A Brief Overview of The Standard
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, The Standard is a renowned 401(k) provider. The company, which you can learn more about on www.standard.com, prides itself on its mission to empower its customers through comprehensive financial services and tailored retirement solutions. They also operate a robust recordkeeping business function.
The Standard’s reputation for trustworthiness makes it a viable choice for individuals seeking a reliable 401(k) provider. They have several subsidiary companies, including Standard Insurance Company and The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York.
The Standard 401(k) Plan Features
Investment options
The Standard offers various investment options to promote diversification and risk management. The portfolio includes multiple investment types, from mutual funds to annuities, offering customers flexibility based on risk tolerance and retirement age.
As such, it’s crucial to spread your investments across different asset classes to protect against stock market volatility and secure your retirement income — The Standard’s plan offerings make that a priority.
Fee structure
With the The Standard 401(k) plan, understanding the fee structure is essential. It includes administrative fees, plan setup and maintenance costs, record-keeping and reporting expenses, and investment management fees. These charges may differ based upon the type of plan you’re setting up and the variables associated with your company (i.e., the number of employees you have, the type of company you operate).
As far as underlying investment expenses go, remember that passively managed funds typically come with lower fees than do actively managed funds. Also, be aware of potential fees for additional features or services that may be added as customizations to your account. Sometimes companies will charge extra for features like custom vesting schedules.
Employer contributions and matching
As a plan sponsor, The Standard offers an employer matching program, where the employer matches a portion of the employee’s 401(k) contribution (those made with salary deferrals).
This feature can significantly boost your retirement savings over time, and from many angles, is considered “free money” to the employee.
Access to account management tools
The Standard provides an easy-to-use online platform that allows you to manage your account, monitor your investments, and update your beneficiary information with just a few clicks. The platform is available on various devices and operating systems and offers a mobile app for added convenience.
Features like account monitoring, investment updates, and beneficiary management make managing your 401(k) simple and efficient.
Customer Experience with The Standard 401(k) Plan
Understanding the customer experience is essential when choosing a 401(k) provider. Since you’ll hopefully be saving with them long-term, you’ll want to ensure you’re working with a fiduciary who you can trust to manage your record-keeping business and provide you with peace of mind that your finances are secure.
This section will explore The Standard 401(k) Plan’s customer experience, focusing on the account setup process, customer support, and available educational resources.
Account setup process
Setting up a Standard 401(k) account is straightforward, with a quick account activation process and speedy fund transfers. You can expect to have your account up and running in a short period.
Customer support
The Standard offers excellent customer support through various phone, email, and live chat channels. Their support representatives are knowledgeable and capable of resolving issues efficiently. The Standard’s customer satisfaction ratings are generally high, reflecting the quality of service they provide.
Educational resources
The Standard’s commitment to customer education shines through its educational resources. They offer comprehensive guides, articles, webinars, and tools like The Standard retirement services calculators to help you make informed decisions about your retirement plan.
These resources cover a broad range of topics, suitable for various user needs, whether you’re a beginner just starting with your first 401(k) plan or a seasoned investor looking for advanced strategies. The content is well-organized, easy to understand, and up-to-date with the latest financial trends and regulations.
Comparing The Standard 401(k) Plan to Other Providers
One size doesn’t fit all when choosing a 401(k) provider. While The Standard 401(k) Plan offers a robust set of features, comparing it with other major competitors in the market is crucial. This way, you can ensure you select a provider that best aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
- Major competitors: The 401(k) industry is crowded with providers, each offering unique features and services. Major competitors include industry giants like Fidelity, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab and emerging players leveraging technology for personalized retirement solutions.
- Differences in offerings: Investment options, fees, and account management tools vary significantly among these providers. For instance, while The Standard offers a comprehensive range of investment options, others may provide a more extensive list or specialize in certain fund types. Vanguard, for example, is known for a diverse set of in-house mutual fund offerings.
- Fee structure: This is another crucial aspect, as it directly impacts your long-term returns. Various brokerages will have different fee structures, and typically The Standard offers a 1% management fee, with some additional setup charges. Speak to your potential plan providers to get exact quotes for your situation.
- Account management tools: The quality of the tools you can use to access your account will impact your investing experience as it relates to retirement income projections and other financial planning queries. The Standard offers a versatile web and mobile platform. Some companies have high-quality apps, while others prioritize phone customer support. Compare these offerings to see which provider will have tools that suit your needs.
Factors to consider when choosing a provider
The ideal 401(k) provider depends on your unique financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. You must also consider the provider’s reputation, trustworthiness, and the quality of their customer support.
Don’t underestimate the impact of a robust educational resource base; it can be incredibly beneficial, especially for novice investors. When looking at various plan providers, consider how they fit with the following factors:
- Alignment with individual financial goals and risk tolerance.
- Fee structure and its impact on long-term returns.
- Quality of customer service and support resources.
- Reputation and trustworthiness of the provider.
In Summary
The Standard 401(k) Plan offers various benefits, including investment options, employer matching programs, and user-friendly account management tools. However, weighing these benefits against potential drawbacks, such as fees, is essential, as comparing the plan to other providers to find the best fit for your needs.
The expert team at Capitalize can help you navigate the complex world of retirement savings rollovers. We’ll manage the entire process to ensure you can take control of your retirement savings with no stress.
Learn more about how Capitalize can help you save.
