A Solo 401(k) allows small business owners save up to $55,000 for retirement through tax-free salary deferrals and profit-sharing contributions. Choosing the right provider is an important part of successfully using a Solo 401(k). We’ve reviewed many Solo 401(k) providers and compare the best below, including their costs and investment options.

Top 6 Solo 401(k) Providers

Provider	Best For
Vanguard	(Best Overall) Business owners who want a low cost, easy to set-up Solo 401(k).
Charles Schwab	Business owners who want banking and brokerage services in addition to Solo 401(k) administration.
Fidelity	Business owners who are looking for a large network of offices for in-person guidance.
E-Trade	People who want to actively trade stock and other securities in their retirement account.
TD Ameritrade	Those looking for a traditional provider as an alternative to Vanguard.
MySolo401k Financial	Business owners who want a self-directed account to invest in alternative assets like real estate or Bitcoin.

How We Determined Which Solo 401(k) Provider is Best

Solo 401(k)s are very different from typical 401(k)s – though the IRS treats them almost the same. People using Solo 401(k)s have very different concerns than most 401(k) users, and choose from very different providers. This is because Solo 401(k) providers have different billing structures, investment options, and add-on services.

We looked at traditional banks and brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, and online alternatives who offer checkbook control. Here are the criteria we used to determine the best Solo 401(k) providers:

• Ease of setup – How easy is it to set up a plan, automate contributions, and administer an account
• Investment options – The flexibility given investors to seek returns in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs, or alternative assets
• Costs – The expenses related to account implementation, maintenance, and trading
• Customer service – The availability of assistance or individual guidance, how easy is it for clients to make changes in their account
• Additional services available upon request – What other services are offered by providers that might be beneficial, in addition to a Solo 401(k)

After looking at all of the criteria, if you already have a relationship with a provider, they’re probably your best option. If not, we recommend Vanguard as the best Solo 401(k) provider. Vanguard is an extremely reputable company that offers Solo 401(k) plans with a wide array of investment options at incredibly low costs.

Best Overall Solo 401(k) Provider: Vanguard

Vanguard is the best overall Solo 401(k) provider because it’s an extremely reputable company that offers no-frills, low-cost investments. The largest mutual fund company in the world, Vanguard provides simple, straightforward plans with access to more than 100 professionally-managed funds. Though it lacks additional services or other investment options, Vanguard provides clients with generous cost-savings for Solo 401(k)s.

What Vanguard Offers

Vanguard is the largest mutual fund company in the world, managing more than $4.5 trillion in assets. Its family of funds includes more than 100 professionally-managed mutual funds that are ideal for any investor. Moreover, Vanguard has a great reputation as a well-established firm, and is able to offer great solutions at incredibly low cost.

Investment Options

Vanguard offers proprietary funds to all of its customers at a low cost. In a Solo 401(k) set up through Vanguard, investments options include the following Vanguard funds:

• Money Market Mutual Funds – Money market funds invest in CDs and short-term debt to provide investors with a small interest rate and high liquidity.
• Bond Funds – Debt-focused mutual funds include a portfolio of bonds designed to provide the portfolio with interest income.
• Equity Funds – Equity funds aim for price appreciation by concentrating investments in small-, mid-, or large-cap stocks.
• International Funds – In contrast to domestic funds, international funds focus investments in foreign assets to benefit from currency fluctuations.
• Target Date Funds – Vanguard has some of the best target date funds in the industry, which are funds that automatically shift from stocks to safer investments like bonds as you get closer to your target retirement age.

Additional Services

Vanguard offers a very straightforward, cost-efficient Solo 401(k) product that provides investors with access to more than 100 professionally-managed mutual funds. It is the ideal provider for self-employed individuals who want to save on costs and stick to passive investing. Vanguard does not provide additional services such as loan facilities, checkbook control, or even standard banking services.

Customer Service

Vanguard offers reliable service to clients both online and over the phone. Business owners do not get an assigned a representative, but most Solo 401(k) administration is automated and Vanguard does have a team of professionals standing by to help. Vanguard funds are also available through most financial advisors, who can be enlisted to help if you need more guidance or individual attention.

Vanguard Solo 401(k) Costs

Vanguard is extremely straightforward with their Solo 401(k) costs. There are no account maintenance fees or trading costs, which is a big plus. Solo 401(k)s cost just $20 per year for each fund that’s used in the plan. These fees can be waived for account holders who qualify for Flagship Select, Flagship Voyager Select, or Voyager Services.

The typical Vanguard Solo 401(k) costs are:

• Average Fund Expense Ratio (0.12% per fund): These fees are paid directly for each fund you invest in to cover the costs of trading and fund management
• Annual Fund Fees: $20 per year for each fund you use within your Solo 401(k)

What’s Missing with Vanguard

The biggest downside with a provider like Vanguard is the lack of one-on-one guidance. Historically, most mutual fund companies sell their funds through independent financial advisors – not directly to investors. This means that there aren’t Vanguard offices around the country where investors can get customized financial advice. You may need to enlist the help of an advisor to get more individual attention.

How to Apply With Vanguard

To set up a Solo 401(k) with Vanguard, go to their website and download their Individual 401(k) kit for employers. Complete and return the application that’s included. This is essentially the same process that you’ll work through if you use an advisor to set up an account at Vanguard. Once your account is set up, you can register for online access to check on accounts and keep track of contributions more conveniently.

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Best Solo 401(k) Provider With Additional Banking Services: Charles Schwab

Schwab offers a Solo 401(k) that’s ideal for small business owners who need additional brokerage or banking services. As an established, diversified financial services company, Schwab offers clients a full array of services ranging from investment advice to consumer banking, plus a wide range of lending facilities, designed to meet every potential need.

What Schwab Offers

Schwab is a one-stop-shop for most business owners. If you need business lending or other services in addition to a Solo 401(k), Schwab’s a great option. However, their Solo 401(k) is competitively priced with no account maintenance or service fees. Solo 401(k)s are charged commissions of $4.95 for each trade, plus an expense ratio on some mutual funds. Trading is free for Schwab ETFs.

Investment Options

Once you’ve set up a Solo 401(k) and started contributing, you have access to a number of different types of investments through Schwab. Some of the typical types of investments available in a Schwab Solo 401(k) include:

• Stocks – Stocks of individual companies traded on exchanges or over the counter that can be actively traded within a Schwab account.
• Bonds – Individual bonds issued by companies, countries, or municipalities that can be actively traded in a Solo 401(k) account.
• Mutual Funds – In addition to Schwab’s proprietary mutual funds, thousands of additional funds are available through their trading platform.
• Target Date Funds – Like Vanguard, Schwab has its own target date funds and you can also access third-party target date funds through Schwab.
• ETFs – ETFs represent baskets of securities – similar to mutual funds – that trade like normal stocks. Schwab offers their own ETFs at no cost, but also offers thousands of other ETFs on their platform.

Additional Services

The add-on services available to Schwab customers are considerable, though they come with added costs. Online brokerage, business banking, and a full line-up of lending solutions are all available to small business owners and the self-employed. Schwab does it all.

Specific additional services include the following:

• Business Banking – Schwab is a fully-licensed commercial bank that can provide checking and savings accounts, cash management services, plus a host of other banking services.
• Lending – As part of its banking group, Schwab can arrange loans for clients who qualify. Schwab also provides margin accounts for those who have savings outside their 401(k) that they want to invest.
• Online Securities Brokerage – Schwab’s trading platform gives investors access to thousands of stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other traded securities.
• Investment Advisory Services – If you need individual guidance choosing your investments, Schwab can help to provide specific investment advice based on your individual circumstances.

Customer Service

As a large national provider, Schwab relatively reliable customer service. The company has offices in some communities around the country. If you live near one of these offices, you can work with an individual representative. Otherwise, you can handle any customer service issues online or over the phone. Some Schwab funds are also available through independent financial advisors, who can be used for more specific guidance if necessary.

Charles Schwab Solo 401(k) Costs

Schwab doesn’t charge monthly or annual account fees, but instead charges account holders commissions for each trade in their account. Trading commissions are $4.95 for US stocks, $4.95 plus $0.65 per contract for options, $5.95 for foreign stocks, and $1 per bond on bond trades. Commissions are also waived for trades in mutual funds and Schwab’s proprietary ETFs. Additional costs are involved for other services including business banking and lending.

The typical costs you should expect to find for a Schwab Solo 401(k) include:

• Commissions on Trades in Account – Any time you buy, sell, or trade, you’ll be charged a commission starting at $4.95.
• No Commissions on Schwab ETFs – If you only invest in Schwab ETFs, you will not be charged commissions, otherwise you’ll have to pay any fees specific to the non-Schwab ETF you want.
• Expense Ratio on Funds – While Schwab waives commissions on trading in mutual funds, most mutual funds do charge expense ratios to cover the cost of trading and fund management. While 1.5% is the typical expense ratios for available third-party funds, Schwab’s proprietary index funds have expense ratios of under 0.1% per year.

What’s Missing With Schwab

Schwab is a great provider of Solo 401(k)s and other investment services, but the costs of trading commissions can add up quickly for business owners who aren’t careful. If you plan to have regularly-scheduled contributions or a lot of trades to diversify your portfolio, Schwab’s commission-based pricing may not be right for you.

How to Apply With Schwab

To set up a Solo 401(k) with Schwab, visit their website to request an account application by mail. You can also start the process by calling their toll-free 800 number, but they will still need to send an application that should take 15 minutes to complete. If you want to add on other services, you’ll need to go through separate application processes and wait for approvals.

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Best In-Person Solo 401(k) Provider: Fidelity

Fidelity is best for investors who want access to the largest network of nationwide offices where they can get in-person guidance and individualized customer service. However, Schwab also has a large network of offices, and if you have an existing relationship with them they might be better. Like Schwab, Fidelity is a diversified financial services company that offers a host of services for small businesses that can be customized to suit particular needs.

What Fidelity Offers

Like Vanguard and Schwab, Fidelity offers a basic Solo 401(k) that’s relatively low cost. The big advantage that Fidelity offers over other providers is access to individual guidance through a nationwide network of Investor Centers.

Investment Options

Investment options through a Fidelity Solo 401(k) include:

• Stocks – Equity shares in companies that are traded on national exchanges and can be actively traded within a Fidelity Solo 401(k) account.
• Bonds – Shares of debt issued by companies and countries that are traded in the secondary market and can be actively traded via Fidelity.
• Mutual Funds – Baskets of individual stocks and/or bonds that are diversified and professionally managed. Fidelity has their own index funds as well as access to third-party funds.
• Target Date Funds – Like the previous two options, Fidelity has target date funds you can invest in, that switch from stocks to bonds as you reach retirement.
• ETFs – Baskets of individual stocks, similar to mutual funds, that are focused in sectors or asset classes and trade on exchanges like stocks. Fidelity has their own ETFs as well as access to third-party ETFs.
• FDIC-insured CDs – Fidelity offers Certificates of Deposit, just like you would find at any major commercial bank.

These investment options can be used individually or in combination to follow the investment strategy you decide on. If you need help formulating a long-term investment strategy, one of Fidelity’s representatives can help to assess your individual needs and goals, and come up with a strategy that works for you.

Additional Services

In addition to their core Solo 401(k) offering, Fidelity provides additional services that include:

• Investment Advice – If you need help selecting individual investments, you can use Fidelity to get individual guidance.
• Cash Management – Fidelity can help you manage your business funds with automated contributions and rebalancing.
• Brokerage Services – You can trade in stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other securities through Fidelity’s trading platform.
• Education Savings Plans – Fidelity can help you start a savings plan for a child’s education.
• Annuities – If annuities are part of your retirement savings strategy – separate from your 401(k) – Fidelity can help you purchase an annuity contract.
• Life Insurance – Fidelity provides a range of Term Life, Universal Life, and Long Term Care Insurance products.

Customer Service

Compared to most national providers – especially cost-efficient providers – Fidelity has excellent customer service. While they don’t have a presence in every community around the country, they have one of the largest networks of investor centers and business owners can work with an individual rep if they’d like. However, Fidelity also has a call-in center to help with any account administration issues.

Fidelity Solo 401(k) Costs

Like Schwab, Fidelity’s pricing structure skips the annual fees, instead charging commissions of $4.95 on all online trades in US equities. However, there are no fees to establish or maintain Solo 401(k) accounts at Fidelity. Additional services may involve separate fees or commissions, depending on what you decide to use.

While there are no setup or annual account fees, the costs of a Fidelity Solo 401(k) include:

• Commission Fees – $4.95 per trade for US equities, $1 per bond for US bond trades
• International Fees – Commissions for trading stocks in 25 foreign markets that vary by country
• Additional Fees for Wire Transfers and other services – Fidelity charges $10 for cashier’s checks, $15 for returned checks, $10 for bank wires initiated online, and up to 3% for foreign wires
• ETF and Mutual Fund Expense Ratios – Mutual funds and ETFs offered through Fidelity have their own expenses that cover trading and management costs. They start as low as 0.035% for Fidelity Index Funds.

While other types of transactions and services may involve other costs, there are no hidden fees for Fidelity’s services. All charges will be disclosed before trades are processed or services offered.

What’s Missing With Fidelity

Fidelity is good for customer service and relatively simple retirement plans. However, if you plan to trade frequently in your accounts or take advantage of additional services, these costs can add up quickly.

How to Apply With Fidelity

To open a Solo 401(k) through Fidelity, you can visit their website to start the paperwork on your own or call their 800 number for assistance. You can also find a local Investor Center and work with an advisor to set up a new account, schedule contributions, and choose an investment strategy.

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Best Solo 401(k) Provider for Active Trading: E-Trade

An E-Trade Solo 401(k) is most appealing for small business owners who do a lot of individual stock and bond trading in their accounts. E-Trade started as an online discount brokerage firm, and though they’ve expanded to accommodate different account types including Solo 401(k)s, online trading for active investors remains their core offering.

What E-Trade Offers

E-Trade offers Solo 401(k)s that give account holders access to online trading in any number of listed securities. E-Trade even gives you full trading access from your phone or mobile device. They have a trading platform that is built around their clients’ needs. E-Trade is good for investors who want access to many types of securities and the ability to trade them actively.

Investment Options

E-Trade opens up investor options within a 401(k) to almost any listed security including:

• Stocks – Investors can trade in shares in most listed companies through E-Trade.
• Bonds – Though known primarily for trading stocks, E-Trade gives investors access to more than 30,000 types of fixed income products.
• Mutual Funds – E-Trade isn’t the best option for mutual funds, but investors on their platform have access to several thousand third-party options.
• ETFs – E-Trade is a good platform for trading ETFs, which are portfolios of individual securities (like mutual funds) that trade like stocks.
• Options – Through E-Trade’s platform, account holders can also trade in options contracts on underlying securities.

Additional Services

In addition to its core offering, E-Trade also offers additional services including:

• Lending Facility – E-Trade provides investors with loans against their retirement assets.
• Some Banking Services – E-Trade has a banking arm that provides checking and savings accounts online, in addition to free use of ATMs nationwide.
• Mobile Access – As an online provider, E-Trade provides clients with full access to their banking and brokerage services online. They also provide greater flexibility for banking and trading through mobile devices than is typical with most providers.

E-Trade was founded as an online discount brokerage firm focused on giving people quick access to their accounts for low-cost trading. However, E-Trade has built out its services around retirement benefits and other client needs. The firm now grants Solo 401(k) accounts permits account holder the same degree of trading flexibility and many of the same services. Solo 401(k) users can even borrow against retirement assets – a service usually found in more traditional banking institutions or alternative online providers.

Customer Service

E-Trade is purely an online provider, so customer service can be a problem – especially if you run into complex issues. If you work with E-Trade, you won’t be assigned an individual representative to oversee your account and you’re never going to get individual advice through an office. However, if you’re comfortable using technology and want a good platform for active trading in your Solo 401(k), then E-Trade is a great option.

E-Trade Solo 401(k) Costs

Typical costs for an E-Trade Solo 401(k) include:

• Stocks – $6.95 per trade
• Bonds – $1 per trade
• Mutual Funds – Prices vary. Free for over 4,400 funds. Mutual funds also charge expense ratios that start at 0.15% and range up to more than 2% for specialty funds.
• ETFs – $6.95 per trade
• Options – $0.50-0.75 per contract plus $6.95 per trade

E-Trade has historically operated as a discount online brokerage firm, and that remains at the company’s core operations today. Compared to other providers, E-Trade remains very competitive on cost. However, trading still isn’t free, and costs can add up very quickly for account holders who trade too frequently. Day-trading isn’t recommended in retirement accounts like Solo 401(k)s, but it’s available with E-Trade for those who really want access.

What’s Missing With E-Trade

Unlike some other providers, E-Trade doesn’t offer much in the way of add-on services. Also, as an online platform, their customer service is characteristically lacking.

How to Apply With E-Trade

To open a Solo 401(k) with E-Trade, visit their website to start an application and submit it for review and approval. Once the account is approved and opened, you can get online access for trading and account access. Currently E-Trade is offering up to $600 and 60 days of commission-free trading for those who deposit more than $10,000.

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Another Traditional Solo 401(k) Option: TD Ameritrade

If you already have an account, TD Ameritrade is a good alternative to Vanguard if you want to set up a Solo 401(k) with a reputable provider. TD offers a wide array of investment options, though at higher costs than other providers. Nevertheless, Solo 401(k)s through TD are inexpensive to administer and easy to set up.

What TD Ameritrade Offers

TD also offers access to online/mobile trading, with a strong lineup of trading tools available to clients. Investors also have access to research that they can use to help guide investment decisions, though individual advice can be tough to find.

Investment Options

Investment choices for a Solo 401(k) through TD Ameritrade include:

• Stocks – TD clients can trade in listed stocks through their platform.
• Bonds – You can invest in individual bonds issued by companies and countries.
• Mutual Funds – TD Ameritrade offers investors access to more than 13,000 mutual funds.
• Target Date Funds – Like the other full-service providers, TD Ameritrade offers target date funds that adjust to safer investments as you reach retirement age.
• ETFs – Clients can trade in baskets of stocks through TD’s platform.
• CDs – TD offers Certificates of Deposit, just like you’d find at any commercial bank.
• Options – Investors can trade in options on various securities through TD.
• Futures – Similar to options, TD Ameritrade also gives investors the ability to trade in futures contracts.
• Currencies – TD’s platform gives clients the ability to trade in individual currencies from around the globe.

When it comes to investment options, TD opens the floodgates for clients – but they all come at a cost. While TD portends to help investors navigate investments, investors really need to know what they’re doing before they wade into these tricky waters.

Additional Services

TD Ameritrade offers additional services to Solo 401(k) clients including:

• In-Person Advice – TD Ameritrade has offices in some communities around the country, where clients can get individual guidance.
• Cash Management – Clients can use TD to manage company accounts and automate retirement plan contributions.
• Managed Portfolio Products – TD offers some proprietary managed portfolio products for clients seeking a particular investment strategy.
• Annuities – If annuities are part of your retirement planning, TD can help you purchase an annuity contract.

Customer Service

TD Ameritrade has offices around the country and generally strong customer service. If you prefer to work with an individual rep, you can try to go through one of their offices, so TD is a pretty good option if you want in-person help. However, you can also trade and administer your account online, if you prefer not to go through one of their offices.

TD Ameritrade Solo 401(k) Costs

TD does not charge annual fees for a Solo 401(k), but typical costs include:

• Trading Commissions – $6.95 for US stock trades online, bonds and CDs trade on a net yield basis (so the commission is built into the price of the bond), $6.95 for ETFs that aren’t on their commission-free list, and $50 for no-load mutual funds
• Paper Statements – $2 for accounts with balances under $10,000
• Wire Transfer Fees – $25
• Outgoing Full Account Transfer Fee – $75
• Mutual fund expense ratios – Like other providers, mutual funds purchased through TD Ameritrade charge expense ratios that start at less than 0.4%

Like other providers listed here, TD has an offering that is focused predominantly on trading commissions rather than annual fees. In addition, each additional service typically comes with its own fee. If investors aren’t careful, these costs can add up quickly.

What’s Missing With TD

While TD offers some additional services, it doesn’t have all of the additional banking services available through most traditional institutions (e.g. business banking, lending). The firm has some offices around the country for individual service, but offices are only in select markets. Also, though Solo 401(k)s through TD Ameritrade have no costs, trading commissions are higher than most other providers.

How to Apply With TD

To apply for a TD Ameritrade Solo 401(k), visit their website. An application can be completed online in about 10 minutes, or you can call their toll-free phone number to get started. To complete an application you’ll need a number of items including a Social Security Number or Company Tax ID Number, Employer name and address, and a foreign tax id or passport (if you aren’t a US citizen).

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Best Self-Directed Solo 401(k) Provider: MySolo401k

MySolo401k Financial is an alternative online provider that gives investors total control over their Solo 401(k) accounts. Though a smaller company and more expensive, MySolo401k is a great option for investing in real estate and other alternative assets through your Solo 401(k).

What MySolo401k Offers

Because of the expense of working with an alternative provider, MySolo401k doesn’t offer any of the core services that clients could find at more mainstream Solo 401(k) providers. Instead, MySolo401k focuses exclusively on giving clients the ability to invest in alternative assets like real estate or precious metals.

Investment Options

Investments available through MySolo401k include:

• Real Estate – Investors can use assets in their Solo 401(k) to purchase homes, buildings, developed land – even mobile homes and foreclosures.
• Precious Metals – Clients can purchase gold and silver coins through MySolo401k.
• Promissory Notes – Other providers give investors the ability to buy and sell bonds, but MySolo401k allows clients to invest in private loans.
• Crowdfunding – Through MySolo401k, you can invest in small, unregistered securities offerings.
• Bitcoin – With cryptocurrencies growing in popularity, MySolo401k lets you buy them through your Solo 401(k).
• Private Equity – Unlike trading stock in companies listed on national exchanges, MySolo401k lets you invest Solo 401(k) assets in small, privately-held companies.

For more information on using a Solo 401(k) account to invest in alternative assets like real estate, read our article on Solo 401(k) for real estate investing.

Additional Services

MySolo401k is a great alternative provider, but should only be used if you want to own alternative assets in your Solo 401(k). Through MySolo401k, you can have self-directed account or checkbook control. They also have loan facilities available, so you can borrow against retirement assets to fund your business.

Specific additional services include the following:

• Self-Directed Solo 401(k) – Invest in small, privately-owned companies or alternative assets.
• Lending – Borrow against your retirement assets to start or run your business.
• Checkbook Control – Using MySolo401k, you can set up a checking account at any bank and invest in any private deal – just by writing a check.
• Form 5500 Preparation and Filing – Once your plan reaches $250,000 in assets, you must prepare and file a Form 5500 for the IRS. The fee for this service is covered in your annual fee for MySolo401k.

Customer Service

MySolo401k is not a big company, but a small, alternative Solo 401(k) provider. Their services are mostly online and they focus exclusively on providing self-direct accounts to clients who want to invest in alternative assets like real estate. In this area, they’re very good at what they do.

If you want to use MySolo401k to make these alternative investments, you won’t get the same customer service as you’d expect to find at a large national brand. You also won’t find the same cost savings. However, if you want access to specialized investments or checkbook control, MySolo401k is a great way to go.

MySolo401k Costs

Unlike large national providers, there are costs associated with setting up and maintaining a Solo 401(k) through MySolo401k. The typical costs you should expect to find at MySolo401k include:

• Setup Fee – $795 on-time to establish a Solo 401(k)
• Annual Fee – $125 per year to maintain an account

What’s Missing With MySolo401k

The biggest drawback to most alternative providers like MySolo401k is that they’re far more expensive than more traditional providers. MySolo401k doesn’t offer clients access to any traditional investment like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds; in large part because they can be traded so much more inexpensively through more mainstream providers. MySolo401k focuses exclusively on helping clients to buy alternative investments, but in this area they are better than most other options.

How to Apply With MySolo401k

To set up an account with MySolo401k, visit their website or call their toll-free 1-800 number. All they need is some cursory information to get started, and you can get your Solo 401(k) set up in a matter of days.

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Alternative Options to a Solo 401(k)

If you aren’t sure whether a Solo 401(k) is right for you, you may want to consider another type of retirement benefit account, such as a SEP or a Traditional IRA. Both offer advantages, and as IRAs, they avoid the administrative costs that can come with 401(k)s.

SEP IRAs

SEP IRAs are great potential alternatives for self-employed individuals and small business owners who want to contribute up to 25% of income or $55,000 without the headache of administering a 401(k). Compared to Solo 401(k)s, SEPs are a superior option if you make more than $75,000 per year and don’t plan to hire any employees in the future.

Traditional IRAs

Of all retirement accounts, Traditional IRAs are the most simple and straightforward. They are the easiest to set up and administer. Unlike Solo 401(k)s or SEPs, Traditional IRA contribution limits are just $5,500 per year. Still, Traditional IRAs are great options for small business owners who can’t afford to contribute more than a few thousand dollars per year.

Bottom Line

Once you’ve decided you want a Solo 401(k), it’s important to consider certain factors to determine which provider is best for you. These factors include cost, investment options, and additional services. While Solo 401(k)s are very similar across providers, there are differences in these areas that will determine which provider is best for your particular situation.

Our recommended Solo 401(k) provider is Vanguard. They are the lowest cost, most straightforward in terms of fees, and provide a number of mutual funds that are sufficient for most investors. You can find the forms necessary to open an account online and get approval in a matter of days.

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