Retirement plan consultants in Baltimore, MD. Establishing a retirement plan such as 401(k) is a smart step for Baltimore, MD companies and business owners looking for a competitive advantage. These plans are a key factor in retaining and attracting top talent, providing employees with a sense of security, and fostering a committed workforce. But, for businesses who haven't established a retirement plan before, or for companies who'd like to make changes to their current plan, the variety of plans available, regulatory compliance, and tax considerations can be challenging.
Correct Capital Wealth Management is an independent Baltimore, MD financial advisory firm that specializes in helping companies establish and manage unique retirement plans for your unique business and workforce. We enjoy exploring the unique story behind each business we work with and getting to know the entrepreneurial spirit that guides their leaders. As fiduciary advisors, our only goal is to act in your best interest. If you're in search of a retirement plan consultant in Baltimore, MD to help create a 401(k) or other plan, reach out to us via 877-930-4015, contact us online, or schedule an appointment with a member of our advisor team today.
Why Establish a Retirement Plan for Your Baltimore, MD Business?
To understand what a 401(k) or other retirement plan could do for your Baltimore, MD business, it's essential to look at what a retirement plan means for your employees:
- 67% of U.S. retirees say there's a retirement crisis in the country; 2 in 5 worry they will live longer than their savings last (Source)
- Almost half of retirees say their income wasn't high enough to save for retirement; over half blame their employer for not doing enough to help them save (Source)
- In a recent study, 62% of respondents said their main source of income in retirement will be their 401(k) (Source)
- Six out of ten of employees cited their employers' retirement plan as a reason they remain; nearly half said it's an important reason to join a company; 44% ranked it in their three most desired most desired benefits (Source)
- More than three-quarters of employees with access to a plan opt-in (Source)
- Nearly eight in ten of Millennial and Gen Z 401(k) plan participants are looking for personalized investment advice for their plan (Source)
- 77% of plan participants are "extremely confident" in their ability to make the right financial decisions with the help of a financial advisor (Source)
Retirement savings is a significant concern for most Americans, and Baltimore, MD companies that sponsor retirement plans afford themselves a competitive advantage when it comes to securing and keeping valuable employees. Beyond that, there are a multitude of benefits for both employers and employees when it comes to offering retirement plans:
Business Benefits
- Matching contributions are tax-deductible
- Earnings on plan assets are tax-free
- A range of plan choices and the flexibility to adapt a plan to your business
- Tax credits , among other advantages from the SECURE ACT 2.0, help reduce start up costs
- Higher retention rates lower the annual cost of training new employees
Employee Benefits
- Employee contributions can reduce their taxable income
- Contributions and earnings are not taxed until withdrawal
- Contributions are easy to make through payroll deductions
- Even small, regular contributions can accumulate into significant retirement savings
- Assets can be rolled over by participants if they change employers
- Improved financial security in retirement
Types of Retirement Plans Available for Baltimore, MD Businesses
If you're thinking about adopting a 401(k) or other plan for your Baltimore, MD business, there are a variety of plan options our retirement plan consultants can discuss with you:
- 401(k) Plans — The foundation of American retirement plans, 401(k)s allow for diverse investments including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, and allow employees to save and invest a part of their earnings before taxes are deducted. Employers have the option to match contributions. Safe Harbor 401(k) plans are essentially the same, but employer contributions are required to be fully vested immediately. In exchange, safe harbor 401(k)s are not subject to annual nondiscrimination tests.
- 403(b) Plans — Much like 401(k)s, 403(b)s are tailored for employees of educational institutions and non-profits.
- Defined Benefit (Pension) Plans — While 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans operate based on employees contributing a certain amount or percentage of their income, defined benefit plans offer a predetermined monthly withdrawal in retirement. These plans are primarily employer-funded, and the company takes on the investment risk.
- Cash Balance Plans — Cash balance plans are a type of defined benefit plan that tracks each participant's balance in a hypothetical account, which increases annually through employer contributions and an interest credit rate. This plan offers consistent returns like a traditional pension but with individual accounts similar to a defined contribution plan. It's an appealing option for businesses seeking a middle ground between the security of pension plans and the adaptability of contribution plans.
- Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs — SEP plans offer a simple way for small businesses to offer retirement plans. Employers make contributions directly to an IRA set up for each employee. SEPs are straightforward to manage, with no significant paperwork, and contributions are tax-deductible for the business. They're particularly well-suited for businesses with variable profits, as the contribution amounts can be adjusted annually.
- Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA — SIMPLE IRAs are tailored to small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. These plans are easier to set up and maintain than 401(k)s but allow employees to contribute a percentage of their paycheck to the plan, which employers are required to match up to a certain percentage. SIMPLE IRAs are an excellent option for small businesses looking to offer a more traditional retirement plan without the red tape associated with larger plans.
- Profit-Sharing Plans — Profit-sharing plans are flexible retirement solutions that enable employers to make discretionary contributions to their employees' retirement funds. Contributions are usually made from company stock, giving employees an incentive to contribute to the company's success. These plans are adaptable in many ways, offering flexibility in how contributions are distributed and calculated among employees.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) — ESOPs offer employees with company stock, offering them an ownership interest in the business. ESOPs are not only a retirement benefit but also synchronize financial goals of employees with those of the company's performance, potentially boosting productivity and job satisfaction. ESOPs can also complement a company's succession planning as ownership shares can be passed to high performers who will eventually take the reins of the business.
What Can Correct Capital's Baltimore, MD Retirement Plan Consultants Do for My Business?
Our Baltimore, MD retirement plan consultants currently manage over 30 plans in companies of all sizes, and represent over $230 million in total plan assets across the country. Our experience and expertise enables us to offer a range of services that include both the initial set up and ongoing support:
- Plan selection — We'll assist in evaluating different plan options and selecting the most fitting retirement plan for your business, considering factors such as number of employees, financial goals, employee demographics, and tax considerations. The goal is to select a plan that provides the best benefits to your employees while being efficient for your business.
- Establishing the plan — Multiple steps are required to make the retirement plan legitimate. These include adopting a written plan, arranging a trust for trust assets, notifying eligible employees about terms and conditions, and establishing a record-keeping system. Our Baltimore, MD retirement plan consultants can handle and/or assist with each of these steps.
- Plan changes — Perhaps you're unhappy with your current plan, or your business has evolved and you need a retirement plan consultant that can help your retirement plan adapt as you grow. Consultants can guide you through modifying your plan to accommodate business growth, changes in workforce, or shifts in financial goals. This includes introducing new options, modifying contribution limits, or transitioning to a different type of plan to better meet your needs.
- Investment advice — As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we have access to a wide range of analytical tools, resources, and experience to help with the selection of investment options that should be made available within the plan. This includes examining the performance of different investment funds, evaluating your employees' risk tolerance, and providing a diverse range of options to meet the different needs of different employees.
- Plan documentation — Retirement plan consultants help in drafting and maintaining all required plan documentation, ensuring compliance with IRS and Department of Labor regulations. This includes plan adoption agreements, plan summaries, and annual notices to participants.
- Ongoing participant education — Education is key to ensuring that your employees comprehend the benefits of participating in the retirement plan and how to make wise investment choices. Correct Capital's retirement plan consultants carry out quarterly webinars to plan participants and offer one-on-one coaching for topics such as retirement planning, investment risk, and how to enhance their retirement savings.
- Help with regulations and audits — The IRS, SEC, ERISA, and other laws and institutions establish rigid guidelines for how companies establish and maintain their retirement plans. Most retirement plans are also subject to annual audits. Retirement plan consultants can make sure your Baltimore, MD business stays compliant. Furthermore, hiring Correct Capital as your retirement plan consultant helps remove much of the fiduciary duty related to the plan from your responsibilities.
Other services we offer in Baltimore, MD include:
Baltimore, MD Retirement Plan Consultants | Correct Capital
As you contemplate the future of your company and the welfare of your employees, offering a retirement plan should be a top priority. With our complete range of services and deep commitment to working solely in your best interest, we'll help you get your Baltimore, MD business and employees from where you are to where you want to go. To initiate developing a plan that matches with your distinct company and goals, talk to a retirement plan consultant in Baltimore, MD today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online.
