At Next Level, we offer professional management solutions for select retirement plan participants. Prior to retirement, the bulk of personal long-term savings is often held in employer-sponsored plans (401k, 403b, 457). Unfortunately, few plan participants possess the time, temperament or training to effectively manage their accounts. The failure to maximize retirement savings results in the need to work longer or retire with less. We can offer a solution to this dilemma when retirement plans offer Self Directed Brokerage Accounts. 

Employer sponsored retirement plans provide participants with a ‘core’ program offering limited, pre-selected investment choices.  Over the past several years, many employers have enhanced their retirement plans to include a brokerage window opportunity providing more choice and greater flexibility. This option, known as the Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA), exists in 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plans and offers participants access to professional management, as well as nearly unlimited investment choices. 

Plans offering the SDBA option provide opportunities for employees to take full control of their current retirement account by linking it to the existing Core account. In doing so, participants dramatically expand the range of investment choices and will have access to the same management style as high net worth investors, institutions, and foundations.

While SDBAs are underutilized, this option should be used by investors who feel comfortable managing their own risk or working with a professional investment advisor.