November 12, 2024
What is My Company Paying for Group Retirement Fees?Â
How Do I Find Out What My 401(k) Fees Are? When participating in a group retirement plan, there are two ways service providers can assess their fees: The first step in determining the fees is to determine who is paying them. Is the company paying the fees on behalf of the employees, or are the employees paying the fees? Â ...
November 4, 2024
Navigating Market Volatility: How Businesses Can Support Employees in Group Retirement Plans
Market turbulence can significantly impact a company’s retirement plan, creating both hurdles and opportunities. To navigate these choppy waters effectively, it’s essential to maintain a long-term outlook and resist the urge to make impulsive decisions based on temporary market shifts. Many times emotional investing will trigger an individual investor to either try to time the market or focus on protecting...
October 21, 2024
Boost Your Social Security: The Hidden Payback Option Explained
While retirement might seem like a distant horizon for many of us, understanding Social Security now can set us up for a more secure future.  One lesser-known aspect of Social Security is the “payback option” – a strategy that could potentially boost your benefits down the line. What is the Social Security Payback Option? The payback option, sometimes called the...
October 14, 2024
Pennsylvania’s New Tax Break: Boosting Small Business Support for 529 College SavingsÂ
What is the New Pennsylvania Tax Break for Small Businesses? In July 2023, Pennsylvania introduced a new tax break as part of its state budget package, offering significant incentives for small businesses that contribute to their employees’ 529 college savings plans.  This initiative aims to encourage employers to offer their employees a valuable tax deduction to help them save for...
October 7, 2024
10 Tips to Protect Your Retirement Savings from InflationÂ
Inflation is often called the “silent thief” of retirement savings. It can erode the purchasing power of your money over time, potentially derailing even the most carefully laid retirement plans. But do not worry – there are strategies you can employ to help safeguard your nest egg from the effects of inflation. How Does Inflation Impact My Retirement? Before diving...
September 30, 2024
Fiduciary Financial Advisors: Help Secure Your Financial Future with Trustworthy ExpertiseÂ
When it comes to managing your finances and planning for the future, finding the right guidance is crucial.  You may have heard the term “fiduciary financial advisor” and wondered what it means, why it matters, and how to find a fiduciary financial advisor near you. Not all financial advisors are the same. Some provide higher levels of service, expertise, and...
September 17, 2024
401(k) to IRA Rollover Guide: Maximize Your Retirement Savings
401K Rollover to IRA Rules There are two types of rollovers: direct rollovers and indirect rollovers. In a direct rollover, the funds from your 401(k) are transmitted directly to the new retirement plan. There are no withdrawal fees or distributions to the participant, making this the most hands-off rollover method. An indirect rollover is where the funds from your 401(k)...
September 10, 2024
401(k) Rollover Guide: Best Options for Your Old Retirement
What Are My 401(K) Rollover Options? When an employee leaves their job, they have to decide what to do with their old 401(k) retirement account. There are five common options you can consider that include:Â When Would I Want to Leave My Old 401(k) with My Former Employer? Leaving your old 401(K) account with your former employer is the easiest...
September 3, 2024
Navigating 401(k) Loans: What You Need to Know Before Borrowing from Your Retirement
401(K) loans can have a major impact on your retirement savings. Before rushing into one, you should consult with an advisor to determine if there are other alternatives to meet your needs. 401(K) Loan Rules The rules for a loan will vary by plan, as the provisions for a loan are outlined in the summary plan description (SPD) that was...
August 27, 2024
How Does a 401(K) Loan Work?Â
When contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, participants typically do not expect to use the funds before retirement. However, in some situations, they may find they do not have any other alternatives.  What is a 401(k) Loan? A 401(k) loan is when a 401(k)-plan participant borrows money from their retirement savings account. Since the money is being borrowed from the...
August 20, 2024
What Happens to a 401(K) When You Quit?
When an employee separates service from an employer with a 401(k), they must determine what to do with the retirement account. With the stress of change, sometimes determining what to do with your group retirement plan falls to the wayside. Adding on top having to figure out the options, it can be easier to try and ignore your account, than...
August 1, 2024
What Types of CRTs Are There?
There are two major types of Charitable Remainder Trusts: These types of Charitable Remainder Trusts are irrevocable trusts that allow for an individual to grant assets to a charity while receiving annual income for a set period of time or for life. An irrevocable trust means, once the trust is set up, changes cannot be made. When the assets are...
June 17, 2024
How Business’ Can Engage the Younger Workforce in Retirement PlanningÂ
Many companies struggle to get younger employees engaged in their group retirement plans. This can be due to a number of factors, including eligibility requirements, student loan debt, and a lack of financial literacy. But don’t despair! This guide will explore the common barriers young employees face and offer four key methods companies can use to increase participation and empower...
May 7, 2024
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?Â
Understanding how much money you need to retire is one of the biggest questions we get from our clients, and it is one question we find they do not think about soon enough, or often enough. It is a question that lacks a one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal retirement savings can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, lifestyle choices, and...
May 3, 2024
Fix Your 401(k) Plan – Five Most Common IRS Red Flags for 401(K) Plans
TLDR Red flags in a 401(k) plan can trigger an audit or other scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Below is a brief list of some common red flags that alert the IRS if an audit may be warranted. Use this list to identify 401(k) plan issues and make sure your TPA (third party administrator) can correct the issues...
April 26, 2024
Is $1 Million Enough to Retire?
TLDR Planning for retirement is a significant financial milestone for many individuals. Among the many questions that arise during this planning phase, perhaps one of the most common is, “How far can $1 million take me in retirement?” While $1 million might sound like a substantial sum, its purchasing power in retirement can vary widely depending on factors such as:...
April 25, 2024
 401(k) Audit Red Flags: How Your Company Can Avoid Costly MistakesÂ
TLDR Determining if there are any red flags in your 401(k) audit is not as simple as seeing a bright red flag at the home screen of your 401(k)-plan website. To determine if there are any red flags, you will need to review the various aspects of the plan and determine if there is a potential 401(k) issue that may...
March 6, 2024
How to Protect Group Retirement Plans Against IRS 401(k) Red Flags
In the ever-changing world of group retirement plans, ensuring compliance with regulations set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is essential in promoting the financial well-being of both the employer and employees. As the plan sponsor of a retirement plan, it is important to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential IRS red flags. Understanding 401(K) Audit Red Flags 401(k)...
February 28, 2024
401(k) IRS Audit Triggers for Retirement Plans in 2023
An Internal Revenue Services (IRS) audit is an inspection conducted by the IRS to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. When a business sponsors a 401(k) plan, audits can be particularly significant as they verified that employers are following the rules governing the establishment and maintenance of retirement plans. The IRS conducts these audits to ensure the integrity of...