401(k) Basics

The Step-by-Step Guide to Offering a Small Business 401(k)

Offering a 401(k) sends a great message to your employees — that you’re invested in their future and want them to have a retirement they can look forward to. Recent research shows

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

2020 401(k) Deadlines for Plan Sponsors

Here are some of the important deadlines that plan sponsors should be mindful of heading into the new year.

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®

What Should You Do with Your Old 401(k)? The 3 Main Options

Have you changed jobs recently or plan to in the future? If you have a 401(k) or a retirement savings account through your employer, you might wonder what happens to those funds

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®

How to Choose the Right IRA to Roll Over Your Old 401(k)

If you have a 401(k)—or similar type of retirement account—with a former employer, you might not know what to do with it.  You have a few options - a popular

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k)

The Small Business Guide to 401(k) Matching

Employees are more willing to save for retirement when their company chips in. Here’s what you need to know about employer matching.

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®

5 Reasons to Start a 401(k) Plan on January 1

Thinking of starting a 401(k) plan? Great! Not sure when to actually start it? We got you. While many business owners want to start as soon as possible, this can cause some

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k)

What Does a 401(k) Plan Administrator Do?

Ensuring that your company’s 401(k) keeps humming along is a big job. Here’s how plan administrators get it done.

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

What’s the Difference Between 401(k) and SIMPLE Retirement Plans?

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to retirement. Here’s how 401(k) and SIMPLE plans compare.

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

What is the Form 5500?

Don’t underestimate this annual reporting requirement. Here are your instructions for filing the Form 5500-series return.

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k)

What is New Comparability Profit Sharing?

A “new comparability” plan is a flexible type of profit sharing retirement plan that can either stand alone, or be part of a 401(k) plan. Small business owners find these plans attractive

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

Traditional vs Roth 401(k): Which one is right for you?

Of the employer-sponsored plans available today, Roth and traditional 401(k) plans are the two clear favorites. Here’s a breakdown of the nuances and tax considerations associated with each.

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

Taking Care of Business: ERISA Fiduciary Duties of a 401(k) Plan Sponsor

When you set up an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan for your team, you to need figure out who is going to handle the fiduciary duties, and you're probably going to come across the

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

401(k) Profit Sharing Plans: The Nuts and Bolts of a Great Benefit

Despite its name, profit sharing in a 401(k) plan doesn’t necessarily involve your company’s profits. So what is it? Profit sharing in a 401(k) plan is a pre-tax contribution

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

Safe Harbor 401(k): The 2019 Guide for Business Owners

What is a Safe Harbor 401(k) plan? What do you have to do to offer one? And what do all those acronyms mean? Don't worry. We’ve helped many companies set up

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
Accountants & Bookkeepers

401(k) FAQs for Accountants and Advisors

Do your clients have questions about offering a 401(k) plan? We’ve got most of the answers accountants and advisors need right here! This article is the third in a three-part series

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
Accountants & Bookkeepers

Why Tax Pros Should Be Up To Speed on 401(k) Plans

Every business owner has to make decisions that are outside his or her expertise. When it comes to small business 401(k) plans, our internal research has shown that an accountant or bookkeeper

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
Accountants & Bookkeepers

How to Help Your Clients Choose the Right 401(k) Plan

Okay, so maybe your client has asked you if they should offer a 401(k). Or maybe you’ve suggested that they offer one. Either way, do you really know how to help

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

401(k) Nondiscrimination Tests: How to Stay Compliant

Does your company’s 401(k) plan benefit all your employees, or does it favor owners and executives who make more money? That’s what the two major 401(k) nondiscrimination tests try

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

The 401(k) Checklist: How to Choose the Best 401(k) Provider

Before we dive in, give yourself a pat on the back. Shopping for a 401(k) provider means you’re thinking about your employees and securing their financial future. Recent research shows that

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
Retirement Planning

What is a 401(k) Plan and Should You Participate?

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but Americans are lousy savers. A recent Guideline survey found that only 48% of workers feel at least somewhat confident about their ability to retire

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
401(k) Basics

Why Your Team Needs a 401(k) and How to Get it Right

According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), close to half of all American families don’t have any retirement savings. This uncertain future presents your business with the opportunity to build a stronger

Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P® Nicolle Willson, J.D., CFP®, C(k)P®
Guideline 401(k) Blog © 2019
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