Resources · written by the principals, not a content farm
Read the judgment before you hire it.
Articles by Michael Hipson and Justin Boulet on the rules that cost employers real money, the free tools that check your exposure, and the newsletter that keeps up when the numbers change. Every piece also runs on The Hipson Brief.
The 2026 ACA penalty guide: $3,340, $5,010, and the $680 form
Every employer-mandate number for 2026 in one place — and why "good-faith relief" no longer exists.
8 min read
The 50-employee line you crossed without noticing
How the full-time-equivalent (FTE) math turns a "35-person" clinic into an Applicable Large Employer — and the measurement method that fixes it.
7 min read
Which half of a $200K CFO you can outsource
The judgment half, the discipline half, what each should cost, and three questions to ask any provider — including us.
6 min read
Why the middle market gets the worst of both brokers
A $43–53B industry built for enterprises and solo shops — and how 2–1,000-employee companies fall through the middle.
6 min read
The rates are the rates: what you're actually hiring in a broker
Ten brokers, one census, identical quotes — but only if someone actually requests them all. Thirty years of renewals on what separates a benefits partner.
5 min read
A Houston live-events venue, and 600+ seasonal staff
How the ACA's full-time-equivalent math treats a workforce that swings with the show calendar — and what a venue this size has to get right. Written up with the client; published once they have signed it off.
Coming soon
The 90-day renewal runway
What has to happen in each of the three months before your group medical renewal — and what it costs you when it doesn't. No form, no email capture.
Printable worksheet
401(k) fee & participation scorecard
Twelve questions you should be able to answer about your own plan. Most sponsors can answer four. Scores itself in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
Self-scoring worksheet
Know someone who needs us? That's worth points.
Introduce a business owner or a family, earn 100 points per qualified introduction — whether or not they buy anything — and redeem points for Amazon gift cards. Track every referral from your own dashboard.
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Check your risk, not your inbox
The free ACA compliance review puts a dollar figure on your risk in three minutes. Shopping for family coverage instead? Four taps and a same-day call.
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The Hipson Brief — articles and the podcast edition, written by Michael and Justin. Free, and your email is never sold or shared.