Archive for June 2020
Investment Platform
When choosing the investment platform for your plan, there are many things to consider! The size, provisions and investment philosophies differ greatly between investment companies and it is hard to tell the difference between them. Your NorthStar Financial Partners advisor can navigate through the complexities of the providers to match you with the right platform.…
Read MoreImplementation
You have decided to move your 401(k) Plan to a new provider! What are the steps and what is the best way to do it? Logistical decisions to be made in advance Change in Plan provisions- match, loans, vesting, etc. Method to transfer the funds- mapping, new participant choice Group or individual enrollments …
Read More401(k) Plan Fees
Fees for a 401(k) Plan typically fall into two categories: Plan Sponsor fees and Participant fees. Plan Sponsor fees include: Document Fees: Expense for creating and maintaining the document, creating summary plan description, mandatory amendments Administrative Fees: Expense for filing annual tax documents, possible annual testing, participant loan processing, hardships, distributions, etc. Recordkeeping…
Read MoreInvestment Models
What is the difference between offering investment models in your 401(k) plan and investment company target based accounts? Let’s define the two: Investment models are groups of investments offered to participants, usually at different risk levels. For example, a conservative model will have much less invested in the stock market than an aggressive growth model.…
Read MoreIndividual Attention
Some may find is surprising that an advisor would take the time to go through an enrollment with a new employee! But this is where their experience begins- to help them become more successful as a saver for retirement! Once your employee is eligible, we will help them enroll online. We will describe the…
Read MoreAttention to Details: The Little Things Make the Difference
Here are some questions to ask when reviewing your 401(k) Plan for quality service: Are your employees sometimes unsuccessful getting enrolled in the plan because they just do not get around to it, or need assistance that is not available? Do you never hear your employees talk about their 401(k) account, unless they are complaining…
Read MoreCompounding Interest Adds Up
When it comes to saving for retirement, time can have a big impact on the amount of money you have when you are ready to retire. Learn more about how compounding interest works by clicking here.
Read MoreInvestor 360 Integration with Quicken
Integrating our Investor 360 tool with Quicken makes managing your finances easier. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
Read More401(k) Loans: Borrowing from Your Future
If you need funds to cover an unexpected expense, taking a loan from your 401(k) account may sound appealing. Although many retirement plans offer these loans, borrowing from your 401(k) comes with unique risks and costs that can seriously compromise your long-term retirement savings. If you’re considering a 401(k) loan, it’s critical to weigh the…
Read MoreEnd-of-Life Planning Checklist
To ensure that your wishes will be carried out after your death, end-of-life planning is essential. But organizing your personal and financial affairs can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. Use the following checklists to guide you through the planning process. Estate planning Execute and update living wills, durable powers of…
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