A self-directed IRA custodian or facilitator gives you the freedom to direct your own investments in stocks and bonds as well as alternative assets like real estate, private equity, and precious metals. We evaluated dozens of self-directed IRA companies on investment options, fees, and customer service and narrowed the list down to the best eight…
Personal Finance
ACP Test vs. ADP Test: What to Know About 401(k) Nondiscrimination Testing
The actual deferral percentage (ADP) test and actual contribution percentage (ACP) test are both required to be administered every year to ensure traditional 401(k) plans are in compliance. While ADP considers only employee deferrals, ACP also includes employer contributions. However, plan sponsors must conduct both tests regardless of whether or not they match. If you’re…
401(k) Vesting Schedule: Cliff vs Graded [+ Examples]
A 401(k) vesting schedule is used by employers to control when ownership of retirement contributions transfer to employees. While many 401(k)s vest contributions immediately and no schedule is needed, there are two other types of schedules, cliff and graded, that employers can use to vest retirement contributions over time or all at once. How a…
6 Best 403(b) Companies 2018
A 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan is a retirement plan used by nonprofits to help employees save through a combination of pretax and post-tax contributions. To identify the best 403(b) companies, we looked for providers with the widest array of cost-effective investment options, best customer service and additional services to help employers and participants. provides effective…
Top 13 Home Buying Tips for Business Owners From the Pros
Buying a home can be a long and challenging process. As a small business owner, it can be even more challenging because banks often perceive business owners to be riskier than traditionally employed people and it’s much harder to prove the stability of income. We asked the experts to share their home buying tips for…