Advisor-Friendly Solo 401(k): Full-Featured Plan, Open Custody

 

Advisor-Friendly Solo 401(k): Full-Featured Plan, Open Custody

Watch: Guide to advisor-friendly Solo 401(k) plans with open custody and no platform lock-in

Financial advisors and their self-employed clients face a critical challenge: finding a Solo 401(k) plan that offers comprehensive features without forcing custody at a specific platform. My Solo 401k Financial has solved this problem by creating an advisor-friendly Solo 401(k) plan that combines full functionality with complete custody flexibility.Whether you’re a financial advisor managing client relationships at Schwab, Fidelity, Altruist, LPL, or any other custodian, or a self-employed professional seeking maximum retirement savings opportunities, this plan structure offers the best of both worlds: advanced features like Mega Backdoor Roth contributions and the freedom to maintain accounts wherever you choose.

Why “Advisor-Friendly” Makes All the Difference

Traditional Solo 401(k) providers often require you to hold your retirement assets with them, creating conflicts of interest and limiting investment choices. This platform lock-in forces advisors to either abandon their clients’ Solo 401(k) accounts or convince clients to move to a different custodian entirely.My Solo 401k Financial takes a fundamentally different approach. As the plan provider, we focus exclusively on plan documentation, compliance support, and customer service—not custody. This means:

  • Advisors maintain full control of their client relationships at their preferred custodian
  • No asset-based fees from the plan provider eating into returns
  • Complete investment freedom across multiple custodians if desired
  • Transparent, flat-fee pricing that remains consistent regardless of account size
💡 Key Insight: The separation between plan provider and custodian allows advisors to serve their clients’ Solo 401(k) needs without disrupting existing custody relationships or fee structures.

Full-Featured Plan: What’s Included

When we say “full-featured,” we mean access to every advanced Solo 401(k) capability that self-employed professionals and their advisors need to maximize retirement savings:

Roth and Mega Backdoor Roth

Every plan established through My Solo 401k Financial automatically includes provisions for:

  • Roth 401(k) contributions (Employee and Employer)
  • Voluntary after-tax contributions enabling Mega Backdoor Roth strategies
  • In-plan Roth conversions from Pre-tax to Roth Solo 401k or Voluntary After-tax to Roth Solo 401k
  • Roth IRA conversions from after-tax contributions

Multiple Custodian Support

Unlike restricted platforms, you can establish accounts at multiple custodians simultaneously:

  • One account for traditional equities at your advisor’s preferred custodian
  • Another account for alternative investments like real estate or private placements
  • A third account for cryptocurrency at a specialized platform
  • Yet another for physical precious metals

Each account operates under the same Solo 401(k) plan documents and EIN, providing unified compliance while maintaining investment diversification.

Comprehensive Compliance Support

As the plan provider, My Solo 401k Financial provides Solo 401k compliance requirements:

  • Automatic plan document updates as laws change (SECURE Act, SECURE 2.0, etc.)
  • Form 5500-EZ preparation and e-filing once assets exceed $250,000 (clients or advisors simply need to request it in timely fashion)
  • 1099-R preparation for distributions, rollovers, and Mega Backdoor Roth conversions (clients or advisors simply need to request it in timely fashion)
  • Participant loan documentation if needed
  • Rollover assistance from previous retirement accounts
⚠️ Important: Form 5500-EZ penalties can be substantial ($250 per day of late filing). Having professional support ensures timely compliance and avoids costly penalties.

Transparent Pricing That Pays for Itself

One of the most compelling aspects of this advisor-friendly model is the transparent, flat-fee pricing structure :

Fee Component Amount Details
Initial Fee $650 Includes $525 establishment + first year $125 annual fee
Annual Fee (Starting in 2nd year) $125 Covers all compliance, updates, and support
Form 5500-EZ Filing $0 Included when assets exceed $250,000 (clients or advisors simply need to request it in timely fashion)
1099-R Preparation $0 Included for distributions and conversions (clients or advisors simply need to request it in timely fashion)
Loan Documentation $0 Included upon request
Asset-Based Fees $0 No percentage-based fees regardless of balance

The $1,500 SECURE ACT Tax Credit Advantage

Here’s where the pricing becomes truly compelling: The SECURE Act provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of $500 per year for three consecutive years (totaling $1,500) for establishing a new retirement plan (or upgrading an existing plan) with required features.

Every plan established through My Solo 401k Financial automatically includes the required notices and features to qualify for this credit.

To claim the credit, clients simply need to establish the plan and complete Form 8881 when filing their tax return. My Solo 401k Financial provides step-by-step guidance and a deep-dive webinar with an IRS enrolled agent covering exactly how to claim these credits.

⚠️ Important Deadline: To claim the credit for the 2025 tax year, the plan must be established by December 31, 2025. This locks in your ability to make contributions by your business tax return deadline (including extensions) in 2026.

Who Qualifies for an Advisor-Friendly Solo 401(k)?

The eligibility requirements for a Solo 401(k) are straightforward, making this strategy accessible to a wide range of self-employed professionals:

Requirement Details
Self-Employment Income Must report earned self-employment income (1099, Schedule C, etc.)
Employee Restriction No non-owner, non-spouse full-time W-2 employees
Entity Types Sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership
Spouse Participation Spouse with self-employment income can participate
Minor Children W-2 employees under age 21 don’t disqualify the plan

Common Questions from Financial Advisors

Can I maintain my existing custody relationship?

Absolutely. My Solo 401k Financial works seamlessly with advisors at Schwab, Fidelity, Altruist, LPL, Edward Jones, and virtually any other custodian. You maintain complete control of the custody relationship and fee structure with your client.

What if my client wants accounts at multiple custodians?

Not a problem. Clients can establish accounts at multiple custodians under the same plan. For example, one account at your custodian for managed portfolios, and another at a self-directed custodian for alternative investments. Each account uses the same plan documents and EIN for unified compliance.

How do I get started with a client?

The process is streamlined for advisor efficiency:

  1. Submit online application at mysolo401k.net (takes about 1 minute)
  2. Include advisor information in the “plan name” field to be copied on all communications.  When clients name their plan (“Two Words + Trust,” e.g., Smith Wealth Trust), they can add a note such as: “Smith Wealth Trust — Please copy [Advisor Name] at [email] on all communications.” This keeps you looped into every step of the process without chasing updates.
  3. Receive customized documents within the same business day via secure portal
  4. Client completes and signs documents at their convenience
  5. Choose custodian(s) and establish accounts using plan documents and EIN

The key advantage: Establishing the plan by December 31st locks in all contribution opportunities for the tax year, but account opening and funding can occur throughout the following year by the tax return deadline (including extensions).

Why Advisors Choose My Solo 401k Financial

Financial advisors partnering with My Solo 401k Financial gain a comprehensive solution that enhances their value proposition without creating conflicts:

Advantage Impact for Advisors
Open Custody Model Maintain existing client relationships and fee structures without forced custody changes
Flat Fee Pricing No percentage-based fees competing with advisor compensation or reducing client returns
Full-Featured Plan Offer advanced strategies like Mega Backdoor Roth that were previously unavailable
Compliance Support Offload complex retirement plan administration while protecting clients from penalties
Tax Credit Value Provide immediate ROI to clients through $1,500 SECURE ACT tax credits
Expert Support Access specialized Solo 401(k) expertise without becoming a plan administration expert
💡 Advisor Insight: This model allows you to serve self-employed clients’ retirement needs comprehensively while maintaining your role as their trusted financial advisor. You’re not competing with the plan provider—you’re collaborating to deliver superior outcomes.

Ready to Establish an Advisor-Friendly Solo 401(k)?

Whether you’re a financial advisor looking to enhance your service offering or a self-employed professional seeking maximum retirement savings, My Solo 401k Financial provides the full-featured plan with open custody you need.

Next Steps:
Establish Your Plan Today

⚠️ Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. The availability and application of tax credits, contribution limits, and plan features depend on individual circumstances. Always consult with qualified tax, legal, and investment professionals before making retirement planning decisions. My Solo 401k Financial acts as the plan provider and does not provide investment advice or hold client assets.

About George Blower

I have the privilege of educating our clients about our products and services so that they can make informed and confident decisions about their financial future. Prior to joining My Solo 401k Financial, I served as the general counsel for a subsidiary of a Fortune 500 financial services company. Learn more about George Blower and My Solo 401k Financial >>

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