Retirement plan consultants in Buffalo, NY. Establishing a retirement plan like a 401(k) is a wise move for Buffalo, NY companies 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 loyal workforce. But, for businesses who haven't set up a retirement plan before, or for companies in search of a plan upgrade, the variety of plans available, regulatory compliance, and tax considerations can be challenging.
Correct Capital Wealth Management is an independent Buffalo, NY financial consultancy firm that specializes in assisting companies set up and manage customized retirement plans, built around the needs of both your business and workers. 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 Buffalo, NY to help set up a 401(k) or other plan, reach out to us via 877-930-4015, contact us online, or schedule an appointment with one of our financial advisors today.
Why Establish a Retirement Plan for Your Buffalo, NY Business?
To understand what a 401(k) or other retirement plan could mean for your Buffalo, NY business, it's crucial to consider how much it means to your employees:
- 67% of U.S. retirees say there's a retirement crisis in the country; 40% worry they will outlive their retirement savings (Source)
- Nearly half of retirees say their income wasn't high enough to save for retirement; over half blame their employer for not providing adequate resources to help them save (Source)
- In one survey, nearly two-thirds of respondents said their largest 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 key reason to join a company; 44% ranked it in their three most desired most desired benefits (Source)
- 77% of employees with access to a plan participate (Source)
- Nearly eight in ten of younger workers that are 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 sound financial decisions with the help of a financial advisor (Source)
Saving for retirement is a huge concern for most Americans, and Buffalo, NY businesses that offer retirement plans give themselves a competitive advantage when it comes to securing and keeping valuable employees. Beyond that, there are a bevy 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 start up costs
- Higher employee retention lowers the annual cost of training new employees
Employee Benefits
- Employee contributions can reduce their taxable income
- No taxation on contributions and earnings until withdrawal
- Easy-to-make contributions through payroll deductions
- Even small, regular contributions can accumulate 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 Buffalo, NY Businesses
If you're looking into adopting a retirement plan for your Buffalo, NY business, there are a range of plan options that may be right for your business:
- 401(k) Plans — The bedrock 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 portion of their earnings before taxes are deducted. Employers can choose to match contributions. Safe Harbor 401(k) plans are largely the same, but employer contributions must 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 educational institutions and non-profits.
- Defined Benefit (Pension) Plans — While 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans are based on employees contributing a certain amount or percentage of their paycheck, defined benefit plans offer a predetermined monthly withdrawal once an employee reaches retirement. These plans are primarily employer-funded, and the company assumes the investment risk.
- Cash Balance Plans — Cash balance plans are one form of defined benefit plan that accounts for each participant's balance in a hypothetical account, which increases annually through employer contributions and an annual interest rate. This plan offers consistent returns 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 a simple way for small businesses to provide retirement benefits. Employers make contributions directly to an IRA established for each employee. SEPs are easy to administer, with no significant paperwork, and contributions are tax-deductible for the business. They're especially well-suited for businesses with fluctuating income, 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 salary to the plan, which employers must 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 complexities of larger plans.
- Profit-Sharing Plans — Profit-sharing plans are versatile retirement solutions that enable employers to make optional contributions to their employees' retirement funds. Contributions are often made out of the company's profits, giving employees a direct stake in 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, 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, potentially boosting 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 take the reins of the business.
How Can Correct Capital Help My Business's Retirement Plan?
Our Buffalo, NY retirement plan consultants currently manage over 30 plans in both small and large companies, and oversee over $230 million in total plan assets across the country. Our expertise and experience 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 and selecting the most suitable retirement plan for your unique company, considering 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 being cost-effective for your business.
- Establishing the plan — Several steps are required to formally put the retirement plan in place. These include creating a formal written agreement, arranging a trust for trust assets, notifying eligible employees about terms and conditions, and creating a record-keeping system. Our Buffalo, NY retirement plan consultants can handle and/or assist with all of these requirements.
- Plan changes — Maybe you're unsatisfied 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 adding new features, 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 diverse range of analytical tools, resources, and experience to aid in 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 ensuring a diverse range of options to meet the different needs of different employees.
- Plan documentation — Retirement plan consultants assist in drafting and maintaining all required plan documentation, ensuring compliance with IRS and Department of Labor regulations. This includes plan adoption agreements, summary plan descriptions, and annual notices to participants.
- Plan participant education — Informing participants is paramount to ensuring that your employees comprehend the benefits of participating in the retirement plan and how to make informed investment choices. Correct Capital's retirement plan consultants offer quarterly webinars to plan participants and offer personalized 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 help ensure your Buffalo, NY business stays compliant. Moreover, 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 Buffalo, NY include:
Buffalo, NY Retirement Plan Consultants | Correct Capital
As you contemplate the future prospects of your company and the well-being of your workforce, offering a retirement plan should be at the forefront. With our wide array of offerings and commitment to acting solely in your optimal interest, we'll help you get your Buffalo, NY company and employees from where you are to where you want to go. To start creating a plan that matches with your individual business and goals, speak to a retirement plan consultant in Buffalo, NY today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online.
