In recent weeks, the stock market has experienced increased volatility and pullbacks, particularly in the software and technology sectors, as investors digest information regarding how recent updates from Anthropic may impact the broader software landscape and whether AI spending by the Magnificent Seven will be fruitful. I thought this would be a good time to review key behavioral principles...
We are excited to tell you that Steve Yamshon’s, Managing Principal, new book on investing, "The Investor's Manifesto," will be published by Henry Holt and Company this spring! The book explains his investment philosophy over the past 40 years. Written in a non-technical, easy-to-read style, it gives insight into what Steve and the team do almost every day. The book focuses on...
Spring will arrive soon, promising new growth and a fresh beginning. It could also be the perfect time to do some spring cleaning for your plan. Let’s look at some areas that you might consider reviewing to ensure your retirement plan is operating efficiently. Document your processes and procedures to make certain that plan tasks can be handled in case of any absences during an enrollment or pay...
Cybersecurity has become a necessary consideration in many aspects of life, and your retirement plan is no exception. For plan sponsors, understanding your responsibilities—as well as those of the third party administrators (TPAs) and recordkeepers that you work with—is a fundamental part of ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) compliance and the fulfillment of your fiduciary...
An employer-sponsored retirement plan is an extremely valuable benefit a company can offer its employees. At the heart of this benefit is the plan document—the official rulebook that explains exactly how the plan works. For plan sponsors, understanding this document isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Here’s why: It keeps the plan compliant. The plan document spells out the rules that make the...
As a plan sponsor, it’s critical to understand the rules surrounding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) because they directly impact compliance, participant education and operational processes. RMDs are mandatory withdrawals from qualified retirement accounts, and failure to handle them correctly can lead to penalties for participants and fiduciary risks for your plan. In...
March 2026 2nd: IRS Form 1099-R Copy A - Deadline to submit Form 1099-R Copy A to the IRS for participants and beneficiaries who received a distribution or a deemed distribution during the prior plan year. This deadline applies to scannable paper filings. For electronic filings, the due date is March 31, 2026. 15th: ADP/ACP Corrections - Deadline to process corrective distributions for...
Building on the robust performance through Q3, U.S. equity markets delivered modest gains in Q4 2025 amid sector rotation and a cooling in mega-cap technology momentum. The S&P 500 Index1 advanced by 2.3% during the quarter, bringing its full-year 2025 return to 16.4%. While enthusiasm for the mega-cap AI trade cooled in Q4, the Nasdaq Composite Index2 nonetheless ended the quarter up 2.6%...
Since 2000, medical care prices have jumped 121.3%, while overall consumer prices rose just 86.1%, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. In plain English, healthcare costs have been rising far faster than general inflation for more than two decades. And if recent months are any indication—with premiums and out-of-pocket costs continuing to climb—there's little reason to expect...
Talking with clients over the last few months, I've noticed a recurring theme: concerns about higher medical premiums and expenses! The United States has one of the highest per capita costs for health care expenses, and yet we don't seem to be getting the best and most reliable care from our healthcare institutions. As Congress faces another potential shutdown and a decision to be made regarding...
Building on the momentum from the prior quarter, equity markets delivered another strong performance in Q3 2025, with all major U.S. indices posting robust gains and setting new record highs. The S&P 500 Index1 and Nasdaq Composite Index2 advanced by 7.8% and 11.2%, respectively, during the quarter, extending their year-to-date (through 9/30/25) gains to 13.7% and 17.3%. This continued rally...
On November 13, 2025, the IRS announced the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) affecting the dollar limitations for retirement plans for 2026. In October, the Social Security Administration announced a modest benefit increase of 2.8%. Retirement plan limits also increased over the 2025 limits. COLA increases are intended to allow participant contributions and benefits to keep up with the “cost...
On September 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued final regulations implementing the Roth catch-up contribution requirement under the SECURE 2.0 Act. These rules will significantly impact how plan sponsors administer catch-up contributions for certain high-income participants starting in 2026. Key Takeaway for Plan Sponsors Beginning January 1, 2026, employees who are...
It’s that time of year again. A chill is in the air, football is on TV almost every night, and many are planning family holidays. It’s also time—if your plan has a December year end—to start thinking about your annual data request. You may wonder why we ask for this data at the end of every year. The bottom line is that we need the information to keep your plan in compliance and provide the best...
December 2025 1st: Participant Notices – Annual notices due for Safe Harbor elections (note that some plans are no longer required to distribute Safe Harbor notices), Qualified Default Investment Arrangement (QDIA), and Automatic Contribution Arrangements (EACA or QACA). 31st: ADP/ACP Corrections - Deadline for a plan to make ADP/ACP corrective distributions and/or deposit qualified...
Tailor portfolios to your needs and goals.
Investing and saving wisely is vital to success in retirement.
Navigating the complexities of your financial affairs can be simplified.
Help to increase the amount you “take home”.
Protect your loved ones and make sure your legacy endures.
Simplify the many options and decision points of executive compensation plans.
Confidently plan for your children’s future.
Give in a tax-smart, simple way.
*Please Note: Limitations. The scope of services to be provided depends upon the terms of the engagement, and the specific requests and needs of the client. BFSG does not serve as an attorney, accountant, or insurance agent. BFSG does not prepare legal documents or tax returns, nor does it sell insurance products. Please Also Note: Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by BFSG) or any financial planning or consulting services, will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), or prove successful.
California Office (Headquarters)
Wealth Management & Institutional Services
2040 Main Street, Suite 720, Irvine, CA 92614
Arizona Office
Wealth Management
1643 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
