Appleton, Wisconsin tra401k.com/ Founded in 1996
Contact Information

TRA, Inc.

We make your job EASY… We make you look GOOD… We help you WIN more business!™
As a national retirement services company, The Retirement Advantage (TRA) provides third party administration and fiduciary services to plan sponsors, financial advisors, wealth managers and businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to providing expert consultation, resources and exceptional customer service has positioned TRA as one of the largest, privately held third party administrators in the nation. We proudly serve more than 11,000 plan sponsors with more than $11 billion in retirement assets under our administration. You can count on us to deliver on time, on budget and with precise attention to detail.
  • Basic Info
  • News Feed
  • Our Team
Regarding 401k administration: Regarding 403b administration: Regarding 457b administration:

News Articles Archive - TRA

CASE OF THE WEEK – Disabled and Chronically Ill
12/3/2024 4:45:07 PM +00:00

The SECURE Act introduced eligible designated beneficiaries (EDB) for required minimum distributions (RMDs). EDBs include spouses, disabled or chronically ill beneficiaries, beneficiaries within 10 years of the decedent's age, and minor children. EDBs can stretch RMDs over their lifetimes using the Single Life Table, rather than the 10-year rule.

The post CASE OF THE WEEK – Disabled and Chronically Ill appeared first on TRA.

CASE OF THE WEEK – SIMPLE IRA Termination and Combo Plans
11/22/2024 2:00:56 PM +00:00

By Jenny Kiffmeyer, J.D – The Retirement Learning Center Can I terminate my SIMPLE IRA plan mid-year and implement a combo Safe Harbor 401(k) and cash balance plan in the same year? Highlights of the discussion Notice 2024-02 clarified that a SIMPLE IRA plan can be terminated mid-year if the plan sponsor establishes and maintains a Safe Harbor 401(k) as a replacement plan. The employer...

The post CASE OF THE WEEK – SIMPLE IRA Termination and Combo Plans appeared first on TRA.

CASE OF THE WEEK – Change from SIMPLE IRA to Safe Harbor 401(k)
11/15/2024 2:00:11 PM +00:00

Notice 2024-2 states there's no specific deadline for establishing a safe harbor 401(k) plan when replacing a SIMPLE IRA mid-year. The usual October 1 deadline doesn't apply. As long as a 30-day notice is given before terminating the SIMPLE IRA and there are days left in the year for the safe harbor 401(k) plan to be effective, the transition requirements can be met. However, fewer effective days may limit leveraging the higher deferral limits.

The post CASE OF THE WEEK – Change from SIMPLE IRA to Safe Harbor 401(k) appeared first on TRA.

The Tax Advantages of a Cash Balance Plan
11/12/2024 2:00:30 PM +00:00

Contact TRA today to take advantage of these potential tax savings and elevate your retirement strategy. Let us help you create a plan that not only benefits your bottom line but also supports the financial well-being of your entire team.

The post The Tax Advantages of a Cash Balance Plan appeared first on TRA.

CASE OF THE WEEK – Auto Enroll
11/8/2024 2:00:18 PM +00:00

Design a flexible retirement plan that meets the new automatic enrollment requirements of Section 101 of Secure Act 2.0. Once a compliant EACA is established, plan sponsors should incorporate the appropriate language into the plan document, notify the payroll department, update and distribute summary plan descriptions, provide the required EACA notice on time, and coordinate changes with the record keeper or TPA.

The post CASE OF THE WEEK – Auto Enroll appeared first on TRA.

Plan Sponsors Ask…
11/5/2024 2:00:37 PM +00:00

Vanguard’s "How America Saves 2024" reports 82% of employers offer a Roth 401(k), but only 17% of employees contribute. Boost participation with an education campaign on Roth versus traditional 401(k) options to promote awareness and informed choices.

The post Plan Sponsors Ask… appeared first on TRA.

401k and Retirement Plan Limits for the Tax Year 2025
11/4/2024 7:34:30 PM +00:00

Maximize your retirement savings with the updated 2025 contribution limits and key changes from SECURE 2.0. Discover new limits for 401(k), IRA, HSA, FSA, SIMPLE IRA, and SEP IRA accounts. Learn how increased catch-up contributions, automatic enrollment, and student loan matching can enhance your savings strategy. Get expert guidance from TRA.

The post 401k and Retirement Plan Limits for the Tax Year 2025 appeared first on TRA.

CASE OF THE WEEK – Litigation Update
11/1/2024 1:00:10 PM +00:00

With the rise in litigation related to pension risk transfers, plan sponsors must carefully select annuity providers. Interpretive Bulletin 95-1 outlines essential factors for fiduciaries to consider. Thorough documentation of the selection process is crucial.

The post CASE OF THE WEEK – Litigation Update appeared first on TRA.

Handle With Care
10/30/2024 1:00:36 PM +00:00

Bank of America’s 2024 Workplace Benefits Report reveals 52% of the workforce are caregivers, facing challenges like time management, career impact, financial stress, and health issues. Employers can support caregivers with flexible scheduling, leave options, legal services, and targeted financial education to improve their work-life balance and financial wellness.

The post Handle With Care appeared first on TRA.

Retirement Considerations and the Election’s Impact
10/29/2024 1:00:08 PM +00:00

Retirees should prepare by incorporating potential tax increases and Social Security changes into their financial plans. Monitoring election results and subsequent legislative actions will be crucial for adjusting retirement strategies to ensure financial stability in the face of evolving tax and benefit landscapes.

The post Retirement Considerations and the Election’s Impact appeared first on TRA.

Our Team
Brian Flynn
Regional Plan Consultant
Grant Livingston
Regional Plan Consultant
Mike Schessler
Regional Plan Consultant
Paul Phan
Regional Plan Consultant
Brenda Brumm
Internal Plan Consultants Team Lead
Jodie Mellon
Internal Plan Consultant
Jodie Mellon
Internal Plan Consultant
Austin Solomon
Internal Plan Consultant
Stephen Switzer
Regional Plan Consultant
Stephen Switzer
Regional Plan Consultant
Stephen Switzer
Regional Plan Consultant
Stephen Switzer
Regional Plan Consultant
Stephen Switzer
Regional Plan Consultant
Philanthorpy

Advisors

We offer a comprehensive platform to help grow and manage your employer sponsored retirement plan business.

Get Started

Employers

Let us help you fulfil key fiduciary obligations and reduce exposure to ERISA litigation while saving you time.

Get Started

Employees

As an employee, are you paying reasonable fees on your retirement plan? Let’s find out!

Get Started