We serve as an independent and objective consultant on retirement plans and we only work with plan providers who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to plan sponsors and their participants. In order for plan providers to be considered by our team they must participate in Baird's rigorous due diligence process which is conducted every 18 months. In addition to providing written responses to Baird's Provider Request For Information, Baird also conducts on-site visits to numerous providers. The result of this hands-on due diligence process is best-in-class plan provider recommendations to our clients.

Choosing the best plan provider is only one part of establishing a successful retirement plan. We believe the most critical component of a retirement plan is determining exactly what it is that will make this plan successful for you and your employees. Success can be measured by a number of factors such as retirement readiness for participants, are employees able to defer the maximum or are they getting refunds at the end of the plan year, is the plan helping you attract and retain your best employees, is your employee participation rate where it should be, etc. The Foster Yasgur Adams & Sams Group will help you develop a plan design that is most fitting for your company and your participants.

Baird has been providing objective consulting services to ERISA retirement plans for more than 30 years. Within Baird there are a select number of Financial Advisor teams who are members of the Qualified Plans Consulting Group (QPCG). We are a QPCG member. Only those teams who have shown their commitment to the qualified plans market and who have experience implementing and servicing qualified plans are members of this group. Additionally, at least one team member is required to hold the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) credential from the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). The QPFC program provides an in-depth understanding of retirement planning concepts, terminology, distinctive features of qualified plans and the roles of retirement plan professionals. To earn this credential, one must demonstrate a proficiency in the knowledge of plan administration, compliance, and investments, fiduciary and ethical issues. The QPFC is a comprehensive education and examination program that requires completion of continuing education courses to maintain the credential.

If you are not completely satisfied with the design, cost, service or administration of your retirement plan, please contact us for a free analysis of your plan. It doesn't hurt to talk and there's no cost or obligation to you.