While the individual components of a quality retirement plan may suit your current objectives, all aspects of the plan must operate smoothly for the plan to be a success for the employer as well as the employees, both now and in the future. The key ingredients of a quality retirement plan are the plan design, the investments you choose, employee education on the importance of retirement savings, employee communications, the cost effectiveness of the program and efficient and reliable advisors.

Plan Design: Flexibility in plan design features, such as eligibility, vesting, contribution allocations, flexibility in allocation methods and the intended recipients, are important elements which give an employer the ability to design a plan that meets both management and employee objectives. We would be happy to review your plan design periodically to confirm that it continues to meet the needs of the firm.

Quality Investments: There are many choices available today; so careful consideration should be given to your plan’s investment alternatives. A reliable broker, a vendor with a good track record on service, competitive performance of funds and reasonable expenses are important factors to consider when selecting the investments for your plan. We do not provide investment advice nor are we licensed to do so. We work in partnership with your broker of choice to ensure you receive the best plan and investments for you and your employees.

Employee Education: Employee education is a must in any participant directed retirement plan. Good employee education leads to better investment selection, larger account balances at retirement and satisfied participants. It is also important for employees who are participants in non 401(k) plans to understand the benefits their employer is providing to them for their retirement at no cost.

Plan Communications: A good investment vendor should provide your firm with features, such as user-friendly plan information, enrollment materials, enrollment seminars in a variety of locations and technologies, toll free telephone account access, internet accessibility, understandable     participant statements and periodic newsletters to keep participants advised on what is going on in the world of investments. For non 401(k) participants, communication is also imperative. Your third party administrator and broker should assist you in providing easily understood materials to the employees or have periodic on-site meetings so that employees have a basic understanding of how their retirement plan works.

Quality Administration: The duties of a pension administrator include all administrative and compliance issues associated with a qualified plan. For small plans, this function may also include the record keeping of any deposits made to the plan. Pension Administrators are your first line of defense in the day-to-day operation of a qualified plan. A good administrator will act as your “firewall” and will keep you in compliance with the current law and recommend changes to your Plan, as your company needs change. The employees of our firm have had many years of experience in providing effective solutions to the sponsors of qualified plans.

Reasonable Cost: All retirement plans involve certain elements of cost. Just as your business charges fees to those to whom you provide service, so must those who provide legal advice, investment management, pension administration and employer and employee consulting services to your plan.

Responsive Service: We pride ourselves on our responsive and personalized service. We will provide answers to your questions about the various types of retirement plans, the plan design and operational issues associated with each type of retirement plan at the inception of our relationship. We will continually be there to ensure that your retirement plan remains a success. We have relationships with many qualified professionals including actuaries, ERISA attorneys, accountants, brokers and product vendors to ensure all your needs are met regardless of the type of plan you choose to sponsor.