Retirement plan consultants in Birmingham, AL. Setting up a retirement plan like a 401(k) is a wise move for Birmingham, AL businesses and business owners looking for a way to stand out. Retirement plans are a key factor in retaining and attracting top talent, providing employees with a feeling of stability, and fostering a productive workforce. But, for businesses who haven't set up a retirement plan before, or for companies who'd like to make changes to their current plan, the wealth of plan options, legal requirements, and tax considerations can be daunting.
Correct Capital Wealth Management is an independent Birmingham, AL financial consultancy firm that specializes in assisting companies set up and manage unique retirement plans for your unique business and workforce. We love exploring the unique story behind each business we work with and getting to know what makes them tick. 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 Birmingham, AL to help set up a 401(k) or other plan, reach out to us via 877-930-4015, contact us online, or make an appointment with one of our financial advisors today.
Benefits of Starting a Retirement Plan for Your Birmingham, AL Business
To understand what a 401(k) or other retirement plan could do for your Birmingham, AL business, it's essential to consider what a retirement plan means for your employees:
- 2 in 3 U.S. retirees say the country is in a retirement crisis; four out of ten worry they will live longer than their savings last (Source)
- 45% of retirees say their income wasn't high enough to save for retirement; 55% blame their employer for not providing adequate resources to help them save (Source)
- In one survey, 62% of respondents said their largest source of income in retirement will be their 401(k) (Source)
- 60% of employees cited their employers' retirement plan as a reason they remain; nearly half said it's an key reason to join a company; about four in ten ranked it in their three most desired most desired benefits (Source)
- Nearly four out of five employees with access to a plan choose to participate (Source)
- Nearly eight in ten of Gen Z and Millennial 401(k) plan participants are keen on personalized investment advice for their plan (Source)
- Three-quarters of plan participants are "extremely confident" in their ability to make sound decisions with their finances with the help of a financial advisor (Source)
Saving for our golden years is a significant concern for most Americans, and Birmingham, AL companies that offer retirement plans afford themselves a significant edge when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. Additionally, 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
- Variety of plan options and flexibility to adapt a plan to your business
- Tax credits , among other advantages from the SECURE ACT 2.0, assist in reducing initial 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
- Participant assets can be rolled over if they change employers
- Improved financial security in retirement
Retirement Plan Options Available for Birmingham, AL Businesses
If you're looking into adopting a retirement plan for your Birmingham, AL business, there are a multitude of plan options our retirement plan consultants are ready to discuss:
- 401(k) Plans — The bedrock of American retirement plans, 401(k)s enable for diverse investments including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, and allow employees to save and invest a part of their income before taxes are taken out. 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 when made. In exchange, safe harbor 401(k)s are not subject to annual nondiscrimination tests.
- 403(b) Plans — Similar to 401(k)s, 403(b)s are tailored 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 earnings, defined benefit plans offer a guaranteed monthly withdrawal in retirement. These plans are largely employer-funded, and the company takes on the investment risk.
- Cash Balance Plans — Cash balance plans are one form 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 predictable benefits like a traditional pension but with individual accounts similar to a defined contribution plan. It's an attractive option for businesses looking for a middle ground between the security of pension plans and the adaptability of contribution plans.
- Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs — SEP plans offer an uncomplicated way for small businesses to sponsor retirement plans. Employers make contributions directly to an IRA established for each employee. SEPs are easy to administer, with minimal red tape, 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 designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. These plans are simpler to manage than 401(k)s but allow employees to contribute a part of their salary to the plan, which employers are required to match up to a certain percentage. SIMPLE IRAs are an excellent option 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 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 can be structured in many ways, offering flexibility in how contributions are distributed and calculated among employees.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) — ESOPs provide employees with company stock, offering them an ownership interest in the business. ESOPs are not only a retirement benefit but also align employees' interests with 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 top employees who will eventually lead of the business.
How Can Correct Capital Help My Business's Retirement Plan?
Our Birmingham, AL retirement plan consultants manage over 30 plans in both small and large companies, and oversee over $230 million in total plan assets across the country. Our experience and expertise allows us to offer a range of services that include both the initial set up and ongoing support:
- Plan selection — We'll aid in evaluating different plan options and selecting the most appropriate retirement plan for your unique company, bearing in mind factors such as number of employees, financial goals, employee demographics, and tax advantages. The goal is to select a plan that provides the best benefits to your employees while also helping out your bottom line.
- Establishing the plan — Multiple steps are required to make the retirement plan legal. These include adopting a written plan, arranging a trust for trust assets, notifying eligible employees about the terms of the plan, and setting up a record-keeping system. Our Birmingham, AL 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 evolve with you. Consultants can guide you through modifying your plan to adapt to business growth, changes in workforce, or shifts in financial goals. This includes adding new features, adjusting contribution limits, or transitioning to a different type of plan to suit your needs.
- Investment advice — As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we possess 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 assessing the performance of different investment funds, assessing your employees' risk tolerance, and guaranteeing a diverse range of options to accommodate the varying investment preferences and retirement goals of your 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.
- Plan participant education — Informing participants is key to ensuring that your employees comprehend the benefits of participating in the retirement plan and how to make educated 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 increase their retirement savings.
- Help with regulations and audits — The IRS, SEC, ERISA, and other laws and institutions establish rigid frameworks for how companies establish and maintain their retirement plans. Most 401(k) plans are also subject to annual audits. Retirement plan consultants can help ensure your Birmingham, AL business stays compliant. Furthermore, hiring Correct Capital as your retirement plan consultant allows us to take much of the fiduciary duty related to the plan from your responsibilities.
Other services we offer in Birmingham, AL include:
Birmingham, AL Retirement Plan Consultants | Correct Capital
As you contemplate the future prospects of your company and the well-being of your employees, offering a retirement plan should be a top priority. With our complete range of services and dedication to working only in your best interest, we'll help you get your Birmingham, AL business and employees from where you are to where you want to go. To start crafting a plan that matches with your individual company and goals, talk to a retirement plan consultant in Birmingham, AL today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online.
