All Resources

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. 

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.

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.

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.

A Comprehensive Guide to SECURE 2.0 Provisions for Retirement Plan Sponsors

SECURE 2.0 · Provisions & priorities · Information Guide

Helping Clients Understand SECURE 2.0 Provisions

Help your clients navigate the complexities of the SECURE 2.0 Act and its impact on their retirement plans by sharing essential information on key provisions relevant for them. 

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. 

SECURE 2.0 Provisions and Priorities for Defined Contribution Plans

SECURE 2.0 · Provisions & priorities · Information Guide

SECURE 2.0: Defined Contribution Plan Key Priorities

Help clients prioritize the key provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act for their defined contribution plans, guiding them through the most impactful changes, helping them comply with the provisions. 

SECURE 2.0 Provisions and Priorities for IRAs

SECURE 2.0 · Provisions & priorities · Information Guide

SECURE 2.0: IRA/SEP/SIMPLE Key Priorities

Help your clients prioritize the key provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act for their individual retirement account.

Navigating NQDC Plan Enrollment: Key Considerations for Advisors

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

NQDC Plan Key Considerations

Guiding clients through Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plan enrollment requires a careful review of several important factors. As an advisor, you can add significant value by helping plan sponsors and participants understand the complexities of these plans, including recent regulatory changes.

This guide provides key considerations to help you support your clients during this critical period, ensuring they can make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.

Why financing NQDC plans with corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) makes sense

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Boost NQDC Value with COLI

Financial advisors seeking to deliver more value to plan sponsors while diversifying their own business can leverage COLI as a financing solution for nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans, without disrupting their existing recordkeeping relationship. 

How advisors can increase nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan participation during enrollment

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Help Clients Increase NQDC Participation

Advisors play a key role during NQDC plan enrollment, which can be a critical time for plan sponsors. Despite their many benefits, participation rates in NQDC plans remain low (typically 20–25%*), often due to limited employee understanding. This creates a valuable opportunity for you to support your clients by educating employees and helping drive stronger engagement.

How advisors can help clients get the most out of nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Evaluating NQDC Providers to Optimize Outcomes

Grow your advisory business by learning how to guide clients in selecting and optimizing nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans for retention and growth.

Benefits of Reviewing Clients’ Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plans

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Why Review Clients’ NQDC Plans?

Discover how providing a free plan diagnostic for employers offering nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans can help grow your business.  NQDC plan reviews can identify issues with the sponsor’s current plan and help them decide to change providers.

Debunking Common Myths About Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plans

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Debunking Common NQDC Myths

Learn the truth behind common myths about nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans and how advisors can use them to grow their business.

Benefits of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans for Clients

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Enhancing Executive Benefits with NQDC

Help clients navigate tax burdens and enhance their retirement savings with nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans, which complement traditional 401(k) offerings by providing higher-earning employees with competitive retirement packages. Discover the advantages of pairing NQDC plans with safe harbor 401(k) plans to meet your clients' unique 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.

2024 Newport/PLANSPONSOR NQDC Trends Survey Report: Enhance Your NQDC Program, Boost Executive Retention, and Stay Competitive

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Insights

2024 Newport/PLANSPONSOR NQDC Trends Survey Report

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.

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. 

How Workplace Retirement Plans Can Accelerate Your Advisory Practice Growth

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Workplace Retirement Plans: Distraction or Accelerator?

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

Enhancing Retirement Plans: Applying NQDC Solutions to Overcome 401(k) Testing Challenges

Engage Clients · Plan design & capabilities · Article

Resolving 401(k) Testing Issues with NQDC Plans

Help your clients navigate nondiscrimination testing issues with their 401(k) plans by recommending Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans and guiding them through the benefits of these plans.

What are the Best Retirement Plans for Clients Beyond a 401(k)?

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Selling Beyond the 401(k)

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.

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. 

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.