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In retirement planning, timing is everything—but generic messaging rarely delivers. And while early AI usage in the industry focused on operational efficiency, it’s now shifting from output to outcomes by using participant behavior to power more personalized participant communications that determine what to say, when to say it, and who needs to hear it. The result: a tailored approach where advisors and plan sponsors deliver timely, targeted, and AI assisted messaging that drives more meaningful engagement and better reflects the individuals their plans serve.

For financial advisors, practice growth often comes down to building the right relationships. One of the most valuable can be with a certified public accountant (CPA). Understanding the benefits of a CPA and financial advisor partnership  can help advisors expand their reach, strengthen client relationships, and support more connected financial conversations—without changing the role either professional plays.

Below are six reasons many advisors choose to work with CPAs.

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

NOTE: When selecting Full Service for the Ascensus Service Model, the estimate will reflect a $200 reduction on the base fee.

Filing Form 5500 accurately is one of the most critical compliance responsibilities plan sponsors face each year. Even small mistakes can trigger scrutiny, lead to costly penalties, or delay processing. The good news is that most Form 5500 filing errors are preventable, with the right preparation, tools, and advisor support.

Starting the Form 5500 process ahead of the deadline gives you and your clients time to catch discrepancies early and address them before they become bigger issues. Keeping thorough, up‑to‑date records—such as participant counts, financial reconciliations, and internal review procedures—strengthen fiduciary oversight and make the process more manageable. It also helps to understand where retirement plan compliance errors most often occur, and the steps that make the filing season smoother and more predictable for your clients.

As retirement plan compliance grows more complex, advisors are turning to technology to reduce risk and streamline processes. Hear how Ascensus experts are leading the way in our latest Tech.FWD podcast episode.

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. 

Technology developed in a vacuum rarely works in the retirement space.

Real progress happens when the people who use the tools — advisors, sponsors, and participants — shape them. That’s why Ascensus’ development approach and post launch assessment begin not with features, but with your feedback. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Use these tips to encourage younger generations to start saving for retirement — enhancing your advisory practice and fostering long-term client relationships. 

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

Help clients find simple opportunities to save more money, positioning yourself as a supportive and effective advisor.

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

Enhance your advisory practice by bridging the financial literacy gap among clients, positioning yourself as a valuable resource and trusted advisor. 

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

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

Guide clients to stay on track with their retirement savings goals, fostering retirement confidence and long-term financial 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.

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

Help your clients confidently navigate their investment journey by understanding and managing their risk tolerance, positioning yourself as their trusted financial guide.

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

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

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.