Retirement plan consultants in Baltimore, MD. Creating a retirement plan such as 401(k) is a strategic move for Baltimore, MD businesses and business owners looking for a competitive advantage. These plans are a vital component in attracting and retaining 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 looking for a better option, the variety of plans available, regulatory compliance, and tax considerations can be challenging.
Correct Capital Wealth Management is an independent Baltimore, MD financial consultancy firm that specializes in assisting companies establish and maintain customized retirement plans, tailored to the needs of both your business and workforce. We love exploring the unique story behind each business we work with and getting to know the entrepreneurial spirit that drives their leaders. As fiduciary advisors, we have a legal and ethical obligation to act only in your best interest. If you're looking for a retirement plan consultant in Baltimore, MD to help set up a 401(k) or other plan, give us a call at 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 mean for your Baltimore, MD company, it's crucial to look at how much it means to your employees:
- 67% of U.S. retirees say the country is in a retirement crisis; four out of ten think they might live longer than their savings last (Source)
- Nearly half of retirees say their income wasn't sufficient to save for retirement; over half blame their employer for not doing enough to help them save (Source)
- In one survey, over half of respondents said their primary source of income in retirement will be their 401(k) (Source)
- 60% of employees cited their employers' retirement plan as a reason they remain; 47% said it's an important reason to join a company; about four in ten 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)
- 78% of Gen Z and Millennial 401(k) plan participants are interested in customized investment advice for their plan (Source)
- Three-quarters of plan participants are "extremely confident" in their ability to make the right financial decisions with the help of a financial advisor (Source)
Saving for retirement is a huge concern for most Americans, and Baltimore, MD businesses that sponsor retirement plans provide themselves a significant edge when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. Beyond that, there are a host of benefits for both employers and employees that retirement plans offer:
Business Benefits
- Matching contributions are tax-deductible
- Tax-free earnings on assets
- A range of plan choices and the flexibility to adapt a plan to your business
- Tax credits and other benefits from the SECURE ACT 2.0, assist in reducing start up costs
- Higher retention rates lower the annual cost of turnover
Employee Benefits
- Employees can lower their taxable income
- No taxation on contributions and earnings until withdrawal
- Contributions are easy to make through payroll deductions
- Small, regular contributions can grow into significant retirement savings
- Assets can be rolled over by participants if they change employers
- Enhanced financial wellbeing in retirement
Types of Retirement Plans Available for Baltimore, MD Businesses
If you're considering establishing 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 cornerstone of American retirement plans, 401(k)s allow for diverse investments across stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, and permit employees to save and invest a percentage of their income before taxes are taken out. Employers can choose to match contributions. Safe Harbor 401(k) plans are essentially the same, but employer contributions must be fully vested immediately. In exchange, safe harbor 401(k)s are not subject to annual nondiscrimination tests.
- 403(b) Plans — Comparable to 401(k)s, 403(b)s are specifically designed for employees of tax-exempt organizations.
- Defined Benefit (Pension) Plans — While 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans are based on employees contributing a specific amount or percentage of their income, defined benefit plans promise a guaranteed monthly withdrawal in retirement. These plans are largely employer-funded, and the company assumes 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 grows every year through employer contributions and an interest credit rate. This plan offers predictable benefits like a traditional pension but with personalized accounts similar to a 401(k). It's an appealing option for businesses seeking a middle ground between the certainty of pensions 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 easy to administer, with minimal paperwork, and contributions are tax-deductible for the business. They're especially well-suited for businesses with variable profits, as the contribution amounts can be modified annually.
- Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA — SIMPLE IRAs are designed for 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 earnings to the plan, which employers must match up to a certain percentage. SIMPLE IRAs are a great choice for small businesses seeking to provide a more traditional retirement plan without the complexities of larger plans.
- Profit-Sharing Plans — Profit-sharing plans are versatile retirement solutions that allow employers to make optional contributions to their employees' retirement funds. Contributions are often made out of the company's profits, giving employees an incentive to contribute to the company's bottom line. These plans are adaptable in many ways, offering flexibility in how contributions are distributed and calculated among employees.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) — ESOPs give employees with company stock, providing 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, which can boost productivity and job satisfaction. ESOPs can also align with a company's succession planning as ownership shares can be passed to high performers who will eventually lead of the business.
What Can Correct Capital's Baltimore, MD Retirement Plan Consultants Do for My Business?
Our Baltimore, MD retirement plan consultants manage over 30 plans in both small and large companies, 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 encompass both the initial set up and ongoing support:
- Plan selection — We'll aid 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 choose 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 creating a formal written agreement, arranging a trust for trust assets, notifying eligible employees about the terms of the plan, and setting up a record-keeping system. Our Baltimore, MD retirement plan consultants can carry out and/or assist with each of these steps.
- Plan changes — Maybe you dislike your current plan, or your business has evolved and you need a retirement plan consultant that can help your retirement plan evolve with you. Consultants can assist you in 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 more closely align with 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 analyzing the performance of different investment funds, determining your employees' risk tolerance, and providing a diverse range of options to suit the different needs of different employees.
- Plan documentation — Retirement plan consultants assist in drafting and maintaining all necessary plan documentation, ensuring compliance with IRS and Department of Labor regulations. This includes adoption agreements for the plan, plan summaries, and annual notices to participants.
- Ongoing participant education — Education is key to ensuring that your employees understand the benefits of participating in the retirement plan and how to make educated investment choices. Correct Capital's retirement plan consultants offer quarterly webinars to plan participants and offer one-on-one coaching for topics such as retirement planning, investment risk, and how to maximize their retirement savings.
- Help with regulations and audits — The IRS, SEC, ERISA, and other laws and institutions establish rigid guidelines for how companies need to stay legally compliant with their retirement plans. Most 401(k) 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 enables us to assume much of the fiduciary duty related to the plan from your responsibilities.
Other services we offer in Baltimore, MD include:
- Financial Planning for Business Owners
- Comprehensive Financial Planning
- Retirement Income Planning
- Investment Planning
- Retirement Financial Planning
- Independent Financial Advisor
- Roth Conversion
- Investment Management
- 401(k) Audit
- High-Net-Worth Wealth Management
Baltimore, MD Retirement Plan Consultants | Correct Capital
As you consider the future prospects of your company and the well-being of your employees, providing a retirement plan should be front and center. With our complete range of offerings and deep commitment to working exclusively 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 aligns with your distinct business and goals, speak to a retirement plan consultant in Baltimore, MD today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online.