Marketing, Author at RPG Consultants

Just How “Open” is that Open Architecture Recordkeeping Platform You’re Considering?

The concept of an “open architecture” recordkeeping platform has been trending in the financial industry lately and it’s not hard to see why. For many years, 401(k) providers offered bundled platforms with fixed investment options (consisting of proprietary investments) and provider fees paid through investments (via revenue sharing). Open architecture platforms offer features that increase investment flexibility and reduce conflict of interest.

Marketing2019-07-19T10:13:58-05:00July 19th, 2019|Categories: 401k Resources|Tags: Open Architecture Recordkeeping, 401(k) Provider, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Retirement Plan Consultants, Retirement Plan Advisors, Revenue Sharing|Comments Off

CEFEX Certifies RPG Consultants for the 8th Consecutive Year

RPG Consultants was among the first firms in the United States to successfully complete the independent certification process for recordkeepers, and has now earned the certification for the 8th consecutive year. Our CEFEX-ASPPA certification signifies our commitment to adhere to a standard of excellence and a dedication to recordkeeping and administration best practices.

Marketing2019-07-10T13:27:00-05:00July 3rd, 2019|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Comments Off

Protect Your 401(k)

Though some employers may not think so, the truth is that in today's world 401(k) plans are subject to fraudulent activity and that the often-overlooked retirement plan can be the perfect place for it to occur. For example, in late 2017, several news outlets reported a scheme targeting individual 401(k) accounts.

Marketing2019-05-21T10:54:56-05:00May 17th, 2019|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Tags: 401k TPA, 401k Recordkeeper, 401k Distributions, 401(k) fraud, 401(k) security, 401(k) loans, 401(k) distribution fraud|Comments Off

Automatic Enrollment is on the Rise

With the future of Social Security in question, it is becoming ever increasingly important for workers to self-prepare for post-retirement living. Studies show that approximately one out of every three eligible workers choose NOT to participate in their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.

Marketing2019-05-20T13:32:45-05:00May 17th, 2019|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Tags: 401(k), Automatic Enrollment, Automatic Contribution Arrangement, EACA, ACA, QACA, Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA)|Comments Off

Does My Safe Harbor Plan “Require” Testing?

There is a common misconception that safe harbor plans are exempt from testing requirements. This overly general and inaccurate statement calls for a proper explanation. A safe harbor plan requires tests other than non-discrimination, entails proper administration to satisfy the plan design and can benefit from testing for plan optimization.

Marketing2019-07-19T10:16:12-05:00March 18th, 2019|Categories: 401k Resources|Tags: 401(k) Provider, Safe Harbor Plan, Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan, Safe Harbor Plan Design, 401(k) Plan Annual Testing, Non-Discrimination Testing|Comments Off

The 401(k) Turns 40

In 2018, the 401(k) plan celebrated its 40th birthday! Though extremely popular today, 401(k) plans came about almost by accident. IRC Section 401(k) was passed into law as part of the Revenue Act of 1978 and was included to limit executive compensation. However, in 1980, Ted Benna of the Johnson Companies used the provision to create and get IRS approval of the first 401(k) plan for his company. For this he is often referred to as the father of the 401(k).

Marketing2019-02-06T13:42:24-05:00February 6th, 2019|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Tags: 401(k), 401k Retirement Plans, Retirement Plans, Qualified Retirement Plan, 401(k) plan, PSCA, Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act|Comments Off

Know Your Options

401(k) plans offer many advantages to participants; the ability for accounts to grow on a tax-deferred basis, the chance of receiving employer contributions in the form of a match or non-elective contribution, the ability to contribute even after attaining age 70 ½, and protections from bankruptcy. These benefits are consistent whether a participant chooses traditional or Roth contributions, or even both! So, what makes Roth and traditional routes different and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Marketing2019-02-06T13:43:01-05:00February 6th, 2019|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Tags: Roth 401(k), 401(k) plan, Roth contributions, pre-tax contributions, 401(k) contributions|Comments Off

It’s Testing Season!

Since most retirement plans operate on a calendar year basis, testing season is now! If a testing failure occurs, correcting the failure by March 15th can save the plan sponsor excise taxes and additional filings. Getting year-end data in early, including complete census information, is paramount. Though RPG Consultants does all the heavy lifting to ensure your plan passes the appropriate testing, all plan sponsors should understand the basics of testing so that they can confirm all tests and any appropriate corrections are completed each year. The following are some helpful definitions to get you through the basics of compliance testing.

Marketing2019-02-06T13:42:51-05:00February 6th, 2019|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Tags: 401k Compliance, 401(k) testing, HCE, Key employee, ADP test, ACP test, Annual Deferral Limit, Minimum Coverage, Top-Heavy Testing, Annual Additions, Allowable Deduction Limit, new comparability plan|Comments Off

Port in the Storm

Natural disasters can cause upheaval in many aspects of victims’ lives and this destruction often extends to financial matters. What should otherwise be routine compliance for plan deadlines can prove difficult in these extreme events and the government tends to grant temporary relief in such cases.

Marketing2018-11-19T15:30:38-05:00November 12th, 2018|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Tags: 401(k), 401k Retirement Plans, Relief Extensions, 401k Plan Deadlines|Comments Off

‘Tis the Season

It’s the time of year when Plan Sponsors scramble to deliver the myriad notices required to be given to their participants. Even with the help of service providers, the sheer number of notices can be overwhelming.

Marketing2018-11-19T15:34:28-05:00November 12th, 2018|Categories: Newsletters/Bulletins|Tags: 401k Retirement Plans, 401k Compliance, Compliance Deadlines, 401(k) Plan Sponsor, Safe Harbor Notice, Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA) Annual Notice, Automatic Contribution Arrangement, ERISA 404(c) Disclosures, Fee Disclosure Notice|Comments Off

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