All Resources

Learn more about this year’s SECURE 2.0 changes and how to use them to differentiate your practice and deliver better client outcomes. 

Even as we settle into a new year, the retirement planning landscape continues to shift in response to a changing regulatory and policy environment, market volatility, inflation pressures, and numerous other factors. These changes can bring more complexity—and more opportunities—for advisors and their clients. And while advisors can’t control the markets or changing demographics, they can understand and navigate policy shifts in a way that helps drive the best possible outcomes for their clients.

The first step toward leveraging these policy shifts is understanding what’s changed. Enhanced contribution limits, a Roth-only catch-up requirement, evolving withdrawal strategies, and expanded incentives for small businesses are all redefining how advisors can support clients through this tax season and beyond. 

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.

To maintain a competitive edge in your practice and deliver lasting value, integrating innovative wealth strategies with retirement-focused solutions is essential. Addressing both immediate and long-term goals strengthens client relationships, while also highlighting your expertise in comprehensive financial planning. This dual approach not only enhances client outcomes but also positions your practice as a reliable partner in navigating the complexities of financial and retirement strategies.

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. 

Recent changes in the nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan landscape present new opportunities for employers. Tap into the latest trends—and use them to your advantage.

Discover the untapped potential of small business retirement plans and learn how these plans can expand your advisory practice to drive growth.

Discover how Corporate-Owned Life Insurance (COLI) can enhance nonqualified deferred compensation plans. Learn how COLI offers tax advantages, reduces plan costs, and supports long-term financial security for your clients. 

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.

Join the Elite Advisor program to enhance your advisory practice and reward your commitment to quality, transparency, and service excellence. This exclusive program offers advanced support, dedicated service, and unique opportunities to help you scale your business, position yourself as an expert, and grow your client base. 

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.

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.

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

Enhance your advisory practice with the Elite Advisor program, offering exceptional support, advanced tools, and expanded opportunities to drive growth and client satisfaction. 

Address common employer concerns about starting a retirement plan and learn solutions to overcome them. 

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.

Discover how integrating retirement plans into your practice can enhance client relationships, capitalize on growing demand, and protect your business from competitors

Help your clients navigate the new automatic enrollment requirements for retirement plans under the SECURE 2.0 Act. 

Help clients understand the new tax credit for including military spouses in their employer-sponsored retirement plans under the SECURE 2.0 Act, guiding them through eligibility criteria and benefits.

Understand what retirement plan sponsors look for in a financial advisor to effectively showcase your value and grow your business.

Learn how mastering technology, offering comprehensive resources, and prioritizing two-way communication can help you build trust with clients as an advisor.  

Your growing retirement plan business requires actionable insights to inform client meetings, drive strategy, and demonstrate value to your clients. Explore the benefits of becoming an Elite Advisor—access a holistic view of your business, complete with analytics and recommendations for improved results.

Help your clients understand the improved coverage and new eligibility rules for long-term part-time (LTPT) employees under the SECURE 2.0 Act.

Prepare for new client meetings by anticipating key questions and providing thoughtful answers to build trust and establish long-lasting relationships.

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.

Explore a sample of our Plan Health Report to leverage research and data provided by our recordkeeping platform. These insights help you understand specific plan activities, compare plans to others, and identify features that drive optimal retirement readiness.

Leverage innovative solutions and data-driven insights to expand your advisory practice, enhance client experiences, and achieve stronger retirement outcomes. 

Help clients understand the Pension-Linked Emergency Savings Accounts (PLESAs) introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act, and guide them through the implementation and benefits of PLESAs.

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

Enhance client retention and grow your advisory practice by building strong relationships through effective communication and personalized engagement.

For financial advisors, recommending sophisticated retirement plans beyond the standard 401(k) can unlock significant growth for your practice and provide superior value to your clients.

Proactively recommending options beyond the 401(k) helps you build stronger, long-term client relationships and defend against competitors. This guide explores four powerful retirement plan solutions to expand the possibilities for your small business clients.

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.

SEP and SIMPLE IRAs offers small businesses an easy, affordable way to provide retirement benefits without the administrative complexity of a 401(k). These plans give you straightforward options to support clients who want low-cost setup, predictable responsibilities, and valuable tax advantages.

Financial advisors often guide small business owners through critical decisions about retirement plans. Understanding the differences between SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k)s can help you recommend the best option based on business size, budget, and growth goals.

Help clients navigate state-mandated retirement programs and explore alternative qualified plan options to meet their business needs. 

Help clients understand Virginia's state-mandated retirement program and educate them on the key features of the program as well as available alternatives. 

Help clients in Vermont understand and comply with state mandated retirement plan requirements and deadlines. 

Help clients in Oregon understand their state's retirement mandates and explore alternative solutions that meet both satisfy legal requirements and align with clients' needs. 

Help your clients in New York navigate the state's retirement mandates and explore alternative plan options to satisfy mandates and meet their business goals. 

Help clients understand the necessity of state-mandated retirement plans and explore their options to comply with these mandates.

Help clients understand California's CalSavers Retirement Savings Program and explore alternative options to satisfy state mandate requirements.

Help clients understand the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program and explore alternative options to meet their retirement plan needs. 

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 your clients in Minnesota navigate the state's mandated retirement program and discover alternative solutions that not only satisfy legal requirements but also align with their business goals. 

Help clients understand California's retirement state mandate requirements and explore the best solutions to meet their business needs.

Help clients understand Colorado's retirement state mandates and explore alternative solutions that may fit their needs.

Help your clients in Maryland understand the state's mandated retirement program and explore alternative solutions that satisfy both the mandate and their business needs. 

Help clients in Nevada understand the state's mandated retirement program and explore alternative solutions that satisfy legal requirements and meet their business goals. 

Help clients in New Jersey understand the state's mandated retirement program and explore alternative solutions that satisfy the legal requirements. 

Help clients understand Connecticut's state retirement program and explore the alternative solutions to satisfy the mandate.

Help clients understand requirements under Delaware's retirement state mandated program and explore the best solutions to meet their business needs.

Help clients understand Hawaii's state-mandated retirement program and explore the alternative solutions to satisfy the mandates as well as meet their business needs.

Help clients understand Illinois' state-mandated retirement program and educate them on the key features and benefits of the program as well as available alternatives.

Help clients navigate Maine's retirement state mandate and understand alternative plan options, ensuring compliance with the mandates.

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.

Compare various retirement plan options to find the best fit for your clients, considering factors like eligibility, contributions, and administrative responsibilities.

Find the right plan for your client with our small business plans overview.

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. 

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.

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

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

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

Managed account programs offer personalized solutions to improve retirement readiness for plan participants. Share the key aspects of managed accounts and how they can enhance retirement outcomes with plan sponsors, and learn how it can help you scale your practice.