--- title: Water Cooler Wisdom | Castle Rock PEP description: Castle Rock PEP | Explore expert insights on retirement plans, tax strategies, and compliance for business owners. Stay informed with the latest trends and guidance from Michele Suriano. image: https://castlerockpep.com/hubfs/Blog%20Picture.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/tag/castle-rock-pep/page/1#main-content) ![Castle Rock Logo](https://castlerockpep.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Castle%20Rock%20Logo%202026-1.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Castle%20Rock%20Logo%202026-1.png) - [Home](https://castlerockpep.com/) - [About Us](https://castlerockpep.com/about) Show submenu for About Us - [Community Page](https://castlerockpep.com/community) - [Blog](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom) - [Contact Us](https://castlerockpep.com/contact-us) - [Pooled Employer Plan](https://castlerockpep.com/pooled-employer-plan-1) Show submenu for Pooled Employer Plan - [Investment Options](https://castlerockpep.com/investments) - [Pricing](https://castlerockpep.com/pricing-new) - [Plan Design Choices](https://castlerockpep.com/plandesigns) - [Who We Serve](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve) Show submenu for Who We Serve - [Colorado Businesses](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve/colorado-businesses) - [Women-Owned Businesses](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve/women-owned-businesses) - [Fiduciary Tool Belt](https://castlerockpep.com/-fiduciary-tool-belt) Show submenu for Fiduciary Tool Belt - [ERISA Plan Governance](https://castlerockpep.com/erisa-plan-governance) - [ERISA Fiduciary Training](https://castlerockpep.com/fiduciary-training) - [Regulators and Audits](https://castlerockpep.com/regulators-and-audits) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://castlerockpep.com/) - [About Us](https://castlerockpep.com/about) Show submenu for About Us - [Community Page](https://castlerockpep.com/community) - [Blog](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom) - [Contact Us](https://castlerockpep.com/contact-us) - [Pooled Employer Plan](https://castlerockpep.com/pooled-employer-plan-1) Show submenu for Pooled Employer Plan - [Investment Options](https://castlerockpep.com/investments) - [Pricing](https://castlerockpep.com/pricing-new) - [Plan Design Choices](https://castlerockpep.com/plandesigns) - [Who We Serve](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve) Show submenu for Who We Serve - [Colorado Businesses](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve/colorado-businesses) - [Women-Owned Businesses](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve/women-owned-businesses) - [Fiduciary Tool Belt](https://castlerockpep.com/-fiduciary-tool-belt) Show submenu for Fiduciary Tool Belt - [ERISA Plan Governance](https://castlerockpep.com/erisa-plan-governance) - [ERISA Fiduciary Training](https://castlerockpep.com/fiduciary-training) - [Regulators and Audits](https://castlerockpep.com/regulators-and-audits) - [Join the PEP](https://castlerockpep.com/join-castle-rock-pep) [Join the PEP](https://castlerockpep.com/join-castle-rock-pep) [![Picture of Ronia Grillos](https://castlerockpep.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ronia%20Grillos.jpg?width=480&height=480&name=Ronia%20Grillos.jpg)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/community-spotlight-ronia-grillos-brings-handcrafted-leather-hats-to-castle-rock-artfest) ## [Community Spotlight: Ronia Grillos Brings Handcrafted Leather Hats to Castle Rock Artfest](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/community-spotlight-ronia-grillos-brings-handcrafted-leather-hats-to-castle-rock-artfest) Sep 11, 2026, 10:23:41 AM Community Spotlight: Ronia Grillos Brings Handcrafted Leather Hats to Castle Rock Artfest This weeke... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/community-spotlight-ronia-grillos-brings-handcrafted-leather-hats-to-castle-rock-artfest) [![Picture the iconic town's namesake Castle Rock](https://cdn.marblism.com/dcSKx13QqYU.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/colorado-150-trivia-the-sesquicentennial) ## [Colorado 150 Trivia & the Sesquicentennial](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/colorado-150-trivia-the-sesquicentennial) Jun 19, 2026, 11:02:19 AM Week 4: Colorado 150 Trivia & the Sesquicentennial 🏔️ Happy June, Castle Rock! As we roll into the ... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/colorado-150-trivia-the-sesquicentennial) [![Team of employees around conference table reviewing website](https://cdn.marblism.com/yRHmh311G7T.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/castle-rock-pep-champions-digital-inclusion-with-the-recite-me-assistive-toolbar) ## [Increasing Digital Inclusion with the Recite Me Assistive Toolbar](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/castle-rock-pep-champions-digital-inclusion-with-the-recite-me-assistive-toolbar) May 19, 2026, 3:08:54 PM At Castle Rock PEP, we believe that planning for your future shouldn't be a struggle. Retirement pla... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/castle-rock-pep-champions-digital-inclusion-with-the-recite-me-assistive-toolbar) [![It says "The Next 20 Years"](https://img.youtube.com/vi/q19BUiQovrg/hqdefault.jpg)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-vision-for-the-next-20-years) ## [The Vision for the Next 20 Years](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-vision-for-the-next-20-years) May 1, 2026, 10:31:07 AM Twenty years. It sounds like a long time when you say it out loud, doesn't it? Since 2006, Castle Ro... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-vision-for-the-next-20-years) [![A picture of founder, Michele Suriano, at the 2017 Awards for Excellence](https://cdn.marblism.com/8u8kTTQqye2.JPG)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/breaking-news-the-trump-ira-and-its-1000-match-the-truth-vs.-noise) ## [Breaking News: The Trump IRA and it's $1,000 Match- The Truth vs. Noise](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/breaking-news-the-trump-ira-and-its-1000-match-the-truth-vs.-noise) Apr 30, 2026, 2:59:11 PM If you've been near a screen today, you probably saw the headlines. President Trump just signed a ma... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/breaking-news-the-trump-ira-and-its-1000-match-the-truth-vs.-noise) [![A picture of a committee reviewing performance reports](https://cdn.marblism.com/RCsW1sBftT1.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/q1-2026-pep-review-fresh-funds-new-tools-and-20-years-of-momentum) ## [Q1 2026 PEP Review: Fresh Funds, New Tools, and 20 Years of Momentum](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/q1-2026-pep-review-fresh-funds-new-tools-and-20-years-of-momentum) Apr 25, 2026, 5:17:48 PM Can you believe it? Castle Rock Investment Company is officially 20 years old. As I sit down to writ... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/q1-2026-pep-review-fresh-funds-new-tools-and-20-years-of-momentum) [![Pictures of the 6 New AI Team Members](https://castlerockpep.com/hubfs/Slide1.jpg)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-crew-of-2026-human-heart-ai-power) ## [The Crew of 2026: Human Heart, AI Power](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-crew-of-2026-human-heart-ai-power) Apr 20, 2026, 11:48:05 AM [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-crew-of-2026-human-heart-ai-power) [![Logo with the years 2006 - 2026](https://cdn.marblism.com/SEpeJhDcefv.jpg)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/honoring-our-roots-20-years-of-client-partnerships) ## [Honoring Our Roots: 20 Years of Client Partnerships](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/honoring-our-roots-20-years-of-client-partnerships) Apr 14, 2026, 3:14:03 AM It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we first opened our doors. When I look back to... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/honoring-our-roots-20-years-of-client-partnerships) [![Full toolbelt on a desk](https://cdn.marblism.com/IHcElu5XUdW.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-fiduciarys-tool-belt-must-have-gear-to-protect-your-plan-and-your-sanity) ## [The Fiduciary’s Tool Belt: Must-Have Gear to Protect Your Plan (and Your Sanity)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-fiduciarys-tool-belt-must-have-gear-to-protect-your-plan-and-your-sanity) Mar 27, 2026, 4:05:30 PM Being named a fiduciary for your company's retirement plan is a bit like being handed the keys to a ... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-fiduciarys-tool-belt-must-have-gear-to-protect-your-plan-and-your-sanity) [![Business leaders reviewing a report](https://cdn.marblism.com/EKthevItfBP.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/are-pooled-employer-plans-the-future-why-smart-businesses-are-making-the-switch) ## [Are Pooled Employer Plans the Future? Why Smart Businesses Are Making the Switch](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/are-pooled-employer-plans-the-future-why-smart-businesses-are-making-the-switch) Mar 20, 2026, 11:47:40 AM For decades, the traditional 401(k) plan has been the gold standard for American retirement savings.... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/are-pooled-employer-plans-the-future-why-smart-businesses-are-making-the-switch) [![Picture of a paper that says Fiduciary Duty](https://cdn.marblism.com/PYgkGL3PG1t.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/personal-liability-and-beyond-navigating-the-most-common-fiduciary-risks) ## [Personal Liability and Beyond: Navigating the Most Common Fiduciary Risks](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/personal-liability-and-beyond-navigating-the-most-common-fiduciary-risks) Mar 17, 2026, 11:38:04 AM In Part 2 of our Fiduciary Training series, we explored why your fiduciary duty is the "highest know... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/personal-liability-and-beyond-navigating-the-most-common-fiduciary-risks) [![A picture of a desk in a sunny office](https://cdn.marblism.com/mTsNEMXDGhU.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-highest-known-to-law-why-your-fiduciary-duty-isnt-just-best-effort) ## [The Highest Known to Law: Why Your Fiduciary Duty Isn't Just 'Best Effort'](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-highest-known-to-law-why-your-fiduciary-duty-isnt-just-best-effort) Mar 17, 2026, 11:11:34 AM If you've been following along with our 2026 Fiduciary Training series, you know that managing a ret... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-highest-known-to-law-why-your-fiduciary-duty-isnt-just-best-effort) [![Two different hats](https://cdn.marblism.com/_eMNDwnI5Qs.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-fiduciary-burden-are-you-wearing-the-right-hat-part-1) ## [The Fiduciary Burden: Are You Wearing the Right Hat? (Part 1)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-fiduciary-burden-are-you-wearing-the-right-hat-part-1) Mar 10, 2026, 1:51:25 PM If you own or lead a company, you're used to wearing a lot of hats. You're the visionary, the chief ... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-fiduciary-burden-are-you-wearing-the-right-hat-part-1) [![](https://cdn.marblism.com/Pi6lOqmDUn4.JPG)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/is-your-401k-on-autopilot-why-we-just-fired-two-underperforming-funds) ## [Is Your 401(k) on Autopilot? Why We Just Fired Two Underperforming Funds](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/is-your-401k-on-autopilot-why-we-just-fired-two-underperforming-funds) Mar 3, 2026, 4:22:48 PM [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/is-your-401k-on-autopilot-why-we-just-fired-two-underperforming-funds) [![Calendar with September 15th Deadline](https://cdn.marblism.com/0DCYskeEwx8.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-september-15th-miracle-your-s-corp-extension-escape-hatch) ## [The September 15th Miracle: Your S-Corp Extension Escape Hatch](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-september-15th-miracle-your-s-corp-extension-escape-hatch) Feb 22, 2026, 6:00:00 AM Part 3 of 3: The S-Corp Tax Survival Guide You thought March 16, 2026 was the end of the line for yo... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-september-15th-miracle-your-s-corp-extension-escape-hatch) [![Secret IRS handshake](https://cdn.marblism.com/tP4o312HwQH.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-s-corp-secret-why-profit-sharing-beats-matching-the-irs-handshake) ## [The S-Corp Secret: Why Profit-Sharing Beats Matching (The 'IRS Handshake')](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-s-corp-secret-why-profit-sharing-beats-matching-the-irs-handshake) Feb 21, 2026, 6:00:00 AM Welcome back to the S-Corp Tax Survival Guide. In Part 1, we dropped the time machine bombshell: You... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-s-corp-secret-why-profit-sharing-beats-matching-the-irs-handshake) [![Tax Forms and a calendar](https://cdn.marblism.com/yjyMnksL9q9.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-s-corp-time-machine-you-havent-missed-the-2025-tax-deadline-yet) ## [The S-Corp Time Machine: You Haven't Missed the 2025 Tax Deadline (Yet)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-s-corp-time-machine-you-havent-missed-the-2025-tax-deadline-yet) Feb 20, 2026, 2:33:04 PM Part 1 of 3: The S-Corp Tax Survival Guide The Calendar Just Lied to You January 2nd arrives, and yo... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-s-corp-time-machine-you-havent-missed-the-2025-tax-deadline-yet) [![$1,500 tax credit available](https://cdn.marblism.com/x6YUCg-NaqT.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-1500-irs-thank-you-2026-refresh-why-solo-business-owners-should-act-now) ## [The $1,500 IRS 'Thank You' (2026 Refresh): Why Solo Business Owners Should Act Now](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-1500-irs-thank-you-2026-refresh-why-solo-business-owners-should-act-now) Feb 20, 2026, 2:27:14 PM Here we are in February 2026, and if you're a solo business owner without a retirement plan, you're ... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-1500-irs-thank-you-2026-refresh-why-solo-business-owners-should-act-now) [![Handshake with new employee](https://cdn.marblism.com/TkYdP9XqQqw.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-16500-irs-handshake-why-hiring-your-first-employee-just-got-a-whole-lot-cheaper) ## [The $16,500 IRS 'Handshake': Why Hiring Your First Employee Just Got a Whole Lot Cheaper](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-16500-irs-handshake-why-hiring-your-first-employee-just-got-a-whole-lot-cheaper) Feb 19, 2026, 7:00:01 AM Let's be honest: hiring your first employee (or your tenth) is both thrilling and terrifying. You're... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/the-16500-irs-handshake-why-hiring-your-first-employee-just-got-a-whole-lot-cheaper) [![Picture of laptop with mountains in the background](https://cdn.marblism.com/utF8uMfUqlL.webp)](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/colorado-compliance-trap-how-famli-data-sharing-just-changed-the-game) ## [Colorado Compliance Trap: How FAMLI Data Sharing Just Changed the Game](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/colorado-compliance-trap-how-famli-data-sharing-just-changed-the-game) Feb 17, 2026, 7:00:04 AM If you're a Colorado employer, 2026 just became the year where "flying under the radar" officially d... [Read more](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/colorado-compliance-trap-how-famli-data-sharing-just-changed-the-game) [1](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/tag/castle-rock-pep) [2](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/tag/castle-rock-pep/page/2) [Next](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/tag/castle-rock-pep/page/2) [Last](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom/tag/castle-rock-pep/page/2) ### Subscribe Here! [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/CastleRockInvestment/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/castle-rock-investment-company/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/castlerockpep/) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@CastleRockPEP) --- - [Home](https://castlerockpep.com) - [About Us](https://castlerockpep.com/about) - [Community Page](https://castlerockpep.com/community) - [Blog](https://castlerockpep.com/water-cooler-wisdom) - [Contact Us](https://castlerockpep.com/contact-us) - [Pooled Employer Plan](https://castlerockpep.com/pooled-employer-plan-1) - [Investment Options](https://castlerockpep.com/investments) - [Pricing](https://castlerockpep.com/pricing-new) - [Plan Design Choices](https://castlerockpep.com/plandesigns) - [Who We Serve](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve) - [Colorado Businesses](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve/colorado-businesses) - [Women-Owned Businesses](https://castlerockpep.com/who-we-serve/women-owned-businesses) - [Fiduciary Tool Belt](https://castlerockpep.com/-fiduciary-tool-belt) - [ERISA Plan Governance](https://castlerockpep.com/erisa-plan-governance) - [ERISA Fiduciary Training](https://castlerockpep.com/fiduciary-training) - [Regulators and Audits](https://castlerockpep.com/regulators-and-audits) Copyright © 2026, Castle Rock Investment Company 115 Wilcox Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104 720.608.5894 Castle Rock Investment Company is registered as an Investment Adviser in the State of Colorado, in addition to any other states requiring registration when otherwise not exempt. [Castle Rock Investment Company's Legal Disclosures: ADV Part 2 A/B, Appendix 1, and Privacy Policy](https://castlerockpep.com/hubfs/Annual%20Legal%20Disclosures%202026%20ADV%20Part%202A%20B%20Appendix%201%20and%20Privacy%20Policy.pdf) [Accessibility Statement](https://castlerockpep.com/hubfs/March%202024%20Files/Accessibility%20Statement%20for%20Castle%20Rock%20PEP.pdf) ![WOB\_Certified\_WBENC\_color](https://castlerockpep.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WOB_Certified_WBENC_color.png?width=174&height=98&name=WOB_Certified_WBENC_color.png "WOB_Certified_WBENC_color")