According to one study, nearly half the American population worry they won’t have enough money to retire.[1] People dream of their golden years strolling the beach, hiking a mountain trail, or visiting loved ones. Few people want to work forever.
New year, new plan? Is it time to upgrade your company’s 401(k) plan? As an owner, you wear many hats, including fiduciary. As a fiduciary, you need a written summary plan description, record-keeping system, and documents to provide your employees.[2] You must also act in your employees’ best interests, follow your plan documents, diversify the plan assets, and pay reasonable expenses.[3] You can help your employees retire in style by offering a competitive 401(k).
Moving a 401(k) plan from one provider to the next requires effort, so you don’t want to do it often. Let’s review a few reasons why it makes sense to improve your plan.
- High Fees. Fees are like termites, and if you don’t eradicate them, they will eventually eat your home. It’s imperative to review your service provider fees, fund expenses, and administrative costs. A benchmarking study can help you determine if they are in line with the industry or not.
- Poor Performance. Do you have a subpar fund lineup? If your plan includes expensive mutual funds, variable annuities, or stable value funds, a new low-cost investment lineup could pay dividends and benefit your employees.
- No Service. If your service provider is slow to return your phone calls or emails, a change is warranted. Life is too short, so don’t waste your time on others who treat you poorly.
- Lack of Education. Does your current advisor provide educational workshops? Do they help your employees with financial or retirement planning? Will they meet with your employees in person or Zoom? If your broker, advisor, or agent is not helping your employees grow their wealth, it’s time to work with someone who will.
- Lack of Technology. Was your plan established years ago? Does it include auto-enrollment, financial wellness programs, or web access? Do you have a cool app? A dated plan may lack benefits common to newer ones.
Here are a few resources to assist you in your journey to find the best plan for you and your employees.
- US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/key-topics/retirement/401k-plans
- Understanding Fees: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/understanding-retirement-plan-fees-and-expenses.pdf
- 401(k) Plans: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/401k-plans-for-small-businesses.pdf
- Fee Disclosure Form: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/employers-and-advisers/plan-administration-and-compliance/fiduciary-responsibilities/401k-plan-fee-disclosure-tool.pdf
- Selecting a Service Provider: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/tips-for-selecting-and-monitoring-service-providers.pdf
For most people, a 401(k) plan will be their most significant asset, possibly larger than their home, so offering one that helps them create wealth is prudent.
For many people, being asked to solve their own retirement savings problems is like being asked to build their own cars. ~ Richard Thaler
January 20, 2022
Bill Parrott, CFP®, is the President and CEO of Parrott Wealth Management located in Austin, Texas. Parrott Wealth Management is a fee-only, fiduciary, registered investment advisor firm. Our goal is to remove complexity, confusion, and worry from the investment and financial planning process so our clients can pursue a life of purpose. Our firm does not have an asset or fee minimum, and we work with anybody who needs financial help regardless of age, income, or asset level. PWM’s custodian is TD Ameritrade, and our annual fee starts at .5% of your assets and drops depending on the level of your assets.
Note: Investments are not guaranteed and do involve risk. Your returns may differ from those posted in this blog. PWM is not a tax advisor, nor do we give tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for items that are specific to your situation. Options involve risk and aren’t suitable for every investor.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/top-retirement-worries/
[2] https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/meeting-your-fiduciary-responsibilities.pdf
[3] Ibid