Defined Contribution Plans—401(k) and 403(b)
FuturePlan helps advisors and plan sponsors design and manage 401(k) and defined contribution plans with the flexibility, expertise, and support needed to meet business goals and keep plans running smoothly.
For advisors who serve business-owner clients, helping to design and manage a well-structured 401(k) is often the starting point for more advanced planning conversations.
What is a defined contribution plan?
401(k) and defined contribution plans help employers offer workplace retirement savings through employee deferrals, employer contributions, or both.
Because these plans are flexible, they can be designed around workforce demographics, business goals, and contribution strategies—while supporting ongoing plan administration and retirement plan compliance.
What are the benefits of a defined contribution plan?
FuturePlan works with advisors to evaluate plan design based on what your clients are trying to achieve, including:
Safe Harbor structures that simplify testing
Employer contribution approaches aligned to business goals
Features that support participation and long-term savings
For your clients
More flexible retirement plan design
Support for employee retirement benefits
Better alignment with business goals
Ongoing help with administration and compliance
For your practice
Stronger value story around plan design
Better support for clients with varying levels of complexity
More confidence in administration and service delivery
Easier access to additional product and service solutions as needs grow
Who are these plans designed for?
FuturePlan supports 401(k) plans for small and large businesses, as well as organizations that need more than a basic or bundled solution.
Business owners and employers
Any employer with over two employees seeking a plan that balances flexibility, administration, and employee value.
Employers with varying needs
Employers who have a workforce requiring a wide range of investment options.
Organizations with more complex goals
Businesses that need tailored plan design beyond standardized solutions but also want to maintain a consistent employer match (if they so choose).
Why choose FuturePlan?
Defined contribution plans are foundational—but how they’re designed and supported makes the difference. FuturePlan combines scale, experience, and high-touch service so advisors can deliver more value without compromising flexibility.
The advisor who brings the full picture
A 401(k) conversation opens the door to everything else—opportunities with cash balance plans, designing executive compensation, and strategies to accelerate owner-level wealth. Advisors who focus on retirement plan expertise don't just secure a plan; they earn a seat at the table for every financial decision the business makes.
Specialized expertise
FuturePlan combines 50 years of experience with the stability of a national organization serving over 34,100 plan clients. Our model focuses on advisor partnership and professional accountability, offering a specialized alternative to automated, bundled providers.
Advanced plan design
We specialize in advanced plan design to meet specific business owner objectives. Our expertise spans the full range of solutions—including 401(k), 403(b), and solo(k)—using tailored allocation strategies to maximize plan value and support wealth-building goals.
Operational excellence
We manage the complex technical requirements that serve as the backbone of retirement plan compliance. Our dedicated teams take the lead on essential deliverables—including Plan Document maintenance, Form 5500 preparation, and annual nondiscrimination testing—to ensure plans remain audit-ready and operationally sound.
50 years
of support
34,100
plan clients across all industry sectors*
How FuturePlan supports ongoing administration
FuturePlan helps plan sponsors and advisors manage ongoing work that keeps defined contribution plans on track from an administration and compliance perspective.
Plan documents
Preparation and maintenance support for plan documents and amendments
Form 5500 preparation
Support for annual filings
Nondiscrimination testing
Ongoing testing and compliance review
Administrative oversight
Support for contributions, notices, and deadlines
Fiduciary support
Additional support available through 3(16) services
Insights for advisors
Explore resources that help advisors better understand plan design options, administration requirements, and the differences between plan types.
Designing a Retirement Plan That’s Right for You
401(k) Practice Quickstart Guide
Contribution Allocation Options
Leadership
Behind FuturePlan's deep capabilities is an experienced leadership team dedicated to delivering innovative solutions.
Our advanced plan design and compliance teams are built to empower advisors—and that shared commitment to maximizing participant outcomes makes us a natural fit for defined contribution solutions.
Let’s work together
*As of 12/31/25