Financial Architects, Inc. specializes in open architecture design for retirement plans.

We also use a variety of pre-approved prototypes.  Our focus is process over product selection.  For existing plans, we will conduct a retirement plan study.  For many of our clients, this is a valuable service by itself, as it will bring attention to any inefficiency within the present retirement plan.

Business-owners who take responsibility as a plan sponsor and trustee of a qualified plan (401(k), Profit-sharing, or other) are faced with more challenges than ever before. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 has increased awareness in the retirement plans industry.  The following components are essential for a successful employer sponsored retirement plan:

• Compliance – fiduciary responsibility of the plan sponsor & ERISA laws           
• Administrative and Cost-Efficiency – competent administration with understanding of plan’s total cost structure (fee disclosure and transparency)
• Participation and Education – the plan is only effective if the employees see the value.  Providing employee education and fundamentals of long-term investing

Financial Architects, Inc. Retirement Plans Division delivers the following services:

• Update your plan document to reflect recent law changes
• Discuss the advantages of ‘Open Architecture’ investment choices
• Help implement an investment committee made up of key employees
• Create an investment policy statement
• Educate employees on choice between ROTH 401(k) and Traditional 401(k)
• Retirement Plan cost analysis – Evaluate fees for both employees and employer
• Offer alternative deferral choices for highly compensated employees
• Reduce testing and administration costs by changing plan design (safe harbor plan)
• Solutions to Bundled vs. Unbundled Administration
• Provide educational workshops for employees to assist with investment selection

We offer solutions for the following plan types:

• Traditional 401(k) and profit-sharing plans
• Safe Harbor Plans
• SEP and SIMPLE Plans
• Non-Profit, Hospital and School System Plans – 403(b) plans
• Municipalities – Deferred Compensation 457 plans
• 401(a) Defined Contribution Plans for Municipalities
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan asset management