Empowering individuals with fast, easy, advisor-guided education to optimize 401(k) contributions and investment allocation using the fund options available in their employer plan.
401(k) Optimization Educational Service
Why We Exist
Many 401(k) plans offer a wide range of investment options, which can leave participants uncertain about how to allocate their retirement savings or decide between pre-tax and Roth contributions.
Without guidance, individuals often under-contribute, failing to take full advantage of employer matches or remain invested in default options that may not align with their goals, such as a target date fund. Frequently receiving little to no education or support from their employer.
For most people, a significant portion of their retirement wealth will come from their 401(k), making it essential that the plan is optimized and aligned with long-term retirement objectives.
What We Offer
We understand that many individuals do not need an ongoing relationship with a financial advisor at this stage of life, but still want a one-time, no-strings-attached service from a licensed professional to ensure their 401(k) is optimized and working as efficiently as possible.
That is why we offer our 401(k) Optimization Educational Service. Participants submit their available 401(k) fund options, which are reviewed by a financial advisor who prepares an allocation spreadsheet outlining an optimized allocation using the strongest funds available within the participant’s plan, along with clear percentage guidance for each selection.
The spreadsheet is then reviewed together via phone or virtually, where the advisor provides guidance on how to apply the updated allocation to the 401(k)’s current balance and future contributions. As well as how to set up automatic rebalancing to help keep the allocation percentages aligned over time. The advisor also provides education to help ensure the participant’s contribution strategy is optimized.
Our Cost and Process
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Every participant begins with a no-obligation consultation via phone or virtually. During this session, the advisor explains the service, answers questions, and helps determine if it’s the right fit.
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If the participant chooses to move forward, payment is completed, and the advisor collects the list of available 401(k) funds.
Service Price: $299
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The advisor reviews the participant’s fund options and creates an educational allocation spreadsheet. This outlines an optimized allocation using the strongest available funds and provides clear guidance on percentages for each.
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The advisor and participant meet via phone or virtually to review the spreadsheet. The session covers applying the updated allocation to current balances and future contributions, setting up automatic rebalancing, and optimizing contributions—including pre-tax vs. Roth guidance and ensuring full use of the employer match.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
For inquiries, please contact:
dereck@401kacademy.net
Meet the Advisor
Dereck Cochran, ChFC®
Dereck is a fully licensed financial advisor and wealth manager at a firm based in Overland Park, KS. A central aspect of his role is assisting clients in understanding their retirement plans and making informed decisions regarding their 401(k)s. Recognizing the value of this guidance, Dereck identified an opportunity to support individuals who may not require a full-service advisor or ongoing relationship at this stage of life, yet could still derive substantial benefit from a one-time, educational 401(k) review.
Disclosure: As the advisor does not directly manage participants’ 401(k)s, he cannot place trades or make changes within a participant’s account. The advisor provides guidance on how to make the changes during a phone or virtual meeting, but all modifications must be executed by the participant. The educational allocation spreadsheet used during the meeting may not be distributed directly to the participant due to compliance requirements. Instead, the advisor guides the participant through the spreadsheet via phone or virtual meeting.
