Weekly Newsletter – October 26, 2025 -

Happy Sunday, October 26, 2025! This week’s newsletter brings together important workplace etiquette guidelines, retirement planning innovations, and entertainment recommendations to help you balance professional priorities with personal interests. We’re exploring how to manage workplace fundraising effectively, examining cost-efficient retirement options for small businesses, and providing curated entertainment picks for your downtime.

Workplace Crowdfunding Etiquette: Best Practices for Respectful Fundraising

Workplace crowdfunding initiatives require careful management to balance generosity with professionalism. Before launching any campaign, ensure you’ve checked company policies and secured appropriate approvals, especially for manager-led drives which should have HR or legal sign-off.

Effective campaigns designate a single steward or small committee to manage all aspects, from creating the fundraiser to disbursing funds. Select a reputable external platform or approved internal tool rather than sharing personal payment details, and clearly define the purpose, timeline, and target amount.

When communicating about fundraising initiatives, use explicitly voluntary language such as “If you’d like to contribute” and “completely optional.” Limit messaging to one announcement to relevant teams, avoiding repeated mass messages that create peer pressure. Always offer anonymity options and multiple ways to participate.

Transparency is crucial: provide regular updates on progress and a final accounting of how funds were used. Establish a single point of accountability where contributors can ask questions. For any unused funds, have a clear plan to return or reallocate according to the original purpose.

Managers should avoid directly soliciting subordinates or implying expectations. Keep solicitations peer-to-peer or opt-in from leadership without follow-up pressure. Never link contributions to benefits, recognition, or career outcomes, and always disclose potential conflicts of interest.

Normalize the ability to decline participation by providing simple scripts employees can use privately. Protect privacy by never publishing lists of non-donors or individual contribution amounts. When recognizing participants, thank donors collectively and respect requests for anonymity.

For organizations without established policies, approach each campaign conservatively: obtain HR approval, keep communications minimal and opt-in, and document every step to preserve goodwill and protect all parties involved.

Flat-fee 401(k)s: Predictable Retirement Plans for Small Employers

Flat-fee 401(k) plans are gaining popularity among small businesses seeking cost predictability and administrative simplicity. Unlike traditional asset-based pricing, these plans charge a single recurring fee regardless of assets under management, eliminating unexpected cost increases as plan assets grow. This predictability is particularly valuable for small businesses focused on protecting margins and forecasting cash flow Source.

Financial advisors are recommending these plans for several compelling reasons. Beyond cost predictability, they offer scalable design that easily transitions from solo/owner-only to multi-employee plans without proportional fee increases. Many providers include turnkey compliance services that handle filings and participant notices, reducing administrative burden Source.

Small employers can leverage SECURE 2.0 tax credits to offset startup and administration costs, improving the near-term economics of offering a plan Source. Independent TPAs typically price standard 401(k) administration between $1,800–$3,500 annually, with solo/owner-only plans starting around $500 per year, depending on plan complexity Source.

The evidence for cost savings is compelling, with reported average savings of approximately $311 per participant and $3,560 per group plan annually compared to traditional AUM-based models Source. Typical flat-fee offerings include comprehensive services such as compliance testing, Form 5500 preparation, plan-document maintenance, year-round reminders, and dedicated support Source.

When evaluating flat-fee providers, advisors should confirm exactly what the fee covers, understand how revenue-sharing or investment fees are treated, verify transition costs, map expected tax credits against first-year expenses, and request references from similar clients.

Sources

As we navigate the complexities of workplace relationships, financial planning, and personal downtime, balancing these elements becomes essential for professional success and personal wellbeing. Consider reviewing your workplace’s fundraising policies, exploring retirement plan options if you’re a small business owner, and carving out time for quality entertainment this weekend. These small steps contribute to a more balanced approach to both professional and personal development as we move toward year-end.