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Frequently Asked Questions |
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We welcome your detailed questions and any curiosity regarding program components.
Our aim is to offer a completely visible design, fee structure and all-inclusive services.
The following FAQ(s) address popular interests among employers and benefits coordinators during their review of the full-service American 401k program.
Content includes the broad categories of:
Starting a 401k
If you are considering a benefit where employees may save tax-deferred on behalf of retirement, then your options are a 401k,
SIMPLE, or payroll IRA.
If you are considering a plan that is funded exclusively by employer contributions, then a Profit Sharing, SEP, or Defined benefit plan may be the right solution.
Our team will assist in helping you determine the best fit for your retirement savings needs.
How do we know if a 401k is the right plan type to offer?
How do we know if a 401k is the right plan type to offer?
This matrix gives basics of the most common tax-deferred savings plans: Retirement Plan Types & Limits.
If you are considering a benefit where employees may save tax-deferred on behalf of retirement, then your options are a 401k, SIMPLE, or payroll IRA.
If you are considering a plan that is funded exclusively by employer contributions, then a Profit Sharing, SEP, or Defined benefit plan may be the right solution.
Our team will assist in helping you determine the best fit for your retirement savings needs.
Can you give a background on you and your company?
Can you give a background on you and your company?
Yes.
To learn more about us, kindly review: Plan Representatives.
Can your team assist us in the design features of our program?
Can your team assist us in the design features of our program?
Yes.
Details are provided in the next section, Designing Your Plan.
If we have an existing plan and want to make improvements, will you represent us?
If we have an existing plan and want to make improvements, will you represent us?
Yes, we specialize in plan upgrades and conversions.
We will support you in a plan review with focus on design, investing, servicing, and current opportunities through new 401k features.
Can you suggest questions that we may ask potential providers?
Can you suggest questions that we may ask potential providers?
Here are questions that you may use as your foundation of preferences with potential providers:
7 Questions To Ask Potential Providers.
Is there a general checklist that we can use during our review?
Is there a general checklist that we can use during our review?
A sample basic checklist is as follows: What To Look For In A 401k.
A comprehensive analysis format is available, upon request.
What other obligations does the business owner have during the review and selection process?
What other obligations does the business owner have during the review and selection process?
It is very important to understand and review fees associated with the plan, prior to implementation.
Qualified plan fiduciaries (the business owner included) are obligated to monitor expenses, to discover the full extent of all remuneration paid to intermediaries/service providers and ensure that expenses paid for services to the Plan are reasonable.
Can you assist with a price comparison?
Can you assist with a price comparison?
Yes.
We can show you expenses associated with alternate 401k program options, as distributed through MML Investors Services, LLC.
How soon can we start our 401k?
How soon can we start our 401k?
Your plan may be implemented on the following business day
from the day that your signed application is received by our office at First Financial Group.
You can have your plan effective in just one business day, if necessary.
You may receive an application by mail or E Mail.
The steps following our receipt of the application include completion of the employee enrollment meeting, collection of election forms, and submission of payroll deposits.
Can we receive our application by E Mail?
Can we receive our application by E Mail?
Yes.
We will provide a complete application by E Mail upon your request. The application requires an original signature for return
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Designing Your Plan
What is the minimum # of employees?
What is the minimum # of employees?
There must be at least 1 eligible employee.
Even a one-person business may have a 401k plan.
There is not a maximum # of employees.
For sole-proprietors, partnerships and family-only businesses, an
individual 401k plan is often the best fit (vs. a traditional 401k plan) Details are provided here: Single K Employer Fact Sheet.
For small businesses, another common approach is to establish a SIMPLE, instead of a 401k.
SIMPLE plans do have record keeping expenses or IRS tax filing, yet they do have required employer contributions.
This comparison gives basic guidelines: Retirement Plan Types & Limits.
Does someone assist us with plan design questions?
Does someone assist us with plan design questions?
Yes, our team will coordinate a telephone session with your administrator, PB&H, to support all of your design questions.
Do we need to obtain a plan document on our own?
Do we need to obtain a plan document on our own?
No, a prototype plan document is included with the program.
Is the employer required to match?
Is the employer required to match?
No.
What do other businesses do regarding matching?
What do other businesses do regarding matching?
While some employers do match employee savings, there is not a requirement to do so, within a traditional (standard) 401k design.
For employers who elect a match, there is considerable flexibility on the percentage formula and frequency of matching deposits.
In 2006, approximately one in four companies that offered a 401k provided an employee match. At that time, the average percentage of pre-tax salary deferral among non-highly compensated participants was 5.4%. The average company contribution was 4.7% with the most common formula as a fixed match of $.50 per $1.00 up to the first 6% of pay.
Automatic enrollment has become very popular among all size plans. Following the sizeable increase of 2005, a large number of plans of all sizes added automatic enrollment in 2006. Usage of automatic enrollment is now common in 401k plans, where 41.3% have adopted the feature.
Source: Survey results from 2006 by the Profit Sharing Council of America 50th Annual Survey of Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans
Should we have a Safe Harbor 401k or a traditional 401k?
Should we have a Safe Harbor 401k or a traditional 401k?
It depends.
If you intend to make regular annual employer deposits, as a match or non-elective contribution, then a Safe Harbor design may be your best fit. This comparison gives basic guidelines of a traditional 401k vs. Safe Harbor: Retirement Plan Types & Limits.
Safe Harbor plans have the added benefit of no testing, yet they do have special contribution and vesting requirements.
So, it is important to review all conditions before selecting your 401k type.
If we choose a traditional 401k, can we elect to make flexible profit sharing deposits from year-to-year?
If we choose a traditional 401k, can we elect to make flexible profit sharing deposits from year-to-year?
Yes.
This feature can be selected, without additional cost, in your plan document.
Further, you may select a New Comparability profit sharing design permitting employee classifications (this option does have an additional cost).
Can we offer a loan provision and/or a hardship withdrawal feature in the plan?
Can we offer a loan provision and/or a hardship withdrawal feature in the plan?
Yes, both may be offered without cost to the employer. There would be a fee charged to the employee at the time of the loan or hardship withdrawal.
Can we have a Roth 401k provision?
Can we have a Roth 401k provision?
Yes, without additional cost.
Can we utilize automatic enrollment?
Can we utilize automatic enrollment?
Yes, without additional cost.
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Employer Services
Does this program include full-service record keeping?
Does this program include full-service record keeping?
Yes, the 401k program includes all required record keeping. This includes ADP and year end testing, 5500 tax form preparation, year end employer valuation reports, quarterly statements to employee homes, daily Internet access, and toll-free live customer service.
Do you coordinate with our payroll provider for ease of deposits?
Do you coordinate with our payroll provider for ease of deposits?
Yes. You may authorize direct payments, if your payroll provider offers this option. Each payroll service provider differs in their method of deposit so we contact them initially, upon your request, to create a user-friendly interface. The result is a streamlined process with fewer "headaches" for you and more time to focus on your business.
Will you educate our employees in an enrollment meeting?
Will you educate our employees in an enrollment meeting?
Yes, as part of the program (at no additional cost) we send complete enrollment kits and then conduct a group and/or one-on-one enrollment. We specialize in employee investment and retirement savings education.
Do you assist us with 404(c) guidelines?
Do you assist us with 404(c) guidelines?
Yes.
We provide a comprehensive explanation and a complimentary
404(c) checklist for your easy reference in adhering to these guidelines.
Learn more about 404(c) in Managing Your Fiduciary Responsibility.
ERISA Section 404(c) provides a set of voluntary guidelines that a plan sponsor can follow to effectively transfer the potential liability associated with investment decision-making responsibilities to participants in the Plan.
Do you help us manage our fiduciary responsibilities?
Do you help us manage our fiduciary responsibilities?
Yes.
We are here to help you manage your fiduciary responsibilities. By reviewing your plan and documenting your efforts, you are taking important steps toward acting in the best interest of your participants and protecting your organization.
Complimentary checklists, from OppenheimerFunds, are available to help your plan and create a record of your due diligence.
Read more in this guide: Managing Your Fiduciary Responsibility.
Is this 401k easy to operate, on the part of the employer?
Is this 401k easy to operate, on the part of the employer?
Yes.
Employers tell us that the time commitment, on a monthly basis,
is very reasonable.
For example, a business with 30 employees, bi—weekly payroll, will experience an estimated 20 minutes per month for payroll submission and maintenance of census records.
Businesses with outside payroll services can spend even less time on their 401k management.
Will your representatives be available to meet regularly with our investment committee to review the plan and investment options?
Will your representatives be available to meet regularly with our investment committee to review the plan and investment options?
Yes.
Will your firm provide an Investment Policy Statement for Trustee reference?
Will your firm provide an Investment Policy Statement for Trustee reference?
Yes, we offer a prototype Investment Policy Statement, without additional cost.
Who can assist us with the Adoption Agreement and design of a new 401k plan?
Who can assist us with the Adoption Agreement and design of a new 401k plan?
PB&H includes this support, without additional cost.
Is there anything that the employer must do as requirement to enroll new employees?
Is there anything that the employer must do as requirement to enroll new employees?
You must simply notify us of new hires, by E Mail, and we do the rest!
Some of our employees have 401ks or IRAs from previous employers - can they rollover the accounts and do you assist?
Some of our employees have 401ks or IRAs from previous employers - can they rollover the accounts and do you assist?
Yes, in most cases they may complete a rollover (some accounts that are after-tax or newer SIMPLE accounts, for example, may not rollover).
We provide special attention to employee rollovers to ensure a confident and user-friendly experience during the custodial transfer.
In this process, we remind employees that it important to check with their previous employer or IRA for any fees that may apply, prior to transacting.
If we intend to make an employer contribution, will PB&H give a free analysis to illustrate the employer deposit?
If we intend to make an employer contribution, will PB&H give a free analysis to illustrate the employer deposit?
Yes, under one all-inclusive fee schedule.
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Employee Support
Who assists employees with mutual fund education and asset allocation support?
Who assists employees with mutual fund education and asset allocation support?
The registered representatives of MML Investor Services, LLC offer comprehensive education to employees at a group meeting and also personalized attention, one-on-one to for any interested persons.
Are there tools that will help our employees assess their retirement income need and suitable level of risk?
Are there tools that will help our employees assess their retirement income need and suitable level of risk?
Yes, we provide interactive tools during the education meetings and thereafter to make the process easy and enjoyable. The common result is the employee's selection of funds that closely matches their specific retirement income goals and intended level of risk.
What about employees who are unable to attend an in-person enrollment meeting?
What about employees who are unable to attend an in-person enrollment meeting?
No one is left out. Those employees will receive a "special attention" telephone enrollment one-on-one, at their convenience.
Does someone assist our employees with fund selection and asset allocation?
Does someone assist our employees with fund selection and asset allocation?
Participants have the privilege and responsibility to make their own fund selections.
To make the process easier, we comprise individual portfolio drafts using the professional tool, Morningstar Principia Pro.
With this user-friendly approach, participants have the opportunity to view samples of investment allocation and accompanying risk before making a final selection.
Does someone help our employees when they leave employment or retire?
Does someone help our employees when they leave employment or retire?
Yes, we make the process easy for the business and employee. As long as you tell us when an employee terminates, our representatives and the record keeping team do the rest. An IRS tax notification is provided and we assist with a rollover, transfer or distribution.
How do employees obtain information on their accounts?
How do employees obtain information on their accounts?
Through the PB&H toll free# (live customer service representatives), and/or through their daily online access at the website. Statements are sent quarterly to participant homes.
Can employees transact online?
Can employees transact online?
Yes, through the PB&H website, they may make exchanges and reallocations as often as elected. It is important to understand the risks associated with mutual fund investing prior to completing an exchange, purchase or redemption. Participants may also transact through the toll free #.
Where can we obtain additional investment literature?
Where can we obtain additional investment literature?
At the First Financial Group, a general agency of MassMutual, a Registered Representative of MML Investor Services, LLC will provide a prospectus, brochure, description of the investment class and risk, and historical performances on each fund as offered in your selected 401k platform.
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401k Expense Detail
What is the total employer record keeping fee schedule for this 401k program?
What is the total employer record keeping fee schedule for this 401k program?
Installation Fee (one-time): $250
Conversion Fee (one-time, applies only if existing plan): $500
Annual Record Keeping Fee: $500 + $20 per participant per year
(participant fee may be assessed to each participant account or paid by the employer)
Annual Custodian Fee: 1/10th of 1% annualized
For example, assets of $100,000 would experience an annualized custodian fee of $100 for the plan, overall.
(custodian fee may be assessed to each participant account or paid by the employer)
Are there any other fees to the employer for required full-services?
Are there any other fees to the employer for required full-services?
No.
Is there any special requirement for us to receive this low record keeping fee schedule.
Is there any special requirement for us to receive this low record keeping fee schedule.
Yes.
The requirement is basic and quite simple as follows.
You must apply through any one of these methods:
- through your inquiry from this website, or
- through your inquiry via BuyerZone.com, or
- through your inquiry to a registered representative of First Financial Group (see About Us for more information).
Is there a separate asset management fee or a wrap-fee?
Is there a separate asset management fee or a wrap-fee?
No, there is not an asset management fee or wrap-fee.
Is this a variable annuity product?
Is this a variable annuity program?
No, it is a mutual fund platform.
Are there any insurance related charges?
Are there any insurance related charges?
No.
Are there any investment fees other than the mutual fund expenses as detailed by prospectus?
Are there any investment fees other than the mutual fund expenses as detailed by prospectus?
No.
Are there any sales related charges to buy or sell mutual fund shares?
Are there any sales related charges to buy or sell mutual fund shares?
No.
How does this program remain so cost-effective?
How does this program remain so cost-effective?
Based on our significant national representation of small and mid-size businesses sponsoring 401k plans, we have a strategic arrangement with PB&H to offer their discounted fee schedule.
See About Us for more information on our organization, First Financial Group, and on PB&H.
What is the tax credit available to employers for starting a new retirement plan?
What is the tax credit available to employers for starting a new retirement plan?
Businesses with fewer than 100 employees are eligible for an annual tax credit of 50% on up to $1,000 of expenses incurred to establish or administer a new plan. The credit is available for the first three years of the new plan.
Is there an additional fee if our business selects a Safe Harbor 401k instead of traditional (standard)?
Is there an additional fee if our business selects a Safe Harbor 401k instead of traditional (standard)?
No.
Is there an additional fee if our business decides to include a Roth 401k provision?
Is there an additional fee if our business decides to include a Roth 401k provision?
No.
Is there an additional fee if our business includes a match or adds a profit sharing provision to the plan?
Is there an additional fee if our business includes a match or adds a profit sharing provision to the plan?
No.
Is there an additional fee if our business elects to utilize automatic enrollment?
Is there an additional fee if our business elects to utilize automatic enrollment?
No.
Is there a cost to terminate this 401k program?
Is there a cost to terminate this 401k program?
There is not a record keeping fee to terminate the program.
The regular annual record keeping fee schedule will apply for the final year that you have an effective plan.
Separately, whenever mutual funds will be liquidated on a plan level (all plan assets liquidated), it is important to check with the mutual fund family and review the prospectus for details of any early redemption charges that could apply.
Can the record keeping fee, paid to PB&H, change in future years?
Can the record keeping fee, paid to PB&H, change in future years?
Yes. Consistent with most 401k service agreements, services provided are on a year-to-year basis; however, due to changes in the Code and for other reasons that could affect retirement programs, there is no definitive that the fee could not change.
Still, the intent of the program is to maintain a full-service 401k program at a cost-effective, competitive price point, and without unnecessary expense increases.
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Investment Options
What organization is offering this program?
What organization is offering this program?
All Administrative and Record Keeping services are offered by PB&H, http://www.pbhbenefits.com/aboutus.php.
All custodian services are offered by Mid-Atlantic Truct Company.
All investments are offered through qualified Registered Representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC,
http://www.mmlinvestors.com.
Securities are distributed through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member, SIPC.
Supervisory Office:
2 Bala Plaza
Suite 901
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Tel (610) 660 9922.
Investment education is provided by Registered Representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC.
Who selects the funds within our Plan?
Who selects the funds within our Plan?
The employer, or another named Trustee, determines the investment product and accompanying funds that be will made available within the Plan.
Representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. and/or PB&H do not make mutual fund selections for your Plan.
We do, provide education to guide you in that process.
How many funds may our business select within the 401k?
How many funds may our business select within the 401k?
There are two options, Plan A and Plan B.
Plan A: Includes 46 funds that are pre-defined. To request a Morningstar summary of funds, kindly Contact Us.
This option offers a lower base record keeping fee of $500 per year.
Plan B: This option is an open-architecture design encompassing a large array of 5,000+ funds choices.
You may view a list of fund families included under this option at: Investment Choices.
This option offers a higher base record keeping fee $1,250 per year.
There are restrictions under Plan B on the amount of total Plan assets permitted be held as "outside funds." Please ask for record keeping details.
What is the “right” number of fund choices to offer our employees?
What is the “right” number of fund choices to offer our employees?
According to a growing body of academic research, if employees are deluged with too many mutual fund choices, this can have an adverse effect on the Plan.
If they feel unable to choose within a daunting universe, they will sometimes decline participation or often revert to an improper asset allocation strategy.
We help to reduce the anxiety of “choice overload” through patient financial education and formulation of suitable investment models for each participant. So, whether you select Plan A, or a custom design under Plan B, you are assured that employees gain the knowledge they need for confident fund selecting.
Is there a minimum number of funds that we must use?
Is there a minimum number of funds that we must use?
Under ERISA 404(c), a Plan must offer a “broad range” of investment alternatives requiring at least (3) diversified investment alternatives. Additionally, the investment alternatives must be sufficient to permit a participant to:
- materially affect the potential return on his or her account and the degree of risk; and
- diversify the investments to minimize the risk of large losses.
Also, at least one investment option must provide for a high degree of safety and capital preservation.
Is there a limit on the number of funds that we can select under Plan B?
Is there a limit on the number of funds that we can select under Plan B?
No, not in theory; however, consider that recent surveys from the Profit Sharing/401k Council of America suggest that a foundation of core funds, with some extra choices as specialized funds, will result in higher participation and better diversification than simply offering “every” available option.
What investment categories should we include?
What investment categories should we include?
Under ERISA 404(c), a Plan must offer a “broad range” of investment alternatives requiring at least (3) diversified investment alternatives. Additionally, the investment alternatives must be sufficient to permit a participant to:
- materially affect the potential return on his or her account and the degree of risk; and
- diversify the investments to minimize the risk of large losses.
Also, at least one investment option must provide for a high degree of safety and capital preservation.
Beyond those key requirements for a 404(c) compliant plan, there is no steadfast rule regarding the investment categories that must be offered.
The decision on how many funds and within which investment categories, is up to the Trustee(s).
Our team will provide complete investment education with a description of the investment alternatives available under the Plan including a general description of the investment objectives, risk and return characteristics, and type and diversification of assets comprising each alternative.
What share classes of mutual funds may we select within the program?
What share classes of mutual funds may we select within the program?
As Trustee(s), you may select from several different share classes of mutual funds available within the program. Each share class offered is the retirement plan share class as detailed by the mutual fund company's prospectus. Please discuss these share classes in detail with us as your Registered Representatives, prior to purchase.
How will we be informed of the investment expenses?
How will we be informed of the investment expenses?
The employer and participants will be given a description of all fund expenses (expense ratios as detailed by prospectus) and how these expenses reduce the rate of return to participant account values. Participants will also have access to fund prospectuses, annual reports, and semiannual reports.
Additionally, participants will have access to daily updated Morningstar.com reports included on their website access.
Can our Plan offer company stock as an option?
Can our Plan offer company stock as an option?
Yes.
Can our Plan offer securities brokerage accounts as an option for interested participants?
Can our Plan offer securities brokerage accounts as an option for interested participants?
Yes.
Is there a separate asset management fee or a wrap-fee on any part of our investments?
Is there a separate asset management fee or a wrap-fee on any part of our investments?
No.
Is this a variable annuity product?
Is this a variable annuity product?
No, it is a mutual fund platform.
Are there any insurance related charges?
Are there any insurance related charges?
No.
Are there any investment fees other than the mutual fund expenses as detailed by prospectus?
Are there any investment fees other than the mutual fund expenses as detailed by prospectus?
No.
Are there any sales related charges to buy or sell mutual fund shares?
Are there any sales related charges to buy or sell mutual fund shares?
No.
Is there a fee to change our funds at a later time?
Is there a fee to change our funds at a later time?
No.
When is a multi-fund-family 401k program suitable?
When is a multi-fund-family 401k program suitable?
This 401k program is suitable for employers who seek to offer
diversification through multiple mutual fund managers (selected different mutual fund families), various investment styles, and variety encompassing a broad range of investment categories.
How do you receive compensation?
How do you receive compensation?
As Registered Representatives, we are paid through the ongoing investments of mutual funds within the program. Management expenses of each mutual fund are described by prospectus and differ based on the funds that you select within your Plan.
Mutual funds, as offered in the program, pay broker-dealer compensation to MML Investors Services, LLC and Registered Representatives receive a broker-dealer re-allowance.
You may ask for a list of funds under Plan A or a mutual fund family list under Plan B to be E Mailed to you today. Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. You should consider the fund's investment objectives, charges, expenses and risks carefully before your invest. The Fund's prospectus, which can be obtained by calling your registered representative, contains this information and other information about the fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
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What Makes Us Different
How are you different than other providers?
How are you different than other providers?
We get to know our clients and to understand what is truly important to them. Only then can we support our clients' goals. Our vast retirement knowledge skill set, attention to detail and overall commitment to you and your employees distinguishes us in the retirement industry.
We are proud to represent your organization with our long standing professional retirement services.
Learn more about our due diligence process here: What Makes Us Different.
What is your privacy policy?
What is your privacy policy?
Our Privacy Policy is detailed here: Privacy and Legal Notice.
How do you overall 401k expenses compare with industry averages?
How do you overall 401k expenses compare with industry averages?
American 401k. Plan A, is very cost-effective plan with an overall record keeping expense that is significantly less than the industry average, as compared with providers who offer complete-solution 401k programs.
401k expenses fall into three categories:
- plan record keeping and administration (the day-to-day tasks it takes to run your plan)
- investment (fees tied to managing investments), and
- participant services (on an individual basis, such as loans or hardship withdrawals).
A low industry average record keeping fee schedule is as follows, for a plan with 100 participants. 1
| Base fee: |
$1,500 |
| Per participant fee: |
$25 |
PB&H's American 401k record keeping fee schedule is as follows, for a plan with 100 participants.
| Base fee: |
$500 |
| Per participant fee:
| $20 (may be quoted less than $20 on a per-case basis) |
American 401k includes mutual funds, where the average investment expense is consistent with industry averages. 2
In the industry, an average 401k investor who is in a plan with 50 - 100 participants, and has an average balance of $40,000, pays about 1.4% in assets as an investment expense.
In the industry, an average 401k investor who is in a plan with 100 - 200 participants, and has an average balance of $40,000, pays about 1.31% in assets as an investment expense.
In the industry, an average 401k investor who is in a plan with 500+ participants pays, and has an average balance of $50,000, pays about 1.2% in assets as an investment expense.
Fiduciaries will benefit plan participants by monitoring plan record keeping and investment fees, ongoing.
The plan’s Investment Policy Statement should be your guide throughout the process of selecting a provider and a variety of mutual funds.
1 Source: U.S. Department of Labor. A complete study of 401k Plan Fees and Expenses can be found here: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/401k_employee.html
2 Source: BusinessWeek, Kellogg School of Management, October 25, 2004, data from HR Investment Consultants of Baltimore, 401k Averages Book, and U.S. News & World Report April 11, 2008, Money & Business.
Are all providers basically the same in what they are offering?
Are all providers basically the same in what they are offering?
No.
In fact, there are considerable dissimilarities from one 401k provider to the next.
In our experience, we notice the greatest distinctions in these areas:
Expenses – Plan fees and expenses are important considerations for all types of retirement plans because they directly reduce employee account values.
Within the industry, there exists a wide disparity in the range of total plan expenses.
We offer a cost-effective program, that is lower in overall plan expenses than the industry average for comparable business sizes and plan designs.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor. A complete study of 401k Plan Fees and Expenses can be found here:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/401k_employee.html
Employee Services – Often, employees have access to enroll online, yet without the support of a financial professional to guide them in the process.
Our team gives individualized care to each employee at enrollment and continuing for all of their investing years.
This attention results in a stronger recognition of your retirement benefit and a greater utilization by employees throughout the important stages of retirement savings.
In the process of annual reviews, we connect with each participant through a customized Morningstar Snapshot Report detailing current asset composition, investment categories, historical risk and returns, and a discussion to identify their future investment intentions.
In our experience, this key exercise, is most well-received.
404(c) Compliance – A challenge that employers face, amidst their fiduciary responsibilities, is finding a full-service provider with 404(c) support.
We differentiate ourselves from other providers in this capacity by providing a comprehensive explanation and a complimentary
404(c) checklist for your easy reference in adhering to these guidelines.
Learn more about 404(c) in Managing Your Fiduciary Responsibility.
ERISA Section 404(c) provides a set of voluntary guidelines that a plan sponsor can follow to effectively transfer the potential liability associated with investment decision-making responsibilities to participants in the Plan.
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Important Information
All administrative and record keeping services are offered by PB&H Benefits, LLC.
The custodian trust company is Mid Atlantic Trust Company (MATC), providing a state-of-the art trading and reporting system that integrates record keeping, trust accounting, and straight-through processing with access to over 16,000 mutual funds in underlying accounts.
All investments are offered by Registered Representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Securities are distributed through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member, SIPC. Supervisory Office: 2 Bala Plaza Suite 901 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Tel (610) 660 9922.
Investment education is provided by Registered Representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC.
Note that our role as financial professionals, with respect to the 401k plan, is not to provide investment advice. We offer employee education including fund information and portfolio design using models that match the employee's intended level of risk and investment goals.
In no way do we endorse any recommendations, advice, or opinions contained in Information developed by third party providers and mentioned in this website. We merely provide access to such information as a convenience to help you consider your design and investment selections. Any investment decisions you make are based solely upon your evaluation of financial circumstances and investment objectives, in the best interests of your Plan.
Mutual Funds are sold by prospectus. You should carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, charges, expenses, and risks before investing. The fund's prospectus, which can be obtained online (or hard copy) by calling your Registered Representative, contains this information and other facts about the fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
We do not offer tax planning or legal advice. Please consult your CPA or attorney for specific tax implications and legal matters pertaining to your Plan.
Registered Representative Information
John M. Novak is a Registered Representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member, SIPC.
Supervisory Office:
First Financial Group
2 Bala Plaza Suite 901
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Tel (610) 766 3014
Administrative and record keeping services offered by PB&H Benefits, LLC, and custodian services offered by Mid Atlantic Trust Company are not sponsored or offered through First Financial Group or MML Investors Services, LLC. PB&H and MATC are not affiliates or subsidiaries of MML Investors Services, LLC.
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Plan Details
Investment Flexibility
401k Expenses
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