Stephen Maggard, CFP®; Anne Marie Ashworth, CFP®; Karlyn Jones; Charles Flowers, CFA

Your 401(k) can be more than O(k).

There are basic, cookie-cutter 401(k) plans — check out the internet nearest you. Then, there are smartly designed, expertly managed 401(k) plans. Businesses — particularly those that are family owned — that wisely choose option two find a solid partner in Abacus Planning Group.

The starting point for our specialized 401(k) team is a clear grasp of the company’s goals. The “optimum” plan design is a literal translation of the company’s goals. These include attracting and retaining talented staff; creating advantageous retirement options for employees at all levels, from beginners to near retirees; fostering optimal, strategic investments; establishing employer contributions; preparing IRS forms; complying with evolving ERISA guidelines; educating employees; pricing that is transparent and cost-effective, which comes naturally for Abacus as a fee-only fiduciary; and more. In other words, a complete package. As one of our team members puts it, “We’re hands on, so you don’t have to be.”

Part of that hands-on approach is staying closely connected to participating employees. We want them to feel heard. To be knowledgeable. To know they have choices — like 401(k) Roth options. To be pleased with the plan. To consider it a key life asset.

In addition to administrative support for enrolling and transitioning employees, we engage in semiannual, in-person participant meetings. At these onsite gatherings, we review investment selections and cover financial planning topics like budgeting, saving for college, and identity protection.

We are also happy to meet one-on-one with employees on these days as well as be available throughout the year for questions that may arise. It’s important to us and to our clients that their employees feel comfortable being as engaged as they choose to be.

A targeted, thoughtfully designed plan. Constant monitoring. Impactful results. Clear communication. Not to pat our backs too vigorously, but what else would you expect from forging a 401(k) partnership with Abacus? For the past 25 years, we’ve shown how we feel about taking the easy out, ordinary path on behalf of our clients. We are not okay with it.