For many employees, a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan becomes one of the largest assets they will rely on for retirement. Yet despite its importance, most participants rarely review their investment selections—and many have not adjusted their allocations in years.

Most employer-sponsored retirement plans offer a range of investment options presented as a structured menu of funds. While these options provide a solid foundation, they are not always designed as a fully personalized strategy tailored to each individual’s financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

In addition, while many plans provide education through meetings, webinars, or general guidance, these resources are typically broad in nature and may not translate into a structured, ongoing investment strategy.

As a result, many participants make decisions on their own—often leading to overly conservative allocations, lack of diversification, or portfolios that remain unchanged for extended periods of time.

Many employer-sponsored plans today offer features beyond a basic investment lineup, including:

• Managed account services
• Model portfolios
• Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBA)
• Advisor-managed structures (when permitted)

These options are not all the same.

Some services are built into the plan and provide general or model-based management designed for a broad group of participants. While helpful, they may not involve an ongoing, personalized relationship with a dedicated financial advisor.

If your plan includes a Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA), it may provide an additional level of flexibility.

This feature, when available, can act as a bridge between a structured plan environment and a more customized investment approach.

In certain cases, it may allow participants to work more directly with an outside financial advisor, enabling a more personalized investment strategy and ongoing guidance aligned with their individual goals.

Independent research—including DALBAR’s Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior—shows that the average self-directed investor often underperforms the market due to emotional decision-making, poor timing, lack of diversification, and failure to rebalance.

Large-scale studies by Financial Engines & Aon Hewitt found that:

• Participants who used professional help achieved higher median annual returns than those managing their accounts alone, even after fees
• They were better diversified and more appropriately allocated

Additional research by Morningstar and Vanguard supports these findings, showing that professionally guided accounts often reflect better risk alignment and improved long-term positioning.a

When plan provisions allow, Ametrine Wealth Strategies may implement professionally managed investment strategies within eligible employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Through our relationship with Osaic Wealth, Inc., our broker-dealer, we have access to institutional investment platforms, including Turnkey Asset Management Programs (TAMPs).

We utilize professionally managed strategies, including those offered by Flexible Plan Investments, which provide:

• Rules-based, objective asset allocation
• Ongoing monitoring
• Adjustments based on market conditions
• Risk-aligned portfolio construction

When permitted through a Self-Directed Brokerage Account, these strategies can help bring structure and discipline to your retirement plan while you continue contributing.

Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is not just an account—it is a key component of your long-term financial strategy.

The difference is not simply access to investments, but how those investments are structured, monitored, and aligned with your goals over time.

To better understand your options, you may consider requesting:

• Your Summary Plan Description (SPD)
  • This is a document that outlines the rules of your employer’s retirement plan in plain language. It is a summary of the official plan documents and explains what features are available, what is allowed within the plan, and any limitations that may apply. It is often the easiest place to start when trying to understand how your plan works. 
• Investment Options Guide
  • This provides an overview of the investment choices available within your plan. It can help you understand whether your plan offers only a pre-selected menu of funds or includes additional features such as expanded investment access.
• Details on Self-Directed Brokerage Account availability
  • This confirms whether your plan allows access to a brokerage window. If available, this feature may allow you to open a brokerage account within your retirement plan—typically through an approved provider—giving you access to a broader range of investments and, in certain cases, the ability to work with a financial advisor for a more customized strategy.

Disclosure

This material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized financial, investment, or tax advice. Ametrine Wealth Strategies offers advisory services through Osaic Wealth, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Fees and costs vary depending on the platform and program selected. Clients should review all fee schedules, disclosures, and agreements prior to engagement.

References to third-party studies (Financial Engines/Aon Hewitt, DALBAR, Morningstar, Vanguard) are based on publicly available data. These organizations are not affiliated with Ametrine Wealth Strategies or Osaic Wealth, Inc. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Diversification, asset allocation, or professional management cannot eliminate investment risk or guarantee returns. Employer plan structures vary; eligibility for SDBA access must be confirmed with your plan administrator.

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