All Resources

Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a 401(k) Plan

Evaluate Plan Providers

How to Evaluate a 401(k) Provider

Dive into the key factors to consider when evaluating a 401(k) plan provider, ensuring that the chosen recordkeeper aligns with client needs and business goals. From understanding fee structures to assessing customer service, learn what to look for when evaluating providers to make informed decisions that benefit your clients and their employees. 

How Advisors Can Benefit from Partnering with Retirement Providers for Enhanced Client Service

Evaluate Plan Providers

Advisor Story: People-Centric Retirement Services

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.

How User Input is Driving Retirement Technology Innovation

Engage Clients · Digital Experience & Technology · Article

How Feedback Shapes Ascensus Retirement Plan Technology

Technology developed in a vacuum rarely works in the retirement space.

Real progress happens when the people who use the tools — advisors, sponsors, and participants — shape them. That’s why Ascensus’ development approach and post launch assessment begin not with features, but with your feedback. 

CoPilot Individual(k): 401(k) Plans for Owner-Only Business Clients

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

CoPilot 3(38) Individual(k)

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): Help Small Business Clients Maximize Retirement Savings

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Daily Value Individual(k)

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. 

Balance Forward Individual(k): Flexible Owner-Only 401(k) Plans

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Non-Daily Value (Balance Forward) Individual(k)

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.

CoPilot Individual(k) featuring American Funds: Streamlined Solutions for Advisors

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

CoPilot Individual(k) featuring American Funds Advisor Overview

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.

CoPilot Individual(k) featuring American Funds: Benefits for Small Business Clients

Employer education · Plan design & capabilities · Article

CoPilot Individual(k) featuring American Funds Client Benefits

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.

Annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Retirement Plans

Engage Clients · Participant education · Information Guide

Annual COLAs for Retirement Plans

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.

How AI is Transforming Retirement Plan Administration

Engage Clients · Digital Experience & Technology · Video

How AI is Transforming Retirement Plan Administration

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. 

Building Peak Performing Retirement Plans

Growth Strategies · Plan design & capabilities · Video

Building Peak Performing Plans

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.

Comprehensive PEP Marketing Plan for Financial Advisors

Growth Strategies · Help me prospect · Marketing Plan

PEP Marketing Plan

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

Grow Your Advisory Practice with Strategic Prospecting Plans

Growth Strategies · Help me prospect · Marketing Plan

Prospect Marketing Plan

Boost your prospecting and conversion efforts with a ready-to-use marketing campaign, designed to save time and enhance engagement.

SECURE 2.0 Highlights: Employer Roth Contributions

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Employer Roth Contributions Under SECURE 2.0

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. 

SECURE 2.0 Highlights: Financial Incentives for Contributions

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

SECURE 2.0 Financial Incentives for Participant Contributions

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. 

SECURE 2.0 Highlights: Hardship Distributions and Terminal Illness

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Hardship Distribution for Terminal Illness Under SECURE 2.0

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. 

SECURE 2.0 Highlights: Employer Tax Credits

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Employer Tax Credits Available Under SECURE 2.0

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. 

SECURE 2.0 Highlights: Replacing a SIMPLE Plan with a Safe Harbor Plan

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Replacing SIMPLE IRA with a Safe Harbor Plan Mid-Year

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. 

SECURE 2.0 Highlights: Expanding Automatic Enrollment

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Expanding Automatic Enrollment: SECURE 2.0 Requirements

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. 

SECURE 2.0 Highlights: Corrections for Deferral Failures

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Safe Harbor for Corrections of Elective Deferral Failures

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. 

Evaluating Retirement Plan Options: State-Facilitated vs. Other Qualified Plans Under SECURE 2.0

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Navigating State Mandated Plans

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. 

Navigating the Complexities of SECURE 2.0: Ensuring Compliance for Long-Term Part-Time Employees

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

SECURE 2.0 Compliance for LTPT Employees

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. 

Understanding the Key Incentives of SECURE 2.0: Available Tax Credits

SECURE 2.0 · SECURE Act video series · Video

Leveraging SECURE 2.0 Tax Credits

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. 

How Advisors Can Achieve Personal Fulfillment While Helping Clients Reach Their Financial Goals

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Video

Advisor Story: Aligning Goals with Client Success

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.

How Consistent Service from Dedicated Relationship Managers Benefits Advisors and Their Clients

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Video

Advisor Story: Consistent Service for Client Satisfaction

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.  

Leveraging the Expertise of Service Partners to Help Advisors Grow Their Practice

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Video

Advisor Story: Expert Partnerships for Advisory Growth

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.

Boosting Participation Rates and Retirement Savings: Strategies for Advisors Partnering with Ascensus

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Video

Advisor Story: Strategic Planning to Achieve Client Goals

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.

Why Advisors Should Choose Service Partners with Effective Technology Solutions

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Video

Advisor Story: Streamlining Retirement Plans with Intuitive Technology

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.

Helping Clients Achieve Financial Success Through Tailored Guidance and Support

Engage Clients · Participant education · Video

Advisor Story: Supportive Financial Planning for Clients

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.

Maximize Your Advisory Practice: Leveraging PEPs for Business Growth, Streamlined Administration, and Cost Efficiencies

Growth Strategies · Advisor PEPCAST · Video

PEPCAST Episode 1: Grow Your Business with PEP

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

Amplify Your Retirement Practice with Ascensus

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Video

Amplify Your Retirement Practice with Ascensus

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

Driving Better Retirement Outcomes with Targeted Messaging

Engage Clients · Employer education · Case study

Leveraging Targeted Messaging for Enhanced Savings Rates

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.