Learn more about Vestwell's modern savings solutions.

Explore insights from Vestwell's annual saver survey.

Vestwell’s digital recordkeeping platform has brought the 401(k) and 403(b) industry into the modern fintech era. Learn more on our blog.

The Empire State is building a brighter future for New Yorkers.

 of New York State’s private-sector employees lack access to a workplace retirement plan. 

To address this gap, most New York business owners will soon be required by law to offer a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan or automatically enroll their employees in the 

In this article, we’ll answer some questions you may have about the New York State Secure Choice Savings program and explain how it affects New York businesses.

How Does New York State Secure Choice Savings Work?

New York State Secure Choice Savings is a government-sponsored savings program created to help employees working in New York build savings for retirement. 

New York business owners who meet certain criteria will be required by law to offer a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan or enroll their employees in the program.

New York employees will make contributions to the program through automatic deductions from their paycheck into a Roth individual savings account (Roth IRA) unless they choose to opt out. 

The money in the account will grow tax-free, and employees won't have to pay income tax on any money they withdraw from their account during retirement.

The program is overseen by the New York Secure Choice Savings Board but administered by private sector partners. The program is currently under development, with no set launch date.

New York State Secure Choice Savings website

, once the program launches, employers who meet the following criteria are required to register for the program or certify an exemption:

Have been in business for at least 2 years

Does not currently offer a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan to their employees

The program is under development, and there is no registration requirement at this time.

Non-compliance may result in an investigation and penalties.

Who Is Eligible to Save With the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program?

Any individual who is 18 years or older and has income or W-2 wages in the state of New York is eligible to participate in New York State Secure Choice Savings.

 Both full-time and part-time employees are eligible.

The program is voluntary for employees, and they can change their contribution amount or opt-out at any time.

The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program represents a notable development in retirement planning for New York workers. Automatic enrollment and contributions made directly through payroll deductions simplify the process of setting aside funds for retirement.

Once it launches, the program will require businesses with 10 or more employees that have been operating for two or more years to either offer a plan or certify an exemption, so it’s important for New York employers to familiarize themselves with the program details and requirements.

The Empire State is building a brighter future for New Yorkers.

More than half of New York State’s private-sector employees lack access to a workplace retirement plan. To address this gap, most New York business owners will soon be required by law to offer a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan or automatically enroll their employees in the New York State Secure Choice Savings program.

In this article, we’ll answer some questions you may have about the New York State Secure Choice Savings program and explain how it affects New York businesses.

How Does New York State Secure Choice Savings Work?

New York State Secure Choice Savings is a government-sponsored savings program created to help employees working in New York build savings for retirement. New York business owners who meet certain criteria will be required by law to offer a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan or enroll their employees in the program.

New York employees will make contributions to the program through automatic deductions from their paycheck into a Roth individual savings account (Roth IRA) unless they choose to opt out. The money in the account will grow tax-free, and employees won't have to pay income tax on any money they withdraw from their account during retirement.

The program is overseen by the New York Secure Choice Savings Board but administered by private sector partners. The program is currently under development, with no set launch date.

Which Businesses Are Affected?

According to the New York State Secure Choice Savings website, once the program launches, employers who meet the following criteria are required to register for the program or certify an exemption:

Have 10 or more workers

Have been in business for at least 2 years

Does not currently offer a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan to their employees

Registration Deadline

The program is under development, and there is no registration requirement at this time.

Penalties

Non-compliance may result in an investigation and penalties.

Who Is Eligible to Save With the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program?

Any individual who is 18 years or older and has income or W-2 wages in the state of New York is eligible to participate in New York State Secure Choice Savings. Both full-time and part-time employees are eligible.

The program is voluntary for employees, and they can change their contribution amount or opt-out at any time.

Conclusion

The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program represents a notable development in retirement planning for New York workers. Automatic enrollment and contributions made directly through payroll deductions simplify the process of setting aside funds for retirement.

Once it launches, the program will require businesses with 10 or more employees that have been operating for two or more years to either offer a plan or certify an exemption, so it’s important for New York employers to familiarize themselves with the program details and requirements.



The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program: Everything You Need to Know

Female advisors are in a unique position to positively impact the financial future of other women. In Vestwell’s recent webinar, “

panelists Tali Vaughn, Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting at EGPS, Tina Sanchez, Managing Director, Head of DC National Accounts at BlackRock, and Bonnie Treichel, Founder and Chief Solutions Officer of Endeavor Retirement, shared personal stories and advice around supporting women in pursuit of financial wellness.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the top insights regarding 

how female financial advisors can grow their businesses while educating and advocating for women. 

We’ll also highlight some of the key takeaways from the webinar and explore the impact of recent legislative changes (SECURE Act 2.0) on women and their finances. Let’s jump in.

” webinar, Vaughn, Sanchez, and Treichel shared unique industry insights and personal stories of growth relating to women and savings. 

Here are the essential takeaways for female financial advisors.

One of the keys to a successful practice is earning and keeping the trust of your clients. Trust grows from authenticity, and long-lasting client relationships are built with deep connections and a shared understanding of what’s important. 

Women are generally strong communicators with high levels of empathy, so leverage those skills to foster great relationships with your clients. 

It’s the personal connections and experiences between you and your clients that are remembered and that build ongoing trust.

Authenticity always resonates, and women tend to gravitate towards other women when seeking advice. 

Women advisors can advocate for their female clients, encouraging more conversations around finances and the importance of vocalizing your priorities in life.

Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting, EGPS

What are you passionate about, or have special expertise in? Is there a particular demographic you feel connected to? Maybe it’s women-owned businesses, retirees, or underserved communities. Creating a niche or specialized focus can help you gain clients who need your expertise. Think of this as your “personal superpower.”

Founder and Chief Solutions Officer, Endeavor Retirement

Serving on committees and boards is another great way to expand your network and your reach to potential clients who share your interests and values. I am a big fan of the book 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

, by Greg McKeown. “Essentialism is the art of doing less, but better.” The book talks about doing more of what you are uniquely qualified to do, and less of everything else. It isn’t just about success; it’s about living a life of meaning and purpose. 

Hone in on what you are uniquely qualified to do, and leverage that strength and passion in growing your practice.

Let Your Personal Brand Tell a Story Worth Remembering

We live in a highly digital world with an abundance of information at our fingertips. How do you make yourself memorable, so you stand out from others in your field?

 last year about the different types of “attention,” and how some activities hold our attention better. Science tells us one of the most reliable ways of sustaining attention is through storytelling. When a story fully captivates our attention, it releases the empathy-related chemical oxytocin in our brains.

Vaughn explained, “I've branded myself as a nerd…If you want to talk about Secure 2.0, I'm game for it. As part of my brand and who I am, what people turn to me for is to be that nerd...As soon as regulations are released, I know everything to do with the regulations and how they're going to apply. TPAs are not something that a lot of people even know exists...I have to set myself apart and be able to be that resource for my referral partners and my friends in the industry.”

Let your personal brand tell a story that engages clients and prospects, and reminds them why they should do business with you.

In addition to employing empathy, identifying your superpower, and leaning into your personal brand, there's another area where female financial advisors can support women: understanding the implications of recent legislative changes.

The SECURE Act 2.0, representing the most significant change to retirement legislation in 50 years, offers specific provisions that can benefit women immensely. 

The Act includes enhanced benefits for long-term, part-time workers, the majority of whom 

It also includes tax credits for small companies offering retirement benefits to military spouses. With frequent relocations, military spouses often struggle to maintain consistent employment, affecting their eligibility for retirement plans. Given that 

 of military spouses are women, SECURE 2.0's focus on making retirement plan participation more accessible for them is particularly impactful.

Additionally, SECURE 2.0 waives the 10% IRS tax penalty (up to $10,000 or 50% of vested account value) for victims of domestic abuse, 85% of whom are women.

Advisors need to ensure women are a part of the conversation, particularly as household wealth starts to shift, in part due to women outliving men on average by 

Conclusion: Supporting Women's Financial Wellness

Empowering women's financial wellness begins with the shared understanding of the “triple whammy,” as Sanchez calls it, referring to the gender pay gap, the employment gap, and the longevity gap. Recognizing and addressing these interconnected challenges is the first step in crafting financial strategies that truly serve women's unique needs.

Managing Director, Head of DC National Accounts, BlackRock

In closing, continue to lift up one another. Celebrate your success, as well as the success of your colleagues and clients, and you will attract a community of like-minded women seeking and celebrating success as well.

 to watch a full recording of Vestwell’s “The Power of Women” webinar.

Female advisors are in a unique position to positively impact the financial future of other women. In Vestwell’s recent webinar, “The Power of Women,” panelists Tali Vaughn, Regional Vice President, Sales & Consulting at EGPS, Tina Sanchez, Managing Director, Head of DC National Accounts at BlackRock, and Bonnie Treichel, Founder and Chief Solutions Officer of Endeavor Retirement, shared personal stories and advice around supporting women in pursuit of financial wellness.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the top insights regarding how female financial advisors can grow their businesses while educating and advocating for women. We’ll also highlight some of the key takeaways from the webinar and explore the impact of recent legislative changes (SECURE Act 2.0) on women and their finances. Let’s jump in.

Strategies for Success

During our “The Power of Women” webinar, Vaughn, Sanchez, and Treichel shared unique industry insights and personal stories of growth relating to women and savings. Here are the essential takeaways for female financial advisors.

Lead With Empathy and Authenticity

One of the keys to a successful practice is earning and keeping the trust of your clients. Trust grows from authenticity, and long-lasting client relationships are built with deep connections and a shared understanding of what’s important. Women are generally strong communicators with high levels of empathy, so leverage those skills to foster great relationships with your clients. It’s the personal connections and experiences between you and your clients that are remembered and that build ongoing trust.

Authenticity always resonates, and women tend to gravitate towards other women when seeking advice. Women advisors can advocate for their female clients, encouraging more conversations around finances and the importance of vocalizing your priorities in life.

Identify Your Superpower

What are you passionate about, or have special expertise in? Is there a particular demographic you feel connected to? Maybe it’s women-owned businesses, retirees, or underserved communities. Creating a niche or specialized focus can help you gain clients who need your expertise. Think of this as your “personal superpower.”

Serving on committees and boards is another great way to expand your network and your reach to potential clients who share your interests and values. I am a big fan of the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown. “Essentialism is the art of doing less, but better.” The book talks about doing more of what you are uniquely qualified to do, and less of everything else. It isn’t just about success; it’s about living a life of meaning and purpose. Hone in on what you are uniquely qualified to do, and leverage that strength and passion in growing your practice.

Let Your Personal Brand Tell a Story Worth Remembering

We live in a highly digital world with an abundance of information at our fingertips. How do you make yourself memorable, so you stand out from others in your field?

Forbes did an article last year about the different types of “attention,” and how some activities hold our attention better. Science tells us one of the most reliable ways of sustaining attention is through storytelling. When a story fully captivates our attention, it releases the empathy-related chemical oxytocin in our brains.

Vaughn explained, “I've branded myself as a nerd…If you want to talk about Secure 2.0, I'm game for it. As part of my brand and who I am, what people turn to me for is to be that nerd...As soon as regulations are released, I know everything to do with the regulations and how they're going to apply. TPAs are not something that a lot of people even know exists...I have to set myself apart and be able to be that resource for my referral partners and my friends in the industry.”

Let your personal brand tell a story that engages clients and prospects, and reminds them why they should do business with you.

Understand How SECURE 2.0 Benefits Women

In addition to employing empathy, identifying your superpower, and leaning into your personal brand, there's another area where female financial advisors can support women: understanding the implications of recent legislative changes.

The SECURE Act 2.0, representing the most significant change to retirement legislation in 50 years, offers specific provisions that can benefit women immensely. The Act includes enhanced benefits for long-term, part-time workers, the majority of whom are women.

It also includes tax credits for small companies offering retirement benefits to military spouses. With frequent relocations, military spouses often struggle to maintain consistent employment, affecting their eligibility for retirement plans. Given that over 90% of military spouses are women, SECURE 2.0's focus on making retirement plan participation more accessible for them is particularly impactful.

Additionally, SECURE 2.0 waives the 10% IRS tax penalty (up to $10,000 or 50% of vested account value) for victims of domestic abuse, 85% of whom are women.

Advisors need to ensure women are a part of the conversation, particularly as household wealth starts to shift, in part due to women outliving men on average by almost 6 years.

Conclusion: Supporting Women's Financial Wellness

Empowering women's financial wellness begins with the shared understanding of the “triple whammy,” as Sanchez calls it, referring to the gender pay gap, the employment gap, and the longevity gap. Recognizing and addressing these interconnected challenges is the first step in crafting financial strategies that truly serve women's unique needs.

In closing, continue to lift up one another. Celebrate your success, as well as the success of your colleagues and clients, and you will attract a community of like-minded women seeking and celebrating success as well.

Click here to watch a full recording of Vestwell’s “The Power of Women” webinar.

The Power of Women: How Female Advisors Can Make a Difference

From coffee orders customized to the shot of espresso to curated recommendations about what to watch next on your favorite streaming services, personalization is fast becoming the expectation. Why should our finances be any different?

Vestwell surveyed 1,200 savers across the United States for our annual “

.” Our findings revealed a trend among savers:

 a growing preference for personalized financial guidance via digital tools, managed accounts, and financial advisors.

Employees have unique preferences and requirements. Some thrive on tech solutions, while others prefer a human connection. Financial wellness is not one-size-fits-all, and looking forward, savers appear to be searching for more tailored approaches to managing their finances.

In this article, we discuss the opportunities employers have to stand out by providing the personalized support their employees are looking for. 

The Digital Transformation of Workplace Savings

As part of the trend toward personalization, savers are increasingly interested in leveraging digital tools for managing their personal finances. 

65% of respondents indicated that an online savings platform that enables you to check your balance in real time would be helpful.

 This finding reflects a broader shift toward immediacy and transparency in financial management.

Which digital tools do you find helpful when managing your finances? (Select all that apply)

Managed accounts are a feature that helps tailor investment portfolios to individuals’ specific situations. They use information such as age, account balance, salary, savings rate, outside accounts, and risk tolerance, to suggest personalized investment portfolios.

Managed accounts stand out because they offer personalization at a relatively low cost, making it more accessible to a broader audience. By analyzing a wide range of factors, the technology can dynamically adjust to suggest an optimal portfolio, taking into account the saver’s life changes and shifts in financial goals. This approach not only helps create a more personalized and engaging saving experience but also empowers savers to take control of their financial future with confidence.

A Growing Preference for Customized Financial Guidance

As savers seek tailored guidance that aligns with their unique financial goals and situations, they’re turning to a variety of sources, including friends and family, internet research, and financial advisors.

Where do you get the majority of your financial advice? 

While savers are increasingly leveraging digital tools when managing their finances, they also seem to value human expertise. Technology offers convenience and immediacy, but the complex nature of financial planning often requires professional guidance that only a financial advisor can provide.

A notable 41% of savers surveyed by Vestwell do not currently work with a financial advisor but plan to in the future.

 Among those who plan to work with an advisor, 41% intend to find one through referrals from friends or family, 21% through internet research, and 19% through their employer.

Savers are not just looking for information; they are seeking out trustworthy advice that is specifically tailored to their individual circumstances, goals, and challenges. Employers can elevate their benefit offerings by providing access to a financial advisor and helping their workforce get the personalized and professional guidance they’re looking for.

Savers are seeking more informed and efficient ways to navigate their finances. A combination of user-friendly digital tools and professional advice has become central to effective financial planning and wealth management.

This trend presents an opportunity for employers to redefine their benefits package. A commitment to personalized financial wellness underscores an employer's dedication to their team's long-term success and stability, establishing a culture of care and support that extends beyond the workplace. 

By adopting a holistic, scalable approach to financial wellness that includes access to digital tools, managed accounts, and financial advisors, businesses can improve employee satisfaction—and retention.

Conclusion: The Future of Workplace Financial Wellness

To remain competitive, employers can adapt their financial wellness programs to offer a blend of digital tools and access to professional advisory services that allow for personalization at scale. The future of workplace financial wellness lies in customization and flexibility, empowering employees to choose the paths that best suit their financial situations and aspirations.

 to view the full “Vestwell Savings Industry Report” and learn more about the saving trends that are shaping workplace financial wellness.

Ready to level up your workplace benefits package? 

From coffee orders customized to the shot of espresso to curated recommendations about what to watch next on your favorite streaming services, personalization is fast becoming the expectation. Why should our finances be any different?

Vestwell surveyed 1,200 savers across the United States for our annual “Vestwell Savings Industry Report.” Our findings revealed a trend among savers: a growing preference for personalized financial guidance via digital tools, managed accounts, and financial advisors.

Employees have unique preferences and requirements. Some thrive on tech solutions, while others prefer a human connection. Financial wellness is not one-size-fits-all, and looking forward, savers appear to be searching for more tailored approaches to managing their finances.

In this article, we discuss the opportunities employers have to stand out by providing the personalized support their employees are looking for. Let’s dive in.

The Digital Transformation of Workplace Savings

As part of the trend toward personalization, savers are increasingly interested in leveraging digital tools for managing their personal finances. 65% of respondents indicated that an online savings platform that enables you to check your balance in real time would be helpful. This finding reflects a broader shift toward immediacy and transparency in financial management.

The Advantages of Managed Accounts

Managed accounts are a feature that helps tailor investment portfolios to individuals’ specific situations. They use information such as age, account balance, salary, savings rate, outside accounts, and risk tolerance, to suggest personalized investment portfolios.

Managed accounts stand out because they offer personalization at a relatively low cost, making it more accessible to a broader audience. By analyzing a wide range of factors, the technology can dynamically adjust to suggest an optimal portfolio, taking into account the saver’s life changes and shifts in financial goals. This approach not only helps create a more personalized and engaging saving experience but also empowers savers to take control of their financial future with confidence.

A Growing Preference for Customized Financial Guidance

As savers seek tailored guidance that aligns with their unique financial goals and situations, they’re turning to a variety of sources, including friends and family, internet research, and financial advisors.

While savers are increasingly leveraging digital tools when managing their finances, they also seem to value human expertise. Technology offers convenience and immediacy, but the complex nature of financial planning often requires professional guidance that only a financial advisor can provide.

A notable 41% of savers surveyed by Vestwell do not currently work with a financial advisor but plan to in the future. Among those who plan to work with an advisor, 41% intend to find one through referrals from friends or family, 21% through internet research, and 19% through their employer.

Savers are not just looking for information; they are seeking out trustworthy advice that is specifically tailored to their individual circumstances, goals, and challenges. Employers can elevate their benefit offerings by providing access to a financial advisor and helping their workforce get the personalized and professional guidance they’re looking for.



Personalization at Scale

Savers are seeking more informed and efficient ways to navigate their finances. A combination of user-friendly digital tools and professional advice has become central to effective financial planning and wealth management.

This trend presents an opportunity for employers to redefine their benefits package. A commitment to personalized financial wellness underscores an employer's dedication to their team's long-term success and stability, establishing a culture of care and support that extends beyond the workplace. By adopting a holistic, scalable approach to financial wellness that includes access to digital tools, managed accounts, and financial advisors, businesses can improve employee satisfaction—and retention.

Conclusion: The Future of Workplace Financial Wellness

To remain competitive, employers can adapt their financial wellness programs to offer a blend of digital tools and access to professional advisory services that allow for personalization at scale. The future of workplace financial wellness lies in customization and flexibility, empowering employees to choose the paths that best suit their financial situations and aspirations.

Click here to view the full “Vestwell Savings Industry Report” and learn more about the saving trends that are shaping workplace financial wellness.

Vestwell Savings Report: Embracing Personalized Financial Wellness Solutions in the Workplace

On average, retirement plans with auto-enrollment see participation rates that 

, whereas plans with traditional opt-in enrollment have average rates of 28% among new hires. Auto-enrollment significantly enhances the success of retirement savers—and it’s set to become a mandatory feature for new retirement plans in the near future.

The SECURE Act 2.0 is a set of bipartisan legislation passed by Congress in December of 2022, aiming to boost retirement savings nationwide. Expanding upon the SECURE Act passed by Congress in 2019,

 it brings forth several changes that impact employers offering a retirement plan, including a requirement for auto-enrollment starting in 2025. 

This article will guide you through the auto-enrollment requirement, its implementation timeline, and what employers need to know.

What Is Auto-Enroll and When Will It Be Required for Retirement Plans?

 is a feature that automatically enrolls eligible employees for their company’s retirement plan unless they actively choose to opt out.

Starting in 2025, new 401(k) and 403(b) plans established after the passing of SECURE 2.0 (December 29, 2022) must automatically enroll all eligible employees at a default contribution rate between 3 and 10% of their salary, unless an alternative rate is selected by the employee. The most common 

default deferral rate for plans with auto-enrollment is 6%

, but employers can choose a rate anywhere from 3 to 10%.

The auto-enrollment requirement goes into effect on January 1, 2025, giving employers time to prepare and update their plans to comply with new regulations.

Businesses with a plan that was established 

 the enactment of SECURE 2.0 (December 29, 2022) must automatically enroll all eligible new hires, and existing eligible employees who have not already opted out of the plan.

There are a few types of organizations that will be exempt from the requirement:

Employers with a plan that was established 

 the enactment of SECURE 2.0 (December 29, 2022)

New companies that have been operating for 

For guidance specific to your business’s particular circumstances, we recommend consulting with a financial advisor.

In addition to auto-enrollment at a default contribution rate, plans must also automatically escalate contributions by 1% each year until they reach a predetermined rate by the employer, 

This means that each year, the contribution rate—either the default set by the employer or manually adjusted by the employee—will increase by 1% until it reaches the maximum contribution rate determined by the employer (between 10 and 15%).

For example, suppose a business starting a new 401(k) plan for its employees has chosen a 6% default contribution rate and a 12% maximum contribution rate. The deferral rate will increase by 1% each year until it reaches 12% and then will no longer automatically escalate.

When establishing a retirement plan, a business must send a notice to employees explaining the plan details, including how to opt out or change the default contribution rate. Auto-enrolled employees must also have a 90-day window to reclaim their contributions without penalty. Many retirement plan providers will help you by sending these notices on your behalf.

Staying compliant with these new requirements will help businesses to stay up to date with the new legislation. Plus, implementing these changes will also encourage employee participation and help drive plan success.

Work with your service provider (third party administrator or recordkeeper) and financial advisor, if you have one, to ensure your plan aligns with the new requirements.

 Confirm with them that your plan documents are up to date and your employees have been informed.

The SECURE Act 2.0 requires auto-enrollment to enhance access to retirement savings and boost participation rates among employer-sponsored programs.

This legislation aims to address common barriers to retirement savings. Employees may not sign up because they perceive onboarding to be time-consuming, they have an “I’ll do it later mindset,” or they don’t want to defer a portion of their pay. 

Auto-enrollment simplifies the process and shifts the dynamic, making opting in the default choice for employees instead of opting out.

, we have encouraged our clients to include an auto-enrollment feature in their plan design ahead of the auto-enrollment requirement. Providing businesses with a future-facing retirement plan that both complies with legislative changes 

 encourages employees to participate gets us one step closer to reaching our mission of closing the savings gap.

The SECURE Act 2.0 represents an exciting shift towards a more inclusive approach to retirement savings. With increased participation rates and higher default contribution amounts, more employees will participate in their company’s retirement plan and will save more for their future. For employers, meeting these new requirements shows a commitment to the financial well-being of your team by encouraging them to save more.

At Vestwell, we work with employers of all sizes to build a retirement plan that not only aligns with their business and employees’ specific needs but also sets them up for future success. With our 

, you can see what tax credits may be available to you.

Ready to set up a 401(k) plan for your business?

On average, retirement plans with auto-enrollment see participation rates that exceed 90%, whereas plans with traditional opt-in enrollment have average rates of 28% among new hires. Auto-enrollment significantly enhances the success of retirement savers—and it’s set to become a mandatory feature for new retirement plans in the near future.

The SECURE Act 2.0 is a set of bipartisan legislation passed by Congress in December of 2022, aiming to boost retirement savings nationwide. Expanding upon the SECURE Act passed by Congress in 2019, it brings forth several changes that impact employers offering a retirement plan, including a requirement for auto-enrollment starting in 2025. This article will guide you through the auto-enrollment requirement, its implementation timeline, and what employers need to know.



What Is Auto-Enroll and When Will It Be Required for Retirement Plans?

Auto-enrollment is a feature that automatically enrolls eligible employees for their company’s retirement plan unless they actively choose to opt out.

Starting in 2025, new 401(k) and 403(b) plans established after the passing of SECURE 2.0 (December 29, 2022) must automatically enroll all eligible employees at a default contribution rate between 3 and 10% of their salary, unless an alternative rate is selected by the employee. The most common default deferral rate for plans with auto-enrollment is 6%, but employers can choose a rate anywhere from 3 to 10%.

The auto-enrollment requirement goes into effect on January 1, 2025, giving employers time to prepare and update their plans to comply with new regulations.

Which Businesses Are Impacted?

Businesses with a plan that was established after the enactment of SECURE 2.0 (December 29, 2022) must automatically enroll all eligible new hires, and existing eligible employees who have not already opted out of the plan.

There are a few types of organizations that will be exempt from the requirement:

Employers with a plan that was established before the enactment of SECURE 2.0 (December 29, 2022)

Some companies are exempt conditionally:

New companies that have been operating for less than three years

Businesses with 10 or fewer employees—until an 11th is hired

For guidance specific to your business’s particular circumstances, we recommend consulting with a financial advisor.

Automatic Escalation

In addition to auto-enrollment at a default contribution rate, plans must also automatically escalate contributions by 1% each year until they reach a predetermined rate by the employer, between 10 and 15%.

This means that each year, the contribution rate—either the default set by the employer or manually adjusted by the employee—will increase by 1% until it reaches the maximum contribution rate determined by the employer (between 10 and 15%).

For example, suppose a business starting a new 401(k) plan for its employees has chosen a 6% default contribution rate and a 12% maximum contribution rate. The deferral rate will increase by 1% each year until it reaches 12% and then will no longer automatically escalate.

When establishing a retirement plan, a business must send a notice to employees explaining the plan details, including how to opt out or change the default contribution rate. Auto-enrolled employees must also have a 90-day window to reclaim their contributions without penalty. Many retirement plan providers will help you by sending these notices on your behalf.

Staying compliant with these new requirements will help businesses to stay up to date with the new legislation. Plus, implementing these changes will also encourage employee participation and help drive plan success.

What Employers Need to Do

Work with your service provider (third party administrator or recordkeeper) and financial advisor, if you have one, to ensure your plan aligns with the new requirements. Confirm with them that your plan documents are up to date and your employees have been informed.

The Benefits of Auto-Enrollment

The SECURE Act 2.0 requires auto-enrollment to enhance access to retirement savings and boost participation rates among employer-sponsored programs.

This legislation aims to address common barriers to retirement savings. Employees may not sign up because they perceive onboarding to be time-consuming, they have an “I’ll do it later mindset,” or they don’t want to defer a portion of their pay. Auto-enrollment simplifies the process and shifts the dynamic, making opting in the default choice for employees instead of opting out.

At Vestwell, we have encouraged our clients to include an auto-enrollment feature in their plan design ahead of the auto-enrollment requirement. Providing businesses with a future-facing retirement plan that both complies with legislative changes and encourages employees to participate gets us one step closer to reaching our mission of closing the savings gap.

Conclusion

The SECURE Act 2.0 represents an exciting shift towards a more inclusive approach to retirement savings. With increased participation rates and higher default contribution amounts, more employees will participate in their company’s retirement plan and will save more for their future. For employers, meeting these new requirements shows a commitment to the financial well-being of your team by encouraging them to save more.

At Vestwell, we work with employers of all sizes to build a retirement plan that not only aligns with their business and employees’ specific needs but also sets them up for future success. With our Secure Act 2.0 Tax Credit Calculator, you can see what tax credits may be available to you.

SECURE 2.0 for Employers: A Guide to the Retirement Plan Auto-Enrollment Requirement

Kelli Bagby’s entrepreneurial journey began in the midst of a global pandemic.

 Amid reshaping perceptions around remote work and digital operations, Kelli saw an opportunity to leverage technology to make bookkeeping services more efficient and accessible. In 2021, Kelli founded 

, a virtual company dedicated to guiding business owners through the complexities of finance with confidence and clarity.

Kelli’s commitment to financial empowerment extended beyond her clients, and as a new business owner, one of Kelli’s top priorities was to help her employees save and plan for the future. “I wanted to offer a retirement plan from the very beginning of opening my business,” Kelli explained. “I wanted to communicate to my employees that I care about their future, and I care about their family's future.”

The Challenge: Finding a Streamlined Retirement Platform

Truly Bookkeeping is often responsible for managing their clients’ 401(k) plans—which informed Kelli's top priorities when looking for her own provider. “We work with clients that use other retirement platforms. They don’t integrate, so we have to get in there and make their contributions manually. We know firsthand how clunky these systems can be,” she explained. 

“For our own provider, I was looking for technology. I wanted a platform that would make everything easy and efficient.”

Kelli sought a retirement plan provider that not only offered technological prowess for seamless operations but also embodied a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, particularly for women in the business world. “I intentionally surround myself with people who are supportive of me as a female entrepreneur,” she said. “I choose to be in environments where I feel supported and I'm able to support others too.”

Finding a provider that aligned with these principles meant that, along with prioritizing ease of use, Kelli needed a provider she could trust. She also wanted to encourage every employee to actively participate in planning for their future. She said, “I wanted it to be accessible so that my staff would use it.” Kelli’s search was driven by the desire to build a supportive workplace culture that valued and invested in the long-term well-being of her entire team.

The Solution: An Effortless Retirement Plan 

Kelli was looking for technology, trustworthiness, and accessibility—and Vestwell checked every box.

“Vestwell made things easy,” Kelli explained. 

“You all were friendly and open and honest and willing to answer lots of questions. That really helped build trust. There are a lot of things that need to happen in order to offer a 401(k) plan, and Vestwell was like, ‘These things are required of you, and we're going to do them for you.’ So, of course, I said, ‘Great, sign me up!’”

Vestwell’s Payroll Integration With Gusto Made Plan Management Easy

Technology and efficiency are important to Kelli, and Vestwell’s 360° 

 with Gusto takes a lot of the manual work off of her plate.

“Vestwell’s payroll integration with Gusto is wonderful,” Kelli said. “When there's a change made on the Vestwell side, like if an employee logs in and wants to change their contribution, it then syncs over to Gusto and is updated on their next paycheck. With the Vestwell-Gusto integration, I never have to worry about tracking and making sure these changes are made. It just all happens automatically.”

This level of automation streamlines the experience not just for Kelli but also for her employees. It empowers them to take control of their retirement savings, making adjustments as their financial situations or goals evolve.

User-Friendly Features Removed Barriers for Employees

 feature, which simplified the decision-making process and removed barriers to entry so that Kelli’s eligible employees were able to start saving with ease. “The auto-enrollment feature was a no-brainer,” Kelli explained. “Most people will just do whatever is easiest, and auto-enrollment makes it easy.”

When Truly Bookkeeping’s employees want to make changes or view their investments, they can do so with Vestwell’s intuitive, user-friendly platform. “

Vestwell has innovated and used technology to make things straightforward and simple. 

That's how it should be,” Kelli said. “We all want people to be investing for their future, and Vestwell created an environment that makes it really easy to do that.”

Owner, Truly Bookkeeping

Truly Bookkeeping’s 401(k) plan has a 100% participation rate. 

The success of Truly Bookkeeping's retirement plan underscores the importance of accessibility in financial planning. Vestwell's platform, with its intuitive design, has removed the traditional barriers to retirement savings, making it straightforward for all of Kelli’s eligible employees to invest in their futures.

Moreover, the partnership has had a ripple effect, extending beyond Truly Bookkeeping’s employees to their clients. Kelli's positive experience with Vestwell has made her an advocate for the platform. 

She regularly suggests Vestwell to her clients, highlighting the simplicity and effectiveness of the service, as well as Vestwell’s alignment with her values.

"I feel really good about suggesting Vestwell to my clients because I've used it myself. I know how easy and wonderful it is,” Kelli explained. “And I know that it’s going to be easy for them to use, but also, because they're our client, it's going to be easy for us as well. 

Vestwell is a partner I recommend for everyone.

With Vestwell, Kelli was able to offer a retirement plan for Truly Bookeeping’s employees that had the innovative technology she was looking for. The payroll integration with Gusto streamlined plan administration, and the user-friendly platform made it easy for employees to start saving. This powerful combination ensured a seamless experience, enabling Kelli to contribute to a supportive workplace culture and invest in the long-term well-being of her team.

Set your employees and your business up for success. Vestwell makes it easy for employers to manage their plan and for employees to start saving for their future. Ready to get started? Set up time with a Vestwell representative 

Kelli Bagby’s entrepreneurial journey began in the midst of a global pandemic. Amid reshaping perceptions around remote work and digital operations, Kelli saw an opportunity to leverage technology to make bookkeeping services more efficient and accessible. In 2021, Kelli founded Truly Bookkeeping, a virtual company dedicated to guiding business owners through the complexities of finance with confidence and clarity.

Kelli’s commitment to financial empowerment extended beyond her clients, and as a new business owner, one of Kelli’s top priorities was to help her employees save and plan for the future. “I wanted to offer a retirement plan from the very beginning of opening my business,” Kelli explained. “I wanted to communicate to my employees that I care about their future, and I care about their family's future.”



The Challenge: Finding a Streamlined Retirement Platform

Truly Bookkeeping is often responsible for managing their clients’ 401(k) plans—which informed Kelli's top priorities when looking for her own provider. “We work with clients that use other retirement platforms. They don’t integrate, so we have to get in there and make their contributions manually. We know firsthand how clunky these systems can be,” she explained. “For our own provider, I was looking for technology. I wanted a platform that would make everything easy and efficient.”

Kelli sought a retirement plan provider that not only offered technological prowess for seamless operations but also embodied a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, particularly for women in the business world. “I intentionally surround myself with people who are supportive of me as a female entrepreneur,” she said. “I choose to be in environments where I feel supported and I'm able to support others too.”

Finding a provider that aligned with these principles meant that, along with prioritizing ease of use, Kelli needed a provider she could trust. She also wanted to encourage every employee to actively participate in planning for their future. She said, “I wanted it to be accessible so that my staff would use it.” Kelli’s search was driven by the desire to build a supportive workplace culture that valued and invested in the long-term well-being of her entire team.

The Solution: An Effortless Retirement Plan 

Kelli was looking for technology, trustworthiness, and accessibility—and Vestwell checked every box.

“Vestwell made things easy,” Kelli explained. “You all were friendly and open and honest and willing to answer lots of questions. That really helped build trust. There are a lot of things that need to happen in order to offer a 401(k) plan, and Vestwell was like, ‘These things are required of you, and we're going to do them for you.’ So, of course, I said, ‘Great, sign me up!’”

Vestwell’s Payroll Integration With Gusto Made Plan Management Easy

Technology and efficiency are important to Kelli, and Vestwell’s 360° payroll integration with Gusto takes a lot of the manual work off of her plate.

“Vestwell’s payroll integration with Gusto is wonderful,” Kelli said. “When there's a change made on the Vestwell side, like if an employee logs in and wants to change their contribution, it then syncs over to Gusto and is updated on their next paycheck. With the Vestwell-Gusto integration, I never have to worry about tracking and making sure these changes are made. It just all happens automatically.”

This level of automation streamlines the experience not just for Kelli but also for her employees. It empowers them to take control of their retirement savings, making adjustments as their financial situations or goals evolve.

User-Friendly Features Removed Barriers for Employees

Truly Bookkeeping’s plan included an auto-enrollment feature, which simplified the decision-making process and removed barriers to entry so that Kelli’s eligible employees were able to start saving with ease. “The auto-enrollment feature was a no-brainer,” Kelli explained. “Most people will just do whatever is easiest, and auto-enrollment makes it easy.”

When Truly Bookkeeping’s employees want to make changes or view their investments, they can do so with Vestwell’s intuitive, user-friendly platform. “Vestwell has innovated and used technology to make things straightforward and simple. That's how it should be,” Kelli said. “We all want people to be investing for their future, and Vestwell created an environment that makes it really easy to do that.”

The Impact: A 100% Participation Rate

Truly Bookkeeping’s 401(k) plan has a 100% participation rate. The success of Truly Bookkeeping's retirement plan underscores the importance of accessibility in financial planning. Vestwell's platform, with its intuitive design, has removed the traditional barriers to retirement savings, making it straightforward for all of Kelli’s eligible employees to invest in their futures.

Moreover, the partnership has had a ripple effect, extending beyond Truly Bookkeeping’s employees to their clients. Kelli's positive experience with Vestwell has made her an advocate for the platform. She regularly suggests Vestwell to her clients, highlighting the simplicity and effectiveness of the service, as well as Vestwell’s alignment with her values.

"I feel really good about suggesting Vestwell to my clients because I've used it myself. I know how easy and wonderful it is,” Kelli explained. “And I know that it’s going to be easy for them to use, but also, because they're our client, it's going to be easy for us as well. Vestwell is a partner I recommend for everyone.”

Conclusion

With Vestwell, Kelli was able to offer a retirement plan for Truly Bookeeping’s employees that had the innovative technology she was looking for. The payroll integration with Gusto streamlined plan administration, and the user-friendly platform made it easy for employees to start saving. This powerful combination ensured a seamless experience, enabling Kelli to contribute to a supportive workplace culture and invest in the long-term well-being of her team.

Set your employees and your business up for success. Vestwell makes it easy for employers to manage their plan and for employees to start saving for their future. Ready to get started? Set up time with a Vestwell representative here.

Beyond the Books: Leveraging Technology for Financial Empowerment

Workplace retirement plans are among the most common investment vehicles Americans use to save for retirement. As of December 31, 2022, just over 

 was held in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including traditional pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans.

It’s critical to understand your 401(k) plan as you map out your savings journey into retirement. 

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between pre-tax and Roth 401(k) contributions, helping you better understand your retirement plan contribution options.

The Basics: Contributing to Your 401(k) Plan

 is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows employees to save for retirement in a tax-favored way

. When you sign up for a 401(k) plan, you agree to have a percentage of your salary allocated to the plan’s investment accounts.

, up from $22,500 in 2023. Individuals aged 50 or over at the end of the calendar year can make annual catch-up contributions—up to 

. Depending on your 401(k) plan, your employer may match a certain percentage of your contributions.

When choosing how to contribute to your 401(k) plan, you can typically choose between:

, which contributes a portion of your compensation to your retirement plan account 

 applying state, federal, or local taxes and withholdings, or

 applying state, federal, and local taxes.

Not all 401(k) plans offer a Roth feature; you’ll need to check your employer’s plan to see if they are permitted. However, with 

90% of 401(k) plans now offering Roth options

, employees need to understand the difference—and the impact—of each.

The Difference: Pre-Tax vs. Roth 401(k) Contributions

Pre-tax 401(k) contributions are contributions made before taxes are deducted from your paycheck—so you receive the tax advantage for the year you contribute.

Here’s an example that illustrates this:

Pat’s monthly taxable income is $5,000. Assume that Pat’s tax rate is 22%. Also, assume that Pat would like to contribute 10% of her pre-tax income to her pre-tax 401(k) account.

$5,000 x .10 = $500 (pre-tax 401(k) contribution)

$5,000 - $500 = $4,500 (remaining income pre-tax)

Not only is Pat able to contribute $500 pre-tax to her 401(k) account,

Roth contributions are contributions made from your income 

 federal, state, and local taxes have already been withheld

. Because of this, you don’t receive tax advantages for the year you contribute, like you do a pre-tax contribution.

Let’s look at an example using the same facts as we did above with the Roth contribution:

Pat’s monthly taxable income is $5,000. Assume that Pat’s tax rate is 22%. Also, assume that Pat would like to contribute 10% of her after-tax income to her Roth 401(k) account.

$5,000 - $1,100 = $3,900 (after-tax income)

$3,900 x .10 = $390 (Roth 401(k) contribution)

Although these examples are basic, you can still see the tax differences at the time of contribution. Notice that the tax owed on the Roth example is $1,100 while the tax owed in the pre-tax example is $990—a $110 difference.

The Roth tax benefit comes during retirement when you withdraw from your Roth 401(k) account. 

Because you already paid taxes on this money at the contribution stage, you can make withdrawals from your Roth 401(k) account tax-free, including any earnings you’ve received as your retirement accounts have grown

. In other words, your earnings grow tax-free, no matter how significant they may be.

Additionally, because you’ve already paid taxes on your Roth contributions, you can withdraw them at any time as long as you meet the following requirements:

The exception to this rule is if you become permanently disabled or pass away. In that case, you or your beneficiary can access your Roth 401(k) account without penalties or taxes.

However, you may have an “early” withdrawal if you take Roth contributions out before you turn 59½ or have held the Roth account for at least five years. In this case, 

Workplace retirement plans are among the most common investment vehicles Americans use to save for retirement. As of December 31, 2022, just over $26 trillion was held in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including traditional pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans.

It’s critical to understand your 401(k) plan as you map out your savings journey into retirement. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between pre-tax and Roth 401(k) contributions, helping you better understand your retirement plan contribution options.



The Basics: Contributing to Your 401(k) Plan

A 401(k) plan is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows employees to save for retirement in a tax-favored way. When you sign up for a 401(k) plan, you agree to have a percentage of your salary allocated to the plan’s investment accounts.

You can contribute up to $23,000 in 2024, up from $22,500 in 2023. Individuals aged 50 or over at the end of the calendar year can make annual catch-up contributions—up to $7,500 in 2024. Depending on your 401(k) plan, your employer may match a certain percentage of your contributions.

When choosing how to contribute to your 401(k) plan, you can typically choose between:

A pre-tax contribution, which contributes a portion of your compensation to your retirement plan account before applying state, federal, or local taxes and withholdings, or

A Roth contribution, which contributes a portion of your compensation to your retirement plan account after applying state, federal, and local taxes.

Not all 401(k) plans offer a Roth feature; you’ll need to check your employer’s plan to see if they are permitted. However, with 90% of 401(k) plans now offering Roth options, employees need to understand the difference—and the impact—of each.

The Difference: Pre-Tax vs. Roth 401(k) Contributions

What Is a Pre-Tax 401(k) Contribution?

Pre-tax 401(k) contributions are contributions made before taxes are deducted from your paycheck—so you receive the tax advantage for the year you contribute.

Here’s an example that illustrates this:

Pat’s monthly taxable income is $5,000. Assume that Pat’s tax rate is 22%. Also, assume that Pat would like to contribute 10% of her pre-tax income to her pre-tax 401(k) account.

This would be the result:

$5,000 x .10 = $500 (pre-tax 401(k) contribution)

$5,000 - $500 = $4,500 (remaining income pre-tax)

$4,500 x .22 = $990 (tax owed)

Not only is Pat able to contribute $500 pre-tax to her 401(k) account, but the deferrals she makes also lower her taxable income for the year.

What Is a Roth Contribution?

Roth contributions are contributions made from your income after federal, state, and local taxes have already been withheld. Because of this, you don’t receive tax advantages for the year you contribute, like you do a pre-tax contribution.

Let’s look at an example using the same facts as we did above with the Roth contribution:

Pat’s monthly taxable income is $5,000. Assume that Pat’s tax rate is 22%. Also, assume that Pat would like to contribute 10% of her after-tax income to her Roth 401(k) account.

This would be the result:

$5,000 x .22 = $1,100 (tax owed)

$5,000 - $1,100 = $3,900 (after-tax income)

$3,900 x .10 = $390 (Roth 401(k) contribution)

Although these examples are basic, you can still see the tax differences at the time of contribution. Notice that the tax owed on the Roth example is $1,100 while the tax owed in the pre-tax example is $990—a $110 difference.

The Roth tax benefit comes during retirement when you withdraw from your Roth 401(k) account. Because you already paid taxes on this money at the contribution stage, you can make withdrawals from your Roth 401(k) account tax-free, including any earnings you’ve received as your retirement accounts have grown. In other words, your earnings grow tax-free, no matter how significant they may be.

Additionally, because you’ve already paid taxes on your Roth contributions, you can withdraw them at any time as long as you meet the following requirements:

You are 59½ or older; and

You have held the Roth account for at least five years.

The exception to this rule is if you become permanently disabled or pass away. In that case, you or your beneficiary can access your Roth 401(k) account without penalties or taxes.

However, you may have an “early” withdrawal if you take Roth contributions out before you turn 59½ or have held the Roth account for at least five years. In this case, you may have to pay a 10% penalty on some or all of the amount you withdraw in addition to regular federal and state income taxes.

When determining which is better for you, you can’t stop the analysis here, especially since the Roth’s tax favorability doesn’t kick in until you take a distribution of your retirement funds. Which contribution type to use (or a combination of both) is an individual decision based on your current financial situation and retirement goals. Working with a financial advisor can help you determine the ideal course of action for you and your family.

Pre-Tax vs. Roth 401(k) Contributions

*This maximum limit is an aggregate limit. In other words, you can split your contributions across Roth contributions and pre-tax contributions. However, the total amount of your employee contributions cannot exceed these maximum amounts.

Conclusion

Each type of 401(k) contribution has its pros and cons. We recommend consulting with your financial advisor or tax expert when navigating the choice between pre-tax 401(k) or Roth contributions. However, staying in the know on your 401(k) plan will help you maximize your financial returns, minimize your taxes, and create a sound plan for your future. No matter which option you select, starting early and saving consistently for retirement should be your primary goal.

Want to learn more about your 401(k) plan features? Click here to get started.

Need to sign up for your Vestwell retirement account? You can register here.

Featured Resources

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