Retirement plan consultants in Oakland, CA. Establishing a retirement plan such as 401(k) is a strategic step for Oakland, CA companies and business owners looking for a competitive advantage. Retirement plans are a vital component in retaining and attracting top talent, providing employees with a sense of security, and fostering a productive 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, legal requirements, and tax considerations can be daunting.
Correct Capital Wealth Management is an independent Oakland, CA financial consultancy firm that specializes in assisting companies set up 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 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 Oakland, CA 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 Oakland, CA Business
To understand what a 401(k) or other retirement plan could mean for your Oakland, CA business, it's essential to examine how much it means to your employees:
- 2 in 3 U.S. retirees say the country is in a retirement crisis; 2 in 5 think they might outlive their retirement savings (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 a recent study, over half of respondents said their primary source of income in retirement will be their 401(k) (Source)
- Three-fifths 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 top three most desired benefits (Source)
- 77% of employees with access to a plan participate (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 financial decisions with the help of a financial advisor (Source)
Saving for our golden years is a major concern for most Americans, and Oakland, CA companies that sponsor retirement plans provide themselves a competitive advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. Moreover, there are a host of benefits for both employers and employees when it comes to offering retirement plans:
Business Benefits
- Employer 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, help reduce start up costs
- Higher employee retention lowers the annual cost of training new employees
Employee Benefits
- Employees can lower their taxable income
- No taxation on contributions and earnings until withdrawal
- Easy-to-make contributions through payroll deductions
- Small, regular contributions can grow into significant retirement savings
- Participant assets can be rolled over if they change employers
- Improved financial security in retirement
Retirement Plan Options Available for Oakland, CA Businesses
If you're considering establishing a 401(k) or other plan for your Oakland, CA business, there are a multitude of plan options our retirement plan consultants can speak to you about:
- 401(k) Plans — The cornerstone of American retirement plans, 401(k)s allow for a wide range of 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 have the option 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 — Comparable to 401(k)s, 403(b)s are specifically designed for employees of non-profit entities.
- 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 promise a predetermined monthly withdrawal in retirement. These plans are mostly employer-funded, and the company assumes 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 grows annually through employer contributions and an annual interest rate. This plan offers predictable benefits like a traditional pension but with personalized accounts similar to a defined contribution plan. It's an attractive 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 provide retirement benefits. Employers make contributions directly to an IRA established for each employee. SEPs are easy to administer, with no significant red tape, and contributions are 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 simpler to manage than 401(k)s but allow employees to contribute a percentage of their income 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 complexities of larger plans.
- Profit-Sharing Plans — Profit-sharing plans are flexible retirement solutions that allow employers to make discretionary contributions to their employees' retirement funds. Contributions are usually made from company stock, giving employees a direct stake in 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 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 top employees who will eventually lead of the business.
How Can Correct Capital Help My Business's Retirement Plan?
Our Oakland, CA retirement plan consultants currently manage over 30 plans in companies of all sizes, and oversee over $230 million in total plan assets across the U.S. Our experience and expertise allows us to offer a range of services that encompass both the initial set up and ongoing support:
- Plan selection — We'll aid in evaluating and selecting the most fitting retirement plan for your specific company, bearing in mind factors such as company size, financial goals, employee demographics, and tax advantages. The goal is to select a plan that offers the best benefits to your employees while being efficient for your business.
- Establishing the plan — Multiple 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 setting up a record-keeping system. Our Oakland, CA retirement plan consultants can manage and/or assist with all of these requirements.
- Plan changes — Possibly 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 help you with modifying your plan to adapt to 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 suit 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 examining the performance of different investment funds, determining their risk levels, and ensuring 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 necessary 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 — Education is vital 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 carry out 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 set rigid frameworks 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 Oakland, CA business stays compliant. Moreover, 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 Oakland, CA 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
Oakland, CA Retirement Plan Consultants | Correct Capital
As you consider the future of your business and the well-being of your workforce, providing a retirement plan should be front and center. With our comprehensive suite of services and dedication to working solely in your best interest, we'll help you guide your Oakland, CA company and employees from where you are to where you want to go. To start creating a plan that matches with your unique company and objectives, talk to a retirement plan consultant in Oakland, CA today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online.
