All Resources

Scale and amplify your retirement practice by building your personal brand and leveraging Ascensus' resources and expertise.

Discover how to establish your personal brand as a financial advisor to stand out in a competitive market, attract clients, and grow your business.

As an Elite advisor, you and your clients deserve exceptional service and support. Explore tactics and messaging examples to help you market and promote your Elite retirement practice, highlighting the distinctive benefits you offer.

Help your clients understand the new penalty-free distribution option for emergency expenses, including eligibility and benefits of the provision, introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act. 

Help your clients navigate the changes to the required minimum distribution (RMD) age introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act. 

Through Ascensus, advisors can offer a fully integrated financial wellness program powered by Financial Finesse. This holistic financial wellness benefits program combines retirement plan administration with fundamental financial education and coaching. It is designed to help improve employee financial well-being by addressing daily finances, such as debt and budgeting, so they can save more effectively for retirement.

Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) are not a new concept in the retirement industry—but they are entering a new phase of relevance.

What began to help employers reduce administrative burden is now a PEP rally. Advisors are increasingly looking at PEPs not just as a solution for clients, but also as a way to rethink how they deliver value, scale their practice, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The shift is subtle, but important. 

In today’s competitive financial advisory market, offering strong investment strategies alone may not be enough to differentiate your practice. Employers are increasingly seeking advisors who offer holistic retirement plan solutions—plans that not only manage assets but also enhance employee engagement and encourage healthier financial habits.

CoPilot 3(38) is a streamlined retirement plan solution built for owner-only businesses. It combines automated plan administration with 3(38) fiduciary investment management, helping reduce oversight responsibilities. Advisors can offer clients a professionally monitored plan aligned to small business needs.

Daily Value Individual(k) is a retirement plan option built for owner-only businesses that want daily valuation and broad investment access. With streamlined administration and an open-architecture investment platform, this 401(k) solution supports a flexible approach to managing investments for owner-only clients. 

The Balance Forward Individual(k) is a flexible solution for owner-only business clients that want full control over how their retirement assets are invested. With this option, clients manage their account directly through their broker-dealer, while Ascensus provides the plan documents, compliance support, and recordkeeping services.

Explore how CoPilot Individual(k) with American Funds gives you a turnkey retirement solution tailored for owner-only clients. With no asset minimums, transparent pricing, and a professionally managed investment lineup, this plan makes it easy to offer a high-quality 401(k) option while reducing the administrative lift in your practice.

Use this resource to help small business clients understand the value of CoPilot Individual(k) with American Funds. With a curated investment lineup, transparent pricing, and streamlined administration, this overview explains how the plan works and why it may be a good fit for owner-only businesses looking for a professionally supported retirement plan.

Discover how Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) and Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) offer cost-effective, low-risk retirement solutions for clients of all sizes to help close the retirement gap.

Pooled employer plans (PEPs) are gaining traction, but persistent myths can cloud advisor-client conversations. Learn how PEPs can simplify administration, reduce fiduciary risk, and help advisors offer flexible, cost-effective retirement solutions.

Pooled employer plans (PEPs) are a type of retirement plan designed specifically to eliminate some of the barriers that have traditionally kept smaller businesses from offering a retirement savings plan, and make it easier for more Americans to participate in an employer sponsored retirement plan. 

Boost your PEP efforts with ready-to-use marketing campaigns, designed to help you win new business with minimal effort. 

Help clients choose the right retirement plan provider by comparing key factors beyond fees to ensure better service and participant engagement. 

Help clients maximize the effectiveness of their bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) programs with these six best practices. Learn how to structure a BOLI program, understand regulatory and tax rules, review due diligence procedures, verify credit quality, monitor market conditions, and find a comprehensive provider.

Help clients understand the costs associated with their retirement plans, ensuring they choose the best provider for their business. 

Help clients understand the costs associated with their retirement plans, ensuring they choose the best provider for their business. 

Help your clients drive success with employer-sponsored retirement plans. This comprehensive guide equips advisors with the tools to support their clients in creating and managing effective retirement plans, helping employees financially prepare for the future while enhancing business outcomes. 

Help clients evaluate retirement plan providers using a comprehensive checklist to ensure they choose the best fit for their business needs.

Explore how cost of living adjustments (COLAs) impact contribution limits and the operations of qualified retirement plans, SEP plans, and SIMPLE plans. Learn about the annual adjustments required by Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code and how they affect your clients' retirement planning.

Discover how PEPs can help advisors grow their business by leveraging economies of scale, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing participant outcomes. 

Learn how advisors can launch their own branded PEPs to increase brand awareness and grow their retirement practice.

Explore how advisors can use PEPs to collaborate with Centers of Influence for cross-selling and expanding their business.

Learn how advisors can use PEPs to increase profit margins by improving efficiencies and reducing costs.

With high interest rates persisting over the past few years, it's crucial for advisors to review and enhance clients' Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) policies to improve performance, credit, and risk-weight characteristics. Learn two proven strategies to help your clients optimize their BOLI portfolios.

Use the SECURE 2.0 Tax Credit Calculator to prospect small business clients by demonstrating potential tax credits available for sponsoring a retirement plan.

Scale your business by offering Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) and Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs), which reduce administrative and financial burdens for employers.

Explore the benefits and features of the Ascensus Secure Retirement PEP, which offers an affordable, customizable retirement solution for advisors and their clients.

Learn how BOLI programs can help clients offset employee benefit expenses, achieve higher returns, and improve credit characteristics, and discover how partnering with an expert in institutional insurances can help you navigate the complexities of BOLI while growing your long-term, sustainable revenue.

Scale your retirement plan business efficiently by recommending pooled employer plans (PEPs) to clients, leveraging economies of scale and simplified administration.

Guide sole proprietor clients through the process of establishing and funding their 401(k) plans, helping them take full advantage of the new provisions under SECURE 2.0.

Expand your advisory practice by integrating retirement plans, leveraging the SECURE 2.0 Act and state mandates to meet growing demand and enhance client relationships.

As retirement plan compliance grows more complex, advisors are turning to technology to reduce risk and streamline processes. Hear how Ascensus experts are leading the way in our latest Tech.FWD podcast episode.

Insights from Ascensus Executive Chairman David Musto

Artificial intelligence is reshaping retirement plan administration by improving data accuracy, streamlining operations, and delivering better outcomes for savers. In this video, Ascensus Executive Chairman David Musto shares how predictive analytics and intelligent automation are changing how retirement plans are designed, managed, and delivered. 

Discover actionable insights to help you strengthen plan performance and deliver more value to your clients. This recorded webinar offers practical strategies for retirement advisors and plan sponsors focused on driving growth and improving outcomes.

In an uncertain economic landscape, balancing compensation, retirement, and benefits programs is crucial for clients looking to attract and retain talent. Leverage insights from Ascensus' annual Compensation, Retirement, and Benefits Trends Report to guide your clients in understanding their program’s competitive position and making informed decisions for the year ahead.

Help clients understand the implications of IRS Notice 2024-02 and unpack the new Roth employer contribution rules, including key distinctions from in-plan Roth conversions. Learn how these updates may impact plan design, tax planning strategies, and client conversations around retirement savings. 

Help clients understand how to use de minimis financial incentives to boost retirement plan participation under IRS Notice 2024-02. Explore eligibility rules, tax treatment, and open questions surrounding third-party incentives. 

Help clients understand the new terminal illness penalty exception under IRS Notice 2024-02, including how it differs from other early distribution provisions, current limitations, tax implications, and expected regulatory updates. 

Help clients take full advantage of SECURE 2.0’s enhanced tax credits with insights from IRS Notice 2024-02. Explore eligibility rules and planning opportunities for startup cost, employer contributions, and military spouse participation credits. 

Help clients navigate midyear SIMPLE IRA terminations under IRS Notice 2024-02, including key compliance steps and contribution limits when transitioning to a Safe Harbor 401(k). Learn more about the IRS’s guidance on documentation, rollover rules, and contribution coordination during the plan switch. 

Help clients understand how IRS Notice 2024-02 clarifies automatic enrollment requirements under SECURE 2.0, including how plan establishment dates, mergers, and spin-offs affect compliance. Explore what qualifies as a pre-enactment plan and how these rules apply to 401(k), 403(b), and starter plans. 

Help clients navigate the latest IRS guidance on elective deferral failures and explore how Notice 2024-02 makes the safe harbor correction method permanent under SECURE 2.0. Learn how this impacts plan sponsors’ correction strategies and what advisors need to know when guiding clients through compliance. 

Help clients navigate the decision between state-facilitated retirement programs and other qualified retirement plans by guiding them through the benefits and considerations of each option. 

Help clients understand the impact of SECURE 2.0 on long-term part-time (LTPT) employees and guide them through eligibility rules, ensuring compliance with new regulations. 

Help clients understand and leverage the SECURE 2.0 Act to establish effective retirement plans, guiding them through the incentives and benefits for both business success and employee financial well-being. 

Explore the concept of "getting there" both personally and professionally, and how it aligns with helping clients achieve their retirement goals. 
 
Our Advisor Stories series showcases real-world insights and strategies from successful advisors.

Watch how dedicated service teams can enhance client relationships and achieve retirement plan goals. Our Advisor Stories series showcases real-world insights and strategies from successful advisors.  

Learn how partnering with the right service provider can provide the expertise needed to grow your advisory practice.

Our Advisor Stories series showcases real-world insights and strategies from successful advisors.

Discover the importance of viewing service providers as partners to enhance client service and achieve better outcomes.

Our Advisor Stories series showcases real-world insights and strategies from successful advisors.

Learn how advisors can transform retirement plan participation rates through strategic planning and personalized support. 
 
 Our Advisor Stories series showcases real-world insights and strategies from successful advisors.

Discover how advisors leverage service partnerships to deliver intuitive technology and expert support, enhancing retirement plan experiences for both companies and employees. 
 
 Our Advisor Stories series showcases real-world insights and strategies from successful advisors.

Explore how advisors can make a significant impact on clients' financial journeys through personalized guidance and support. 
 
 Our Advisor Stories series showcases real-world insights and strategies from successful advisors.

Learn how effective communication and partnership can transform retirement plan engagement and employee morale. 

Leverage advanced technology, expert insights, and comprehensive plan solutions to drive efficiency, improve outcomes, and amplify your retirement practice with Ascensus.

Help clients understand the power of targeted messaging to improve retirement savings outcomes. Guide clients through the use of behavioral finance principles and A/B testing to create effective participant communications.

Help your clients understand how behavioral interventions can prompt smarter financial decisions among retirement plan participants.