Late Night Health

In this timely and eye-opening interview, host Mark Alyn sits down with Kevin Busque, Head of Gusto 401(k) powered by Guideline, to break down what California small-business owners urgently need to know about the state’s retirement savings mandate—and why waiting could be a costly mistake. With the December 31, 2025 compliance deadline rapidly approaching, California employers with as few as one W-2 employee are legally required to offer a retirement savings option. Business owners must either enroll employees in the state-run CalSavers IRA program or implement a qualified private retirement plan, such as a 401(k). Yet, according to recent research shared in the interview, nearly 75% of small-business owners are unaware of CalSavers, and 65% don’t realize they could face fines of up to $750 per employee for missing deadlines. Kevin clearly explains the penalty structure, which begins with $250 per eligible employee after 90 days of noncompliance and escalates to an additional $500 per employee after 180 days.