401k Advisory and Investment Services
Our team consists of qualified retirement plan and financial management specialists, providing an integrated approach to retirement plan management that is comprehensive and distinct. Our service model is designed with a goal to deliver leading-edge plan designs with low-cost investments and dynamic quality management systems, enabling plan sponsors to work toward achieving the highest fiduciary standards. In addition to fiduciary practices, we provide services to assist plan sponsors with ERISA compliance, investment services and employee education for their retirement plans.
At the core of our 401k philosophy is the belief that lower investment expenses will likely result in better positioned long-term investment returns -- and more retirement savings for plan participants. For this reason, we offer an independent, fee-based approach to investment selection and tend to prefer low-cost institutional funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) versus higher-priced, commission-based mutual funds. We use a strict investment screening process that considers the entire universe of mutual funds and ETFs to determine which of the 27,000 plus choices can meet our standards for performance, low-cost and fiduciary excellence. We generally find that less than 5% of that universe will meet our strict criteria!
Our 401k Advisory team includes an Accredited Investment Fiduciary providing contracted fiduciary services (as defined under ERISA Sect. 3(21)(a)(ii)) to our clients, relieving them of some of the burden of complying with ERISA and IRS regulations. Our own internal investment committee, headed by a Chartered Financial Analyst, carefully studies investment options, portfolio strategies and market trends to deliver quality guidance to our plan sponsors and their participants. We also offer the option of a Fiduciary Investment Advisor, in an advisory relationship, to help plan participants at no additional cost.
Our goal is to help you build a better 401k plan by establishing fiduciary best practices through ongoing fiduciary analytics and assessments, research-based investment advisory services, periodic investment monitoring, fee transparency and employee education. "It's a whole new way to look at 401k!"
ETFs trade like stocks, are subject to investment risk, fluctuate in market value, and may trade at prices above or below the ETF's net asset value (NAV). Upon redemption, the value of fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. ETFs carry additional risks such as not being diversified, possible trading halts, and index tracking errors.
Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Fund value will fluctuate with market conditions and it may not achieve its investment objective.
This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.