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 Financial Advisors Use Financial Wellness to Grow 401(k) Plans

Growth Strategies · Plan design & capabilities · Expand my practice · Article

How Financial Advisors Use Financial Wellness to Grow 401(k) Plans

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.

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. 

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.

Unlock Growth with Small Business 401(k) Plans

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Products and Services

Small Business Growth Strategies

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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 the Elite Advisor Program for Business Growth and Client Success

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Products and Services

Elevate Your Practice with the Elite Advisor Program

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Take Advantage of Next-Level Service Through the Elite Advisor Program

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Next-Level Service for Elite Advisors

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

Addressing Client Retirement Plan Concerns: A Guide for Advisors

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Information Guide

Overcoming Business Owner Objections

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

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.

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

Building Your Financial Advisory Practice: A Comprehensive Guide for Advisors

Growth Strategies · Build my brand · Information Guide

Advisor Brand Building Guide

Discover how to establish your personal brand as a financial advisor to stand out in a competitive market, attract clients, and grow your business.

Using Elite Advisor Insights to Expand Your Advisory Practice

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Products and Services

Optimizing Your Business with Elite Advisor Insights

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.

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.

Unlocking Potential: Transforming Retirement Plans with Always-On Innovation

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Products and Services

Leveraging Innovation to Expand Your Practice

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

How Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) Can Help You Scale Your Retirement Plan Business

Growth Strategies · Expand my practice · Article

Unlock New Client Opportunities with PEP

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

Boosting Business with Elite Advisor Strategies: Effective Approaches for Advisors

Growth Strategies · Build my brand · Products and Services

Promoting Your Practice: A Guide for Elite Advisors

As an Elite advisor, you and your clients deserve exceptional service and support. Explore tactics and messaging examples to help you market and promote your Elite retirement practice, highlighting the distinctive benefits you offer.

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.

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.

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.