Retirement Plan Services Case Studies
One of the state's largest employers wanted to engage an independent advisor to analyze and advise the principals on its participant-directed defined contribution pension plan. However, they weren't sure where to find an unbiased review of their current program and, if necessary, guidance in selecting a new administrative platform and investment lineup to meet the needs of the employees.
Below average participation and salary deferrals combined with inefficient asset allocations among active participants were all of concern to the plan administrator. These issues were perceived to be signs of an ineffective investment educational program for the participants that might ultimately prevent their employees from achieving financial independence. Ultimately, they reached out to McKinley Carter for help.
The Solution
The team at McKinley Carter reviewed the organization's records to quantify the organization's average age, income, plan participation, accumulated balance, and asset allocation to help design a relevant educational program that would better meet the needs of the plan's current and prospective participants.
McKinley Carter's retirement plan services division then initiated a thorough review of the current plan's investment lineup and all options available on the current platform to help design asset allocation models, based on risk tolerance and time horizon, to balance risk with return.
When our workplace education team launched a series of education programs, which included group seminars, payroll stuffers, and articles in the employee newsletter, we introduced our financial planning team to provide employees guidance on plan participation, risk assessment, and coordination with any existing financial plans. This personalized information was provided in one-on-one meetings scheduled periodically throughout the year.
To ensure continued compliance with the organization's human resource-related objectives, McKinley Carter continues to meet regularly with the organization's executive management, providing updated guidance about the plan, reports on the current investment lineup, and recommendations for investment revisions or workplace educational programs.