By Heather Gardner, CFP®, Wealth Advisor Start the year strong by optimizing your 401(k) or 403(b). New IRS limits are here for 2026, and updating your contribution before your first paycheck is one of the easiest ways to make a long-term impact. 2026 Employee Contribution Limits at a Glance Your Age Base Limit Catch-Up 2026 Total Max Under 50 …
A new plan year is a clean reset, but it is also when the small operational details start to matter. In our experience, plans that run smoothly often focus on tightening core processes, tracking practical indicators, and making it easier for employees to take the next step. This post lays out seven actions that may help streamline 2026 operations. Submit the census file early …
By Chris Cristallo, CFP® | 401(k) Advisor This past year’s markets have been anything but calm. Interest rate uncertainty, inflation cycles, geopolitical events, and rapid sector shifts have all contributed to volatility. While that can create anxiety for participants, it also gives plan sponsors a valuable chance to evaluate how …
By Chris Cristallo, CFP® | 401(k) Advisor at BGA / Beam Wealth Fall: The Perfect Time for a Fresh Look Fall brings cooler air, shorter days, and a natural pause before the year wraps up. It is also a great time for plan sponsors to step back and take stock of …
By Chris Cristallo, CFP® | 401(k) Advisor at BEAM/BGA Wealth A Seasonal Reminder for Plan Sponsors October brings pumpkins on porches, children in costumes, and neighborhoods filled with Halloween decorations. It is also a reminder that the year is drawing to a close and that this is the season when …
By Chris Cristallo, MBA, CFP® The retirement plan world is buzzing. On August 7, 2025, a new executive order called Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors was signed, and it changes everything. It directs the Department of Labor, the SEC, and the Treasury to rethink rules that have …
By Chris Cristallo, CFP® | BGA / BEAM Wealth As a 401(k) advisor working with plan sponsors, corporate leadership teams, and private equity groups, I have seen firsthand how retirement plans are often an afterthought during mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This oversight can result in compliance issues, unnecessary costs, and …
By Chris Cristallo, CFP® | BEAM/BGA 401k It is easy to get into the habit of reviewing vacation plans more often than your 401(k). But as summer slows things down a bit, it is actually a great time to revisit your retirement plan and make sure it is still working …
By Chris Cristallo, CFP® | BEAM/BGA 401k Summer is in full swing. Whether you are headed to the beach, the mountains, or just enjoying longer days and warmer evenings, the last thing most people are thinking about is their 401(k). But while you’re out enjoying the sunshine, the right retirement …
Saving money isn’t just about cutting back—it’s about making strategic choices that add up. Here are specific ways to cut costs and get the most value for your hard-earned cash! 1. Shop Smarter with Price Comparison Tools Before buying that new air fryer or set of headphones, check prices using …