan Sponsors Need to Know 19.05.2026 10minAre 401(k) loans a financial lifeline or a retirement trap? In the season finale, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon share their unfiltered takes on 401(k) loans, why they're skeptical of them, where they go wrong in practice, and what plan sponsors need to know before opening that door. From double taxation and missed payroll deductions to a participant who somehow borrowed $300,000 thinking the $50,000 limit was per loan, this episode covers the real-world chaos that can unfold when loan policies lack guardrails. Plus, the surprising truth about where loan rules actually live in your plan documents. If you sponsor a 401(k) plan or are thinking about adding loans, this one's for you.Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky -
The Sentinel Show S7E8: The Solo 401(k) Problem - You Can't Set It and Forget It 05.05.2026 9minThink your Solo 401(k) is easy to manage because it's just you? Think again. In this episode of The Sentinel Show, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon tackle one of the retirement plan world's biggest traps: the deceptively "simple" Solo 401(k).Melissa and Kasey discuss why 75% of the Solo 401(k)s they see are set up incorrectly, often because business owners hired employees and didn't realize their "solo" plan just became a full-fledged 401(k) with all the compliance requirements attached. From the owner who crossed the $250,000 asset threshold three years ago and never filed a Form 5500, to the S-corp owner maxing out contributions based on their 1099 income instead of their actual W-2 wages, the hosts walk through common errors they encounter.The conversation covers when a Solo 401(k) might make sense versus a SEP IRA, why those two-page "fill in the blanks" plan documents can be problematic, what happens when document restatements get overlooked, and why even owner-only plans benefit from proper administration. Melissa breaks down the math on contribution limits, explaining the potential difference between Solo 401(k) and SEP contributions for someone with $100K in W-2 wages.Whether you're a business owner with a Solo 401(k), a financial advisor working with solo practitioners, or someone navigating retirement plan administration, this episode explores the compliance pitfalls that often go unnoticed until it's too late.Because as Melissa says, the easiest things can get the most messed up. And $250,000 comes faster than you think.
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The Sentinel Show S7E7: Are Your Businesses a Controlled Group? What Every Multi-Business Owner Needs to Know 21.04.2026 11minDo you own more than one business? Even if they seem completely unrelated, the IRS may still consider them a single employer when it comes to your retirement plan — and that distinction could cost you.In this episode of The Sentinel Show, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon break down one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of retirement plan compliance: controlled groups and affiliated service groups. From parent-subsidiary structures to brother-sister controlled groups, Melissa walks through the real-world scenarios she sees done wrong every day — including the classic mistake of setting up a separate plan specifically to avoid covering employees.The conversation covers what actually triggers a controlled group or affiliated service group, why business owners assume they're in the clear when they're not, what happens when you're only covering 50% of your total employee population instead of the required 70%, and why the "but my companies have nothing to do with each other" argument doesn't hold up the way most people think it does.If you own multiple businesses, have partners who own other entities, or have ever wondered why your TPA keeps asking so many questions about ownership — this episode is exactly why. Getting this wrong isn't just a technicality. It can mean funding corrective contributions for employees who never had the chance to participate in your plan.Don't wait until someone finds the problem for you.
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The Sentinel Show S7E6: AI in the Retirement Plan World 24.03.2026 12minIn this latest episode of The Sentinel Show, Kasey Melancon and Melissa Terito cut through the noise to talk about how we're actually using AI as a "thought partner." They’re diving into how we use "closed AI" to keep data secure while summarizing technical reports, using AI note-takers so you can actually be present in meetings instead of scribbling notes, and why the right prompt can get a client to respond in 24 hours when nothing else works. AI isn't going to solve every problem, but it's helping us bust through some major roadblocks.
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The Sentinel Show S7E5: Navigating PEPs, GoPs, and the 402(a) Difference 10.03.2026 13minIn this episode of The Sentinel Show, host Melissa Terito sits down with her friend of twelve years, Marta Hurst from Fiduciary Wise, to clear up the common confusion surrounding retirement plan fiduciaries and the "alphabet soup" of modern plan structures. Marta explains her role as a 402(a) fiduciary and how many plan sponsors don't even realize they hold fiduciary status. The conversation gets into the nitty-gritty of Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) versus Groups of Plans (GoPs), noting that while a PEP requires a Pooled Plan Provider (P3) and acts as a single merged entity with one shared audit, a GoP is essentially an "easy button" that allows individual plans to stay independent while sharing service providers and a single Form 5500 filing. Ultimately, the pair stresses that whether you're looking for audit savings in a PEP or the simplicity of a GoP, you don’t want to set these up incorrectly, making expert consultation essential.
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The Sentinel Show S7E4: The Power of the Committee 24.02.2026 9minMelissa Terito and Kasey Melancon are back to provide the "how-to" on staying protected. In this episode of The Sentinel Show, they dive deep into the world of Investment Committees—demystifying what they are, why they exist, and how to build one that actually adds value to your retirement plan.Whether you are managing a five-person startup or a $100 million plan, the hosts break down the practical logistics of plan oversight. From the "magic" of odd numbers in committee sizing to the critical importance of looking beyond the C-suite for members, Melissa and Kasey share expert insights on keeping your plan compliant and your participants happy.Key highlights include:The Ideal Size: Why three to five members is the "sweet spot" for most small to mid-sized firms.The "Document or it Didn't Happen" Rule: Why meeting minutes are your best defense during an IRS or Department of Labor audit.Beyond Leadership: The benefits of including trusted employees and subject matter experts to get a diverse perspective on plan performance.Fee Monitoring: How active oversight—not just picking the "cheapest" option—prevents the lawsuits that plague unmonitored plans.Thresholds for Change: Identifying the participant counts and asset sizes that warrant a fully formed, formal committee.Don't let your retirement plan fall into the "set it and forget it" trap. Tune in to learn how to lean on your TPAs and advisors to build a committee that stands up to scrutiny.
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The Sentinel Show S7E3: The Long-Term Part-Time Rule Everyone Is About to Get Wrong 10.02.2026 9minMost plan sponsors don’t realize they’re already on the clock—and 2026 is when it starts to matter.The long-term part-time (LT-PT) employee rule has been talked about for years, but now it’s no longer theoretical. If you have employees working 500+ hours and your plan has a year-of-service requirement, there’s a real risk you’re missing eligibility—and that mistake can get expensive fast.In this episode of The Sentinel Show, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon break down:What actually qualifies someone as a long-term part-time employeeWhy most employers assume someone else is tracking this (and why that’s a problem)When the clock really started—and why calendar math trips everyone upWhat happens if you fail to offer deferrals when requiredThe documentation plan sponsors need before it turns into a correctionIf you sponsor a retirement plan—or advise companies that do—this is one rule you can’t afford to ignore anymore.
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The Sentinel Show S7E2: The Don’ts of Being a Fiduciary: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know 27.01.2026 12minIf you sponsor a retirement plan, the fastest way to get into trouble is assuming fiduciary rules do not apply to you or overlooking warning signs when something feels off. In this episode of The Sentinel Show, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon break down the biggest fiduciary don’ts that can lead to audits, penalties, and unnecessary risk.You will hear why you cannot outsource all fiduciary responsibility, which red flags deserve immediate attention, and how simple documentation habits can protect you if the Department of Labor comes knocking. They also cover why company convenience should never come before participants’ best interests and why delaying corrections usually makes problems more expensive.In this episode, we cover:✅Why you should never assume you are not a fiduciary🚩Red flags to take seriously, including late employee deferrals and participant complaints📝How to document decisions without overcomplicating the process⚖️Avoiding conflicts of interest and putting participants first⏱️Why fixing mistakes early is almost always easier and cheaperWant to round out the two-part series? Start with S7E1 for the do’s, then come back to this one for the don’ts.Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know! Visit our website for more information: Sentinel (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky -
The Sentinel Show S7E1: The Do’s of Being a Fiduciary: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know 13.01.2026 14minWhat does it actually mean to be a fiduciary, and are you one whether you realize it or not?In this season-opening episode of The Sentinel Show, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon kick off 2026 by revisiting one of the most misunderstood topics in retirement plans: fiduciary responsibility. Your title does not determine whether you are a fiduciary. Your actions do.This episode breaks down the core do’s of being a fiduciary using practical, real-world examples business owners face every day. The conversation covers understanding when you are acting as a fiduciary versus making a business decision, hiring and monitoring the right experts, following the plan document, overseeing investments responsibly, and communicating clearly with plan participants.If you have ever thought, “I’m not involved in the plan,” or “That responsibility belongs to someone else,” this episode will challenge that assumption and help you better understand where fiduciary risk truly lives and how to manage it with confidence.The conversation continues next episode with the fiduciary don’ts every plan sponsor should avoid. -
S6E8: Educating Participants - The Overlooked Key to Retention and Engagement 11.11.2025 10minAs the year winds down, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon close out another season of The Sentinel Show with an important conversation on a topic that’s often overshadowed - participant education.In this episode, Melissa and Kasey dive into why it’s essential for employers to actively educate their employees about the retirement plan benefits they offer. They discuss how understanding plan provisions like eligibility, vesting, loans, and hardships can improve retention, reduce frustration, and help employees truly see the value of their total compensation package.From tips on creating easy-to-understand one-pagers to incorporating retirement education into annual open enrollment meetings, this episode offers practical advice for plan sponsors looking to make a lasting impact.Plus, Melissa and Kasey reflect on the close of Season 6,share some holiday laughs, and hint at exciting news coming soon from the Sentinel team.Tune in for:💡Why retirement plan education matters now more than ever🗣️How to communicate plan benefits effectively🤝The connection between participant understanding and employee retention📈 A look ahead to "selling season" and what’s next for The Sentinel Show🎧 Listen in, take notes, and get ready for another year of helping participants feel empowered about their financial futures.Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know! Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S6E7: Retirement Plan Horror Stories 28.10.2025 16minJust in time for Halloween, Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon share some spine-tingling tales from the world of retirement plans! 👻In this episode, the hosts dive into two real-life “horror stories” that will make any plan sponsor’s skin crawl—from misplaced safe harbor contributions and unfiled 5500s to Department of Labor audits and $120,000 in missing deferrals. Melissa and Kasey break down what went wrong,how they fixed it, and the lessons learned to help others avoid similar nightmares.Whether you’re a plan sponsor, advisor, or just love a goodcompliance thriller, this episode will leave you grateful for a smooth audit and a well-run plan.Tune in for:Red flags in open MEPs and plan administrationWhat happens when contributions go to the wrong sourceReal-world insights into VCP and DOL audit resolutionsWhy "fixing" is sometimes scarier than the original mistakeHappy Halloween — and may your plan never haunt you! 🎃Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know! Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S6E6: Roth Catch-Up Rules - What Plan Sponsors Need to Know for 2026 13.10.2025 9minIn this episode of The Sentinel Show, hosts Melissa Terito and Kasey Melancon unpack one of the most significant upcoming changes from the SECURE 2.0 Act — the mandatory Roth catch-up requirement that applies to certain higher-income participants beginning January 1, 2026.They break down who’s affected, what plan sponsors and payroll providers need to do to stay compliant, and how HR teams can prepare now. From understanding the $145,000 (indexed) FICA wage threshold to coordinating Roth feature updates and avoiding payroll missteps, Melissa and Kasey make a complex rule easy to follow.They also discuss the IRS’s final regulations, the two-year transition period ending December 31, 2025, and what "good-faith compliance” means for plan operations in the first year.Whether you manage retirement plans, oversee payroll, or just want to stay ahead of evolving regulations, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate Roth catch-ups with confidence and clarity.Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know! Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S6E5: Finding a Way - Late-Year Retirement Plan Solutions 30.09.2025 11minIt’s officially 401(k) “selling season,” and Melissa Teritoand Kasey Melancon are diving into the strategies business owners can still use—even if key deadlines have already passed. They unpack what happens when employers miss the October 1st cutoff for establishing a safe harbor 401(k),explore how prior-year testing can provide flexibility for small business owners, and explain why plan design often looks different for smaller companies with only a handful of employees.The conversation also touches on profit-sharing opportunities, effective dates, and the practical differences between S corporations and other entity types. Melissa and Kasey break down the pros and cons of pushing a plan through before year-end versus waiting until the newyear, and they highlight solutions—like cash balance plans and profit-sharing-only plans—that can still deliver meaningful tax and retirement benefits.If you’re a business owner who’s procrastinated on yourretirement plan setup, this episode is full of insights to help you understand your options and avoid missing out.Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S6E4: Plan Investments and Cryptocurrency 15.09.2025 14minWelcome back to The Sentinel Show! Today, Melissa and Kasey boldly go where this podcast hasn’t gone before: talking about investments. Specifically, we go over how cryptocurrency investments within 401(k) plans work and the risks involved when considering whether to invest in cryptocurrency, whether inside or outside of the plan itself. We aren’t investment advisors, but we are TPAs, so listen along to find out our thoughts and recommendationsfor investments within and outside of retirement plans! Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S6E3: SEPs and Cash Balance Plans 02.09.2025 9minWelcome back to The Sentinel Show! Today, Melissa and Kasey tackle an unusual but important topic: pairing SEPs (Simplified Employee Pensions) with Cash Balance Plans.This question led to a deep dive into how these two types ofretirement plans can (and sometimes can’t) work together. Can you retroactively add a cash balance plan to a SEP? What’s the IRS rule about Form 5305? Why does the 31% combined plan limit matter? And ultimately—why might a 401(k) with a cash balance plan offer more flexibility and higher long-term savings potential than a SEP with one?Melissa and Kasey walk through the rules, limits, andreal-life scenarios to highlight the pros, cons, and tax advantages that come with these different plan combinations.Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S6E2: Required Minimum Distributions 18.08.2025 6minWelcome back to The Sentinel Show! We have a new episode for you to start your week off right. Today, Melissa and Kasey break down another acronym: RMDs, or Required Minimum Distributions. Once someone reaches a certain age, they have to take money out of their 401(k) plan, but there are many rules surrounding these distributions. How old do you have to be before these distributions are required? What amount is required? Who is responsible for these RMDs? What are best practices for participants? Listen along to get our answers to these questions and much more! Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S6E1: Business Change Impacts on Retirement Plans 04.08.2025 10minWelcome back to The Sentinel Show! We have a new name and the same great content! We hope y’all have had a great summer break! This week, Kasey and Melissa catch us up on what they’ve been up to, and they also go over what happens when one business buys or sells another and how that impacts the company’s retirement plans. Can participants who have had their assets merged into another plan take a distribution or not? How does the type of business transaction impact your options and what part does the purchase agreement play in all this? Listen along to hear our answers to these questions and much more! Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Note from the editor: We had a few technical difficulties this episode, so we apologize for the quality change, but we anticipate that this will be fixed for future episodes!Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S5E10: Off-Track Plans 26.05.2025 16minWelcome back to the Sentinel Pension Show! On our final episode before we take a break for the summer, Kasey and Melissa are breaking down a topic that is widely covered in the TPA world: plans that go off the rails. Our resident plan fixers break down the governing bodies that review these plans, what they’re looking for when they come to audit plans, the safe harbor standard for deposit submissions, the types of corrections systems, and so much more! We hope y’all have a great summer and will come back to learn more with us next season! Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S5E9: Debunking the Cookie Cutter Plan Myth 12.05.2025 12minWelcome back to the Sentinel Pension Show! We have someexciting news – next season of the Sentinel Pension Show will be coming to you from a new office! Today’s episode talks about an important topic: while you may think there are cookie cutter retirement plans, that’s most likely not the case. We talk about potential mistakes that can befall a retirement plan and how mistakes in the plan can snowball into more difficult problems. To learn more about this, continue listening to this great episode! Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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S5E8: Retirement Plan Fees 28.04.2025 10minWelcome back to the Sentinel Pension Show! It’s almost the end of the school year and our former teachers, Kasey and Melissa, are teaching us about retirement plan fees. We go over record keeper asset fees, reasonableness of fee requirements, fee disclosure notices, plan benchmarking, and much more! Have any questions about this episode’s topic? Let us know!Visit our website for more information: Sentinel Pension (sp-tpa.com)Call us at 225-300-8478Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Facebook Music by Adam Vitovsky
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