Business & Employers

401(k) & Qualified Retirement Plan Advisory

A great 401(k) plan helps owners retire, attracts top talent, and protects everyone from costly compliance mistakes. We work with small and mid-size employers across California and nationwide to help them design, benchmark, and continuously improve qualified retirement plans — taking on investment fiduciary responsibility so you can focus on running your business.

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Who We Help

  • Small and mid-size employers with up to 500 employees
  • Business owners who want to maximize their own retirement contributions
  • HR and finance teams overseeing an existing 401(k) plan that hasn't been reviewed in years
  • Startups setting up a first-time qualified plan or safe harbor 401(k)

Plan Advisory Services

  • Plan design guidance: traditional 401(k), safe harbor, profit sharing, and cross-tested allocations
  • ERISA 3(21) co-fiduciary or 3(38) discretionary investment fiduciary support
  • Annual plan benchmarking against industry peers for fees, recordkeeping, and investment quality
  • Investment Policy Statement (IPS) drafting and quarterly fund menu monitoring
  • Recordkeeper and TPA search, RFPs, and conversion support when current providers fall behind
  • Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) for businesses seeking simplified administration, fiduciary support, and potential cost efficiencies

Why Plan Sponsors Engage Us

  • Transparent, level-fee compensation — never paid by mutual fund companies
  • Hands-on investment committee meetings with written minutes for audit defense
  • Employee education built in (not a one-time enrollment meeting and gone)
  • Local Glendale, California team that shows up in person when it matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 3(21) and 3(38) fiduciary?

A 3(21) advisor recommends investments; the plan sponsor still selects them. A 3(38) advisor has discretion to select, monitor, and replace investments — taking far more fiduciary liability off the sponsor.

How often should we benchmark our 401(k) plan?

ERISA expects periodic review — every two to three years is typical. Plans that have not been benchmarked in five or more years almost always have excess fees that can be reduced.

Can a business owner contribute more through a 401(k)?

Yes. Safe harbor 401(k) with profit sharing can allow owners to contribute up to the annual statutory limit. For higher-income owners, pairing a 401(k) with a cash balance plan can push annual deductible contributions well above $100,000.

Ready to Talk?

Let's start the conversation.

Every plan begins with a complimentary, no-obligation conversation about your goals.

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This information is not intended as authoritative guidance or tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation. In no way does advisor assure that, by using the information provided, plan sponsor will be in compliance with ERISA regulations.