Retirement benefits that support your mission
A 403(b) plan can help schools, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations support their employees’ financial futures. It can also strengthen the benefits you offer to the people who advance your mission.
We help make plan decisions and investment oversight more manageable. From reviewing vendors and investment options to clarifying fees and coordinating with providers, Armbruster Capital Management provides independent guidance that supports your staff and lightens your leadership team’s workload.
Our 403(b) Plan Services
Plan assessment.
We review existing vendors, investment choices, and fees, then explain our findings in clear terms so your team can see where the plan stands and where changes may help.
Vendor review and consolidation.
Multiple providers can mean extra coordination for administrators and confusion for employees. We evaluate arrangements, identify opportunities to simplify, and help review administration and recordkeeping fees.
Investment lineup.
We develop an accessible fund menu centered on low-cost index funds, with clear default choices, and target date funds for employees who would rather not select individual investments themselves.
Provider coordination.
We help develop an investment policy statement, review options and fees, and document investment-related recommendations. We coordinate with administrators and other providers on matters outside our advisory role, while those parties retain their respective administrative and compliance responsibilities.
Transition coordination.
When changes are appropriate, we work with existing and prospective providers on investment-related steps, considering contractual restrictions and the need to keep participants informed.
Employee education.
We offer participant education through a number of channels, including group and one-on-one sessions, overview videos, and resources that help employees better understand their retirement options.
Ongoing oversight.
We review investments and fees quarterly and provide reporting that helps your leadership team make informed investment-related decisions.
Why nonprofits and schools choose Armbruster
Helping your team manage a complex benefit
We help organize information across vendors, investment arrangements, and fees, including legacy annuity contracts that may have expenses or restrictions. Our review can reveal ways to simplify oversight while respecting existing contractual limitations.
Clear guidance for boards and committees
Our team includes CFA charterholders and CPAs who bring a disciplined investment approach to your plan. Quarterly reporting and documented investment reviews give boards and finance committees a clearer view of the decisions being made.
Is your 403(b) supporting your organization as well as it could?
A fresh look at an existing plan can help you improve the experience for both administrators and employees. Consider a review if:
- You would like to simplify coordination across multiple vendors
- You want a clearer understanding of legacy annuity costs and restrictions
- It has been some time since your plan documents or investment choices were reviewed
- You would like to improve employee understanding or participation
- You need clarity about which rules and responsibilities apply to your plan
Our complimentary 403(b) review examines investment options, providers, fees, and opportunities to make the plan easier to manage.
403(b) Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 403(b) plan?
A 403(b) is a retirement plan for employees of public schools, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, and religious organizations. It works much like a 401(k): employees save from each paycheck, and employers can contribute.
What’s the difference between a 403(b) and a 401(k)?
The two plans are similar, but 403(b) plans are limited to tax-exempt and public education employers. They have different investment rules and testing requirements, and some offer an additional catch-up for long-tenured employees. Many 403(b) plans also hold older annuity contracts that 401(k) plans generally don’t.
Is our 403(b) plan subject to ERISA?
It depends on the sponsoring organization and how the plan operates. Many nonprofit 403(b) plans are subject to ERISA, while public-school and certain religious organization plans generally are not. We can help you understand the investment-related implications and coordinate with administrators and service providers on plan status.
Can we get out of high-cost annuity contracts?
Possibly. Available options depend on contract terms, plan rules, and any surrender charges or restrictions. We can review the investment considerations and coordinate with the relevant providers before making changes.
Do you work with small nonprofits?
Yes. We work with organizations of different sizes and can help you evaluate plan features and investment arrangements that fit your budget and employees.
Financial Insights That Matter
