RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES
For many people retirement plan services begins with making tax-deferred contributions to either an employer-sponsored 401(k) Plan, SEP-IRA or IRA account.
The Summary Plan Description that govern some retirement plan services such as 401(k) and 403(B) plans includes a provision for a “Self-Directed Option” (aka “Brokerage Window”) that allow employee-participants to select outside investments for themselves, such as additional mutual fund families, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) with invests in individual stocks, bonds and bank Certificates of Deposits. Therefore, we would caution you from ‘falling in love’ with the limited menu of choices that is offered within your company-sponsored retirement plan. Let’s begin the discussion about how you may be able to expand your retirement investment options, to include a much larger depth and breadth of mutual funds, ETFs, etc.
Learn More About Retirement Plan Services Provided by Wealthcare Financial Group, Inc.
Are Target Date Funds hitting The Mark?
Martin A. Smith, President of Wealthcare Financial Group, Inc. on New Channel 8
Target Date Funds (TDFs) shift investors from stocks to bonds over time in an effort to become more conservative as retirement approaches. This transition is referred to as a glide path and while the basic concept seems reasonable, TDFs are widely criticized for the limits of their mass market approach. For example, TDF’s cannot incorporate all the relevant personal facts that determine the ideal allocation for one’s retirement investments, and investors can find themselves either forfeiting needed growth or accepting unnecessary exposure to an increasingly volatile market.
With the exception of TDFs, retirement plans are designed for growth and accumulation, not wealth preservation. Though most plans may be adequate if employees have at least 20 or 30 years before retirement, not everyone has the luxury of time to recover what can be lost when markets have a bad year.
It is important to remember that retirement plan services begins with the needs of employees first, then the sponsoring employer. This process is not a one size fits all. There are many potentially suitable options to choose from. The important thing is to be knowledgeable about all of your options as an employer or employee, so that you can make a well-informed decision.
If you would like to explore whether or not your 401(K) plan allows you to take advantage of the Self-Directed Option (SDO), please contact our firm and request a no-cost comprehensive review of the Summary Plan Description (SPD) governing your employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Retirement Plans For Employees
With the exception of TDFs, retirement plans are designed for growth and accumulation, not wealth preservation. Though most plans may be adequate if employees have at least 20 or 30 years before retirement, not everyone has the luxury of time to recover what can be lost when markets have a bad year.
Retirement Plans For Employers
With the exception of TDFs, retirement plans are designed for growth and accumulation, not wealth preservation. Though most plans may be adequate if employees have at least 20 or 30 years before retirement, not everyone has the luxury of time to recover what can be lost when markets have a bad year.
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