All Resources

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.

Integrated Financial Wellness Programs for Advisors: Improve Client Outcomes & Strengthen Relationships

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Participant education · Employer education · Build my brand · Products and Services

How Financial Wellness Programs Elevate Your Advisory Practice

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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. 

Streamline Fiduciary Responsibilities with Ascensus 3(16) Administrative Fiduciary Services

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Products and Services

Ascensus 3(16) Administrative Fiduciary Services

Give your clients the support and protection they need with Ascensus 3(16) Administrative Fiduciary Services. Our support for day-to-day plan management and routine monitoring creates efficiencies for clients, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

How MEPs and PEPs Can Benefit Advisors and Their Clients

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Products and Services

Introduction to MEPs and PEPs

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

Understanding 360° Payroll Integration: A Financial Advisor's Guide

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Products and Services

Enhancing Efficiencies with Payroll Integration

Enhance your advisory practice by offering payroll integrated 401(k) solutions, streamlining processes for clients and increasing your revenue streams. 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.