ROBS & Self-Directed 401(k) Planning

Understand the business funding conversation

ROBS planning addresses the use of retirement assets in a business venture. Our service includes discussing the proposed business, the retirement plan arrangements, and the corporate structure described in our ROBS materials. It is a specialized planning discussion, not simply an application for financing.

As our existing ROBS guidance explains: "By financing your business with the 401K ROBS Plan you will not be borrowing any money from your 401K." The same guidance warns: "When a business fails, you could lose your entire retirement account which will be hard, if not impossible to recover."

Explore self-directed planning separately

Self-directed retirement planning also involves investment questions beyond starting a business. Our services address topics such as real estate and private investments, plan records, annual asset valuation, and reporting support. We help clients discuss the rules affecting a proposed transaction rather than treat investment control as permission to proceed without review.

Your business funding goals and retirement investment goals may overlap, but the conversation should make clear which arrangement and services you are considering.

• Questions about a proposed ROBS-funded startup or business purchase.
• Self-directed plan structure and administration needs.
• Prohibited-transaction and reporting questions.
• Bookkeeping, asset valuation, and annual reporting support.

Discuss the arrangement before taking action

Begin with an overview of your business or investment idea and the retirement accounts involved. We can discuss the planning questions and the level of assistance you need. This page introduces the services; it is not a determination of eligibility, a recommendation to move retirement assets, or instructions for executing a transaction.