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.

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.

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.

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.

How Financial Advisors Can Help Younger Generations Understand the Importance of Saving for Retirement

Engage Clients · Participant education · Article

Inspiring Young Clients to Save

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

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.

Maximizing Client Savings: Simple Strategies for Financial Advisors

Engage Clients · Participant education · Article

Finding Savings Opportunities for Clients

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

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.  

Three Ways to Effectively Educate Retirement Plan Participants as an Advisor

Engage Clients · Participant education · Article

Educating Plan Participants Effectively

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

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 to Help Clients Stay on Track with Retirement Savings Goals

Engage Clients · Participant education · Article

Keeping Client Savings on Track

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

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.

How to Navigate Risk Tolerance Conversations with Clients

Engage Clients · Participant education · Article

Discussing Risk Tolerance with Clients

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.