Vanguard Small Business

Hey there! If you own or work for a small business, you know how tough it can be to think about retirement when you’re focused on keeping the business going day-to-day. But setting up a retirement plan for yourself and your employees is so important for the future. That’s where Vanguard can help!At Vanguard, we get that running a small business is no small feat. You have to wear a lot of hats and make things work with limited resources. But taking care of your retirement savings shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle. A retirement plan not only helps you and your employees save for the future, it can provide tax advantages too. Let’s break down the options:

Types of Small Business Retirement Plans

There are a few different types of retirement plans to choose from:

• 401(k): This allows employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an account. Some employers match contributions too. The contribution limit for 2023 is $22,500.
• SIMPLE IRA: This is an Individual Retirement Account just for small businesses. Employees can contribute up to $15,500 pre-tax in 2023.
• SEP IRA: The boss contributes to Traditional IRAs for themselves and employees. In 2023 contributions are up to 25% of compensation or $66,000, whichever is less.
• Solo 401(k): For businesses with no employees (or only the owner’s spouse). Allows up to $66,000 in contributions for 2023.

The Internal Revenue Service has a handy guide comparing all the options in more detail.

Why Vanguard for Your Small Business Retirement Plan?

Now you might be wondering, why choose Vanguard over another provider for your small business retirement plan? There’s a few key reasons:

• Low Cost: Vanguard is known for low expense ratios on their funds. More of your money goes toward growing your nest egg.
• Quality Funds: You’ll have access to Vanguard’s lineup of high-performing index funds and ETFs.
• Flexibility: You can choose from a range of index funds and asset allocations to build your plan.
• Great Service: Vanguard has knowledgeable reps to help you set up and manage your plan.
• Trusted Name: Vanguard has nearly 50 years of experience helping investors save for retirement.

Here’s a quick overview of the benefits:

And when you’re ready to set up your small business retirement plan, Vanguard offers:

• Investment-only services: Add Vanguard funds to an existing plan
• Full-service plans: 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Solo 401(k)
• Rollovers: Move an existing plan from another provider to Vanguard

Tips for Setting Up a Small Business Retirement Plan

Once you’ve decided to establish a retirement plan with Vanguard, here’s a few tips for getting started:

• Choose a plan type: Consider your business structure, number of employees, and budget. The Vanguard overview can help weigh the options.
• Set eligibility rules: Determine if you’ll require employees to be a certain age or have a year of service before enrolling.
• Select investment funds: Work with a Vanguard advisor to pick funds based on your risk tolerance. Index funds are a smart choice.
• Review plan documents: Form 5500, Summary Plan Description, etc. Vanguard can provide templates.
• Communicate with employees: Explain the plan, eligibility, and how to enroll. Promote the benefits of saving for retirement.
• Contribute consistently: Set a reminder to make regular contributions to your plan during the year.
• Track progress: Monitor your account balance and make adjustments as needed. Vanguard provides quarterly statements.

Tax Benefits of Small Business Retirement Plans

One of the big advantages of setting up a retirement plan for your small business is the potential tax savings. Here’s some of the key tax benefits:

• Tax-deferred growth: You don’t pay taxes on contributions or earnings until you withdraw the money in retirement. This helps your savings grow faster.
• Tax deductions: Depending on the plan, you may be able to deduct contributions on your business taxes. Always discuss with your accountant.
• Credit for plan startup costs: You can claim a tax credit for administering a new 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA plan. It’s up to $500 per year for three years.
• Reduced Self-Employment tax: For sole proprietors and partnerships, retirement plan contributions can lower your SE tax bill.

So a retirement plan not only helps you save for the future, but can provide some nice tax perks for your small business too. It’s a win-win!

How Vanguard Supports Small Business Clients

At Vanguard, we’re committed to helping small businesses like yours make smart decisions for retirement. Here’s some of the ways we provide ongoing support:

• Getting started: Our retirement specialists will help you choose a plan and walk through the setup process.
• Investment guidance: We’ll help you select funds and monitor your asset allocation over time.
• Plan administration: You can offload the paperwork to us – we’ll handle compliance filings.
• Ongoing advice: Our advisors are available to answer questions and offer guidance on an ongoing basis.
• Robust resources: Get info on contribution limits, tax benefits, and more on our small business site.
• Educational events: We offer complimentary seminars and webinars on relevant retirement topics.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone – lean on our expertise to help grow and manage your small business retirement plan over the long-term.

Common Concerns About Small Business Retirement Plans

When considering a retirement plan for your small business, some common concerns often come up:It’s too expensiveVanguard’s low-cost index funds help keep expenses down. Plus tax savings often offset the costs over time.It’s too complicatedVanguard advisors are available to guide you. We handle a lot of the administrative tasks too.I don’t have many employeesSolo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs work for businesses of any size.Cash flow is tightYou can start small and increase contributions over time. Tax savings help too.Employees won’t be interestedCommunicate the major benefits to get buy-in. Many will appreciate the chance to save.The Vanguard team is here to help you address any concerns and make the process as smooth as possible.

Tips for Choosing a Small Business Retirement Plan Provider

Once you’ve decided to establish a retirement plan, it’s time to pick a provider to handle the administration and investment management. Here’s what to look for:

• Fees and expenses: Select a provider with low-cost investment options so more money stays in your account.
• Fund performance: Make sure they offer quality funds with competitive returns across asset classes.
• Customer service: Look for responsive reps that provide guidance and education as needed.
• Plan options: Choose a provider that offers the type of plan you want to establish.
• Technology platform: Seek user-friendly online access for you and your employees.
• Compliance support: Pick a provider that can help with required IRS filings and paperwork.
• Educational resources: Find one that provides tools to help you manage your plan.

As you can see, Vanguard checks all those boxes and more. Our combination of low costs, strong performance, and helpful service makes us a great choice for small businesses looking to offer a retirement plan.

Next Steps to Setting Up Your Vanguard Small Business Retirement Plan

Ready to move forward with Vanguard? Here are some next steps:

• Learn more: Check out Vanguard’s small business site for helpful info.
• Contact us: Speak with a Vanguard specialist at 800-992-7188. They can answer questions and walk you through the process.
• Open your account: Work with your Vanguard advisor to open a plan and select funds.
• Communicate with employees: Let them know about the new plan and how to enroll and start contributing.
• Contribute consistently: Set up automatic contributions to your plan on an ongoing basis.
• Monitor your plan: Review statements and meet with your advisor periodically to keep your plan on track.

With Vanguard as your partner, you can feel confident you are making solid retirement preparations for your small business. We’ll provide guidance and support each step of the way. Don’t wait – take control of your future today!