Retirement plan consultants in Chicago, IL. Setting up a retirement plan like a 401(k) is a strategic step for Chicago, IL businesses and business owners looking for a way to stand out. These plans are a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent, providing employees with a sense of security, and fostering a committed workforce. But, for businesses that have not established a retirement plan before, or for companies in search of a better option, the variety of plans available, regulatory compliance, and tax considerations can be overwhelming.
Correct Capital Wealth Management is an independent Chicago, IL financial consultancy 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 every company 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 looking for a retirement plan consultant in Chicago, IL to help create a 401(k) or other plan, reach out to us via 877-930-4015, contact us online, or make an appointment with a member of our advisor team today.
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Correct Capital Wealth Management's office is physically located in St. Louis, MO, but we serve clients throughout the United States in both personal financial planning and corporate retirement plans.
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Benefits of Starting a Retirement Plan for Your Chicago, IL Business
To understand what a 401(k) or other retirement plan could do for your Chicago, IL company, it's essential to examine how much it means to your employees:
- Two-thirds of U.S. retirees say there's a retirement crisis in the country; four out of ten think they might live longer than their savings last (Source)
- 45% 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, nearly two-thirds 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 essential reason to join a company; almost half ranked it in their three most desired most desired benefits (Source)
- Nearly four out of five employees with access to a plan opt-in (Source)
- Nearly eight in ten of Gen Z and Millennial 401(k) plan participants are looking for customized investment advice for their plan (Source)
- 77% of plan participants are "extremely confident" in their ability to make the right decisions with their finances with the help of a financial advisor (Source)
Retirement savings is a major concern for most Americans, and Chicago, IL businesses that offer retirement plans afford themselves a significant edge when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. Moreover, there are a multitude of benefits for both employers and employees that retirement plans offer:
Business Benefits
- Tax deductions for employer contributions
- Tax-free earnings on assets
- 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, can lower initial costs
- Higher employee retention lowers 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 Chicago, IL Businesses
If you're thinking about setting up a 401(k) or other plan for your Chicago, IL business, there are a range of plan options our retirement plan consultants are ready to discuss:
- 401(k) Plans — The foundation of American retirement plans, 401(k)s enable for a wide range of investments across stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, and permit employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out. Employers have the option to match contributions. Safe Harbor 401(k) plans are largely 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 — Much like 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 operate based on employees contributing a specific amount or percentage of their income, defined benefit plans offer a predetermined monthly withdrawal in retirement. These plans are mostly employer-funded, and the company bears 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 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 defined contribution plan. It's an appealing option for businesses looking for a middle ground between the certainty of pensions and the flexibility 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 especially well-suited for businesses with fluctuating income, 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 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 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 often made from company stock, giving employees an incentive to contribute to the company's bottom line. 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, providing 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 complement a company's succession planning as ownership shares can be passed to high performers who will eventually take the reins of the business.
How Can Correct Capital Help My Business's Retirement Plan?
Our Chicago, IL 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 assist in evaluating different plan options and selecting the most fitting retirement plan for your business, bearing in mind factors such as company size, financial goals, employee demographics, and tax considerations. The goal is to choose a plan that offers the best benefits to your employees while being efficient for your business.
- Establishing the plan — Several 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 the terms of the plan, and establishing a record-keeping system. Our Chicago, IL retirement plan consultants can carry out and/or assist with all of these requirements.
- 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 help you with modifying your plan to adapt to 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 wide array of analytical tools, resources, and experience to assist with the selection of investment options that should be made available within the plan. This includes analyzing the performance of different investment funds, determining their risk levels, and providing a diverse range of options to meet the varying investment preferences and retirement goals of your employees.
- Plan documentation — Retirement plan consultants help in drafting and maintaining all essential plan documentation, ensuring compliance with IRS and Department of Labor regulations. This includes adoption agreements for the plan, summary plan descriptions, and annual notices to participants.
- Plan participant education — Education is paramount 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 increase their retirement savings.
- Help with regulations and audits — The IRS, SEC, ERISA, and other laws and institutions set 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 Chicago, IL business stays compliant. Moreover, 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 Chicago, IL include:
- 401(k) Audit
- High-Net-Worth Wealth Management
- Retirement Planner
- Financial Planning
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
- Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Chicago, IL Retirement Plan Consultants | Correct Capital
As you contemplate the future prospects of your business and the welfare of your employees, implementing a retirement plan should be at the forefront. With our complete range of services and commitment to acting solely in your optimal interest, we'll help you lead your Chicago, IL company and staff from where you are to where you want to go. To begin developing a plan that matches with your unique company and goals, reach out to a retirement plan consultant in Chicago, IL today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online.
