Retirement plans
Retirement plans are the foundation of a company’s benefits program. We offer a wide variety of retirement plan designs for employers including programs specifically suited for highly compensated employees, prevailing wage and Davis – Bacon contractors.
Every company has unique needs when it comes to designing their retirement plan, however we have found that the most successful 401(k) plans share the following best practices:
Top Ten Best Practices From Your 401(k) Service Providers:
Independence:
Help evaluate investment options and service providers objectively without conflict of interest.
Familiarity with ERISA:
Help keep the company updated on legislation and regulations impacting 401(k) plans and fiduciaries.
Acceptance of Role as a Co – Fiduciary:
Willingness to acknowledge in writing that they are a co-fiduciary to your plan with respect to the investment advice and administrative support being delivered.
Prudent Expert:
ERISA Section 404(a) requires fiduciaries to act with the skill, knowledge and expertise of a prudent expert.
Plan Design:
Ability to help plans maintain qualified status with IRS & DOL while continuing to meet the goals and objectives of your company.
Knowledge of the 401(k) Marketplace:
Help ensure that your plan is running effectively and offering optimum investment options and services for a reasonable price.
Investment Expertise:
Ability to evaluate, select and monitor investment performance.
Documented Process:
Ability to demonstrate procedural prudence in a well – documented manner.
Employee Advice:
Ability to provide investment and retirement planning advice to your employees so they feel confident about their retirement.
Full Disclosure:
Fully disclose all sources of fees being received on a direct and/or indirect basis.