Jim Kais on Pooled Employer Plans Reshaping Retirement Landscape

Something I see very often when reviewing retirement plans: The plan was set up years ago… and never looked at again. But businesses change. • Revenue grows • Employees come and go • Owners get closer to retirement • Tax situations evolve Yet the retirement plan often stays exactly the same. Sometimes a small design adjustment can make a big difference: larger deductions better allocation for owners more predictable contributions smoother compliance testing Retirement plans shouldn’t be “install and forget.” They should evolve with the business.

A recent Case of the Week discusses a common question on reverse rollovers. Our consultants recently received this question from an advisor in Massachusetts. The question: “Can an individual roll their traditional IRA into their current employer’s retirement plan?” Key Takeaways: A traditional IRA can be rolled into a current employer’s eligible plan, but only the taxable portion and only if the plan accepts it. Discover more about the pivotal role you play as a financial professional in guiding clients through retirement plan complexities. Read the full article: https://hubs.la/Q046xFNh0

Outsourcing expert services is a wise move for retirement plan sponsors, but it's also wise to clearly understand who's responsible--and liable--for what. With thanks to Remy Samuels at Plan Sponsor Council of America here's a quick refresh on 3(21) and 3(38) and 3(16) services--and other pointers to keep in mind when outsourcing. https://lnkd.in/ePFVphsa

Retireholics - Guest: Steven Wilkinson Topics to include: Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) wants Congress to mandate lifetime income in 401k (really bro?), a deep look at 408b2 & 404a5, Fi360 (now Broadridge) vs RPAG vs Morningstar, How much money are Recordkeepers and Advisors making? a review of PLANADVISER's Adviser Value Survey, Fintok, Texas Tips and more....

Evaluating Your Financial Strategy in 2026 March offers an excellent opportunity to pause and reassess. At this point, most professionals have already established their first quarter results and can now take time to evaluate their financial strategy for 2026 including retirement plans such as 401(k)s Consider: * How are your cash flow projections shaping up and are you funding your 401(k) at a level that matches your goals? * Are your investment decisions aligned with long-term goals? both inside and outside your 401(k)? * Are you making the most of tax-efficient opportunities ahead including tax-advantaged retirement contributions? Using the first quarter as a review point allows you to adjust quickly, ensuring you’re on the right path for the year. https://rpb.li/UtZ1 #FinancialStrategy #Q1Review #BusinessPlanning #TaxEfficiency

Converting some of your traditional retirement plan assets to a Roth IRA can offer long-term tax flexibility—but only if you understand the process. Watch the full conversation with Suzie Allen and Christine Chase, CFP®, here: https://lnkd.in/e3h3Nhd4

Mega‑Backdoor Roth: worth a closer look? For some high earners, traditional Roth limits aren’t the end of the story. Certain retirement plans may allow additional dollars to be moved into Roth accounts—potentially creating more tax‑free retirement flexibility. This strategy depends heavily on plan design and individual circumstances, so it’s not a fit for everyone. If you’re curious whether this could apply to you, let’s connect and explore it further. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Are federal employees sitting on far more wealth than they realize? In this episode, financial planners Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the fundamentals of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and explain why your pension is only one piece of a much larger financial picture. You’ll learn how the FERS pension formula works, what your “high-three” salary actually means, and how factors like minimum retirement age, years of service, and turning 62 can impact your retirement income. The conversation also covers how employee contributions have changed over time, how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) match works, and why understanding these core pieces is essential when planning your financial future. https://lnkd.in/g8GPh6nv

Recent market data shows a clear shift in retirement behaviour: annuity purchases have increased significantly, and the average pension pot used to buy an annuity has risen to levels not seen before.   However, this trend does not indicate a return to traditional, “one‑size‑fits‑all” retirement models. Instead, it reflects a more considered response to a changing planning environment.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/ezhq8Myg

Compensation strategy for business owners directly impacts tax efficiency, retirement planning, and enterprise value. A structured approach balances personal income needs with long-term capital strategy. #BusinessStrategy #ExecutivePlanning #TaxEfficiency #WealthManagement