For many employees, a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan becomes the single largest asset 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.

If your employer offers a Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) within the plan, you may have an important opportunity:

Your retirement account may be eligible for active, professional management—while you’re still employed.

This raises an important question:

Is it beneficial to have your employer-sponsored retirement plan professionally managed before you retire?

Let’s explore why the answer is often yes.

The Reality: Most 401(k) Investors Are Not Actively Managing Their Accounts

Many participants do not review or update their 401(k) allocations regularly. Life gets busy, and monitoring a retirement plan takes time, discipline, and expertise.

Independent research—including DALBAR’s Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior—shows that the average self-directed investor often underperforms the market because of emotional decisions, 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 for their age and goals.

Additional research by Morningstar and Vanguard supports these outcomes: professionally guided accounts often reflect better risk alignment, diversified allocation, and improved retirement readiness.

Many employer plans now offer:

• Managed accounts
• Model portfolios
• Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBA)
• Advisor-managed structures

If your plan includes an SDBA window, a credentialed financial advisor may manage your investment selections, adjust allocations as conditions evolve, and align your portfolio with your long-term retirement strategy.

Ametrine Wealth Strategies, through its affiliation with Osaic Wealth, Inc., provides access to professional management for employer-sponsored retirement accounts. When an employer plan allows an SDBA window, Ametrine Wealth Strategies can implement disciplined, research-driven investment strategies within:

• 401(k) plans
• 403(b) plans
• 457(b) governmental plans

We utilize a respected TAMP structure that incorporates professional third-party models, including Flexible Plan Investments, which offers diversified, risk-managed strategies monitored daily. This ensures:

• Rules-based, objective asset allocation
• Daily oversight
• Adjustments based on market conditions
• Risk-aligned model construction
• Coordination with your retirement timing and goals

Professional oversight helps address:

• Lack of time
• Emotional investing
• Market volatility
• Diversification needs
• Retirement timing alignment

Your employer-sponsored plan becomes part of a coordinated, intentional strategy—not an account left on autopilot.

How to Verify Whether Your Plan Is Eligible

To confirm eligibility, request:

• Your Summary Plan Description (SPD)
• Investment Options Guide
• Details on SDBA availability

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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