This page consists of recommended service providers for setting up retirement plans such as small business 401(k)s, SIMPLE IRAs, Defined Benefit/Cash Balance Plans, Self-directed (solo) Individual 401(k)s, Self-directed IRAs, and HSAs.

 

Small Business/Practice Retirement Plan Providers/Advisors

Once you have employees, putting in a 401(k) at your practice/small business is no longer a Do It Yourself project. You need professional help. These folks can help you study your practice and decide whether to use a 401(k), a SEP-IRA, a SIMPLE-IRA, or nothing at all. They can help with defined benefit/cash balance plans too. They can also help with self-directed/customized Solo 401(k)s, but may not be the lowest cost providers (see below). All providers on this list are paid advertisers/partners with The White Coat Investor.

 

 

Litovsky Asset Management

 

Emparion

 

iQ401k (Division of FPL Capital Management)

Self-Directed/Customized Individual 401(k) and Self-Directed IRA Providers

A self-directed 401(k) or a self-directed Roth or traditional IRA allows you to invest in alternative investments such as real estate using the tax-protected and asset-protected money in your retirement accounts. You are also often able to get a customized Solo (Individual) 401(k) plan that allows for such features as the Mega Backdoor Roth IRA process. These Solo 401(k)s are not free (see below for those), but if you want/need those features, there is no free option that provides them. Some of the links below are affiliate links.

Carry Money Solo401K

Carry's Solo 401k offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to leverage all its benefits without any AUM fees. Transferring from another provider is free, and their intuitive interface, paired with comprehensive onboarding, simple investing flow, and customer support, ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. 

Key Features:

  • User-Friendly: Intuitive design with easy navigation, featuring calculators, step-by-step guides, and readily available customer support to minimize errors.
  • Versatile Contributions: Make pre-tax, Roth, and optional after-tax contributions.
  • Powerful Tax Strategies: Execute complex strategies like the Mega Backdoor Roth and Backdoor IRAs in just a few clicks.
  • Payroll Integration: Seamless integration with Gusto to set up automated contributions directly from payroll.
  • Investment Flexibility: Invest in a wide range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, startups, real estate, and more.
  • $1500 Tax Credit: Carry Solo 401k plans are eligible for the EACA tax credit (learn more here).
  • Loan Options: Ability to take and repay loans from your Solo 401k.
  • Financial Planning: Access to additional financial planning and the ability to chat with a planner (on their Pro Plan).

There are two plans (you can cancel at any time):

  • Basic – $29/month
  • Professional – $49/month
  • If you’re looking to test the waters, they also offer a $1 trial here.

 

Open a Solo 401(k) with Carry Money today!

IRA Financial

IRA Financial is a leading provider of self-directed retirement accounts, giving individuals the freedom to invest in a wide range of assets within their retirement portfolios. We offer:

  • Self-Directed IRAs, Checkbook IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s for flexible retirement planning
  • Nearly unlimited investment options that include real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, and more
  • Easy-to-use platform designed to simplify self-directed investing
  • Expert guidance to navigate IRS regulations, account setup options, and ensure compliance
  • Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
  • Personalized service to help clients achieve their financial goals

Whether you're a real estate investor, business owner, or someone looking to diversify your retirement strategy, IRA Financial provides the tools and support needed to maximize tax benefits and grow your wealth with confidence. Learn more on our website or request a free consultation.

 Open an account with IRA Financial today!

 

Broad Financial 

Broad Financial provides self-directed accounts that allow you to place your retirement funds in assets beyond Wall Street. Use your IRA or Solo 401(k) to invest in real estate, cryptocurrency, private business, or almost any asset that the IRS allows. With the added feature of checkbook control, you can invest with breathtaking speed by simply writing a check or sending a wire and avoid asset-based and transaction fees.

Don’t just listen to us, read reviews from our clients.

Open a Self Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) with Broad Financial today! 

 

MySolo401K.net

MySolo401K.net is a small company that Katie and I used for the WCI 401(k) until we had employees and had to get a “real” 401(k). Fees were reasonable ($525 to set-up, $125 ongoing), service was good, and it had all the needed features.

 

RocketDollar

RocketDollar is thought to be particular good for real estate investments in the Solo 401(k). They were an affiliate partner with WCI for many years. Cheaper set-up fees ($360) but slightly higher ongoing fees ($180/year) compared to MySolo401K.net.

 

Ubiquity

I don't know Ubiquity as well as these others but they show up on lots of lists of recommended fully customized Solo 401(k)s. Plans start at $228/year, but it's not clear from the website exactly who might pay more than that.

Employee Fiduciary

Employee Fiduciary has an excellent reputation and offers a fully customized Solo 401(k). They charge $250 to set up the account then $500 plus 0.08% of AUM per year.

 

Standard “Free” Solo 401(k) Plan Providers

There are five good choices here, none of which advertise with us. You can read more about them and the experience that white coat investors have had with them in the comments on this post originally published in 2014 or this more recent post.

 

Fidelity

Fidelity is a privately owned mutual fund and brokerage company which I have been pleased with over the years. Their customer service is generally excellent. The investments in their standard 401(k) are Spartan Index Funds and ETFs (many commission free) via their brokerage option. However, they do not have a Roth contribution option nor do they permit 401(k) loans.

 

Charles Schwab

Schwab is a publicly owned mutual fund and brokerage company with an excellent reputation. I have also personally used Schwab for years. Their standard 401(k) allows you to invest in ETFs via their brokerage feature. Like Fidelity, it does not offer a Roth contribution option or 401(k) loans.

 

eTrade

eTrade is a brokerage company that has been around since the last 1990s. At one point many considered it the top standard Solo 401(k) option since it allowed ETF investments through their brokerage feature (many excellent ETFs and even Vanguard mutual funds offered commission-free ), Roth contributions, 401(k) loans, and IRA rollovers. However, I have also heard lots of complaints about it over the years, especially with regard to botching paperwork and requiring paperwork for things that the other companies allowed you to do online. When your customer service drops below that of Vanguard, you really have to wonder. Since Vanguard improved their Solo 401(k), eTrade is no longer my top recommendation. They do still offer a 401(k) loan feature that Vanguard does not, but my impression is still that you get better service at Vanguard.

 

HSA Providers

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are my favorite investing account due to their triple-tax-free nature.

Lively

Lively is a high-quality, low-cost HSA provider. You can open an account directly with Lively or you can roll money over once a year from your employer's chosen HSA provider. You can invest the money for the long-term in low-cost, index mutual funds. They also have an excellent feature for tracking your expenses if you're using the “save receipts” strategy.

Open an HSA at Lively today!

 

IRA Financial HSA

IRA Financial HSA – More Control, More Opportunities. Tired of limited HSA investment options? With IRA Financial, you can self-direct your HSA into alternative assets—real estate, private funds, even crypto. Maximize your tax savings and your investment potential with complete flexibility.

Triple tax-advantaged. Fully self-directed. Built for investors like you.

Open an HSA at IRA Financial today!

 

 

Fidelity

Fidelity offers a very low-cost HSA where you can buy Fidelity index funds or Vanguard ETFs. It is slightly cheaper than Lively but does not have the same expense-tracking feature.

 

Like the entire website, this page contains links that are affiliate links, meaning if you buy products or services from a company after going through these links, we might be paid. Affiliate marketing, like other advertising, supports this website and allows you to access high-quality content for free.

 

Retirement Account Providers/Advisors – Would you like to be included on this list?

Fill out the Advertising Partner Application. Contact the Director of Sales at [email protected] with any questions. Expect the application to be available to readers if you are approved and purchase a listing. We'll get back to you in a few days with an approval decision and pricing.