All Resources

SECURE 2.0 and Retirement Planning: What Advisors Need to Know in 2026

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Article

Retirement Plan Updates for 2026: What Advisors Need to Know

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. 

Maximize Client Impact: Year-End Planning Strategies for Advisors

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Article

Year-End Strategies to Boost Client Outcomes

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.

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.

Demonstrate Plan Value to Clients with Our Online Pricing Calculator

Growth Strategies · Help me prospect · Calculator or Tool

Demonstrate Plan Value with Online Pricing Calculator

Use our pricing calculator to create a custom illustration that demonstrates the plan value and compare Ascensus 401k plan pricing with current plan pricing.

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.  

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.

Prospect New Clients with SECURE 2.0 Tax Credit Calculator

Growth Strategies · SECURE 2.0 · Help me prospect · Calculator or Tool

SECURE 2.0 Tax Credit Calculator for Eligible Employers

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

Leveraging SECURE 2.0 Tax Credits for Military Spouses

SECURE 2.0 · Contributions · Information Guide

SECURE 2.0 Military Spouse Credit Guide

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.

How to Stand Out as a Financial Advisor: Demonstrating Your Value

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Article

Demonstrating Your Value as an Advisor

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

Building Strong Client Relationships: Trust Tips for Advisors Working Remotely

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Article

Developing Client Trust Remotely

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

Understanding the Key Provisions of SECURE 2.0: Long-Term Part-Time Employee Eligibility

SECURE 2.0 · Contributions · Information Guide

SECURE 2.0 LTPT Coverage Guide

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

Effective Preparation Techniques for Financial Advisors Meeting New Clients

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Article

Preparing for Effective New Client Meetings

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

How Financial Advisors Can Grow Their Clientele with Proven Marketing Strategies

Growth Strategies · Help me prospect · Article

Grow Your Client Base with Effective Marketing

Boost your financial advisory practice by dedicating a few hours each week to marketing activities, leveraging community engagement, social media, and thought leadership content.

How Advisors Can Optimize Retirement Plans for Client Success Using Ascensus Plan Health Reports

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Products and Services

Plan Health Reporting for Client Success

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.

Utilizing Pension-Linked Emergency Savings Accounts Under SECURE 2.0

SECURE 2.0 · Contributions · Information Guide

Understanding SECURE 2.0 Pension-Linked Savings

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.

Growing Your 401(k) Business: How to Write Effective Prospecting Emails

Growth Strategies · Help me prospect · Article

401(k) Business Growth: Email Prospecting Tips

Learn how writing effective prospecting emails—focusing on client needs and establishing value—can help you grow your 401(k) business.

Five Ways for Financial Advisors to Prospect 401(k) Clients

Growth Strategies · Help me prospect · Article

Effective 401(k) Prospecting Strategies

Expand your book of business by leveraging easy prospecting methods and partnering with specialized providers to offer 401(k) plans to clients.

Effective Strategies for Enhancing Client Relationships as an Advisor

Engage Clients · Relationship management · Article

Building Trust with Clients

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

SIMPLE and SEP IRAs for Small Business Clients

Employer education · Plan design & capabilities · Article

IRA Options for Small Businesses

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.

What advisors should know about SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k)s

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

SEP IRA vs SIMPLE IRA vs 401(k)

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.

Understanding Oregon's State Mandates for Retirement Plans: Options and Compliance

Retirement State Mandates

Oregon State-Mandated Retirement Plan Options

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. 

Why State Governments Are Requiring Small Businesses to Offer Retirement Plans

Retirement State Mandates

Why States Mandate Retirement Plans

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

Understanding CalSavers: California's Retirement Savings Program for Your Clients

Retirement State Mandates

CalSavers Retirement Program Details

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

Understanding Illinois Secure Choice: A Guide for Financial Advisors

Retirement State Mandates

Complying with Illinois Secure Choice

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

How Advisors Can Maximize Client Engagement Using the Latest Compensation, Retirement, and Benefits Insights

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Insights

Compensation, Retirement, and Benefits Trends Report

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.

Maximize Nonqualified Plans with COLI: Tax-Efficient Funding for Key Talent

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Boost NQDC Plans with COLI

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. 

Six Best Practices to Maximize Your BOLI Program's Effectiveness

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Optimizing BOLI Programs for Maximum Impact

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.

Understanding Minnesota's State Mandates for Retirement Plans: Options and Compliance

Retirement State Mandates

Minnesota State-Mandated Retirement Plan Options

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. 

Understanding Maryland's State Mandates for Retirement Plans: Options and Compliance

Retirement State Mandates

Maryland State-Mandated Retirement Plan Options

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. 

Understanding Nevada's State Mandates for Retirement Plans: Options and Compliance

Retirement State Mandates

Nevada State-Mandated Retirement Plan Options

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

Understanding Hawaii's State Mandates for Retirement Plans: Options and Compliance

Retirement State Mandates

Hawaii State-Mandated Retirement Plan Options

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.

Understanding State Mandates in Illinois for Retirement Plans: Options and Compliance

Retirement State Mandates

Illinois State-Mandated Retirement Plan Options

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.

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.

Comparing Retirement Plan Options for Your Client's Small Business

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Products and Services

Comparing Small Business Retirement Plan Options

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.

Maximize Your Clients' Bank-Owned Life Insurance: Two Proven Strategies for Advisors

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Strategic Optimization for Clients' BOLI Programs

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.

Diversify Your Advisory Practice with Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Expanding Client Portfolios with BOLI

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.

New Penalty-Free Distribution Option for Emergency Expenses Under SECURE 2.0

SECURE 2.0 · Distributions · Information Guide

Penalty-Free Distribution Options Under SECURE 2.0

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. 

Understanding the Increased RMD Age Under SECURE 2.0

SECURE 2.0 · Distributions · Information Guide

Navigating RMD Changes Under SECURE 2.0

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

Unlocking the Potential of Retirement Plans: Insights and Strategies

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Whitepaper

Unlock Growth with Retirement Plans

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.

How Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) and Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) Help Close the Retirement Savings Gap

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Whitepaper

Closing the Retirement Gap with MEPs and PEPs

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.

Closing the Gap: How Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) Are Expanding Retirement Plan Access

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Whitepaper

Expand Retirement Plan Access with PEPs

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. 

Why Retirement Advisors Should Encourage Plan Sponsors To Reevaluate Managed Account Solutions

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Whitepaper

Reevaluating Managed Account Solutions

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.