ShareBuilder 401(k) Quick Q&A

  1. Who is ShareBuilder?
  2. What is a ShareBuilder 401(k)?
  3. How is the ShareBuilder 401(k) different from other providers?
  4. What investments are available in the ShareBuilder 401(k)?
  5. Why do you offer ETFs instead of more traditional managed portfolios?
  6. Will the ShareBuilder 401(k) accommodate my growing employee base?
  7. Who is the administrator of ShareBuilder's 401(k) Plan?
  8. Can my employees or I call if we have questions?
  9. How much time will it take me to manage my company's 401(k) Plan?
  10. How secure is my company's information on the ShareBuilder 401(k) Web site?
  11. What type of enrollment materials will I need?
  12. How long will it take to setup my 401(k) Plan?
  13. I am self employed, does ShareBuilder offer a plan for me?
  14. How do I get started?
  15. What other retirement savings options does ShareBuilder brokerage offer?

Who is ShareBuilder?

ShareBuilder is a leader in offering online investing services that makes it easy and affordable for any investor to get started. Our vision is to help lead Americans back to saving. ShareBuilder also offers pioneering 401(k) plans designed exclusively for small businesses. ShareBuilder is a subsidiary of ING Direct, the nation's largest direct bank with over 5.5 million customers.

What is a ShareBuilder 401(k)?

ShareBuilder 401(k) brings together leading on-demand technologies with a smart index-based approach to investing. Our 401(k) plans are supported with fully licensed 401(k) Consultants and Customer Success Managers to help serve employers and participants at the highest level.

How is the ShareBuilder 401(k) different from other providers?

The ShareBuilder 401(k) is truly a new and innovative way to offer a 401(k). We offer a 401(k) that is exclusively designed for the small business market. We've designed it to be easy, affordable, and smart:

  • Easy — The ShareBuilder 401(k) is 100% online and convenient. Our free online quote process does the hard work for you; it will: 1) select the 401(k) Plan that best fits your company's needs; 2) provide an immediate quote online; and 3) allow you to purchase the plan on the spot.
  • Affordable — The ShareBuilder 401(k) is designed to be the low-cost 401(k) solution for small business owners. It also has the simplest fee structure in the industry and has no hidden fees.
  • Smart — We are a leader in providing 100% ETF 401(k) plans, a smart, index-based approach to long term saving.

What investments are available in the ShareBuilder 401(k)?

All ShareBuilder 401(k) Plans offer 15 diverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as well as 5 model portfolios, designed to suit different investing styles. Visit our Investment Center to view the model portfolios and ETFs available in the ShareBuilder 401(k).

The ShareBuilder 401(k) Plans also offer participants the option to automatically rebalance their account four times a year for free.

Why do you offer ETFs instead of more traditional managed portfolios?

ETFs are an efficient investing option. ETFs are baskets of stocks that track a specific index, like the S&P 500. Since these funds do not have individual fund managers, they generally have low expense ratios that range from 0.09% to 0.78%.

Will the ShareBuilder 401(k) accommodate my growing employee base?

Absolutely. We have a 401(k) for every need and, as your company grows, your 401(k) Plan will grow with it. Changes to your plan are as simple as accessing the site and adding your new employee's information. Our 401(k) programs are scaleable and designed to give you complete flexibility.

Who is the administrator of ShareBuilder's 401(k) Plan?

We have partnered with PAi to administer our ShareBuilder 401(k) Plan. PAi has over 20 years of 401(k) leadership and expertise, and currently administers over 8,500 plans for more than 500,000 participants.

Can my employees or I call if we have questions?

You and your employees may access and manage your ShareBuilder 401(k) Plan and reference our online help 24 hours a day. Our Customer Care team is also available for phone and email support Monday - Friday from 9am to 6pm (ET).

Phone Support (Sponsor/Employee): 800-943-6108 (Option 3 for Plan sponsor, Option 4 for Employee)
Email Support (Sponsor Only): customerservice@sharebuilder401k.com

How much time will it take me to manage my company's 401(k) Plan?

The ShareBuilder 401(k) is a complete solution that allows you to access and manage your company's 401(k) plan online 24x7. The process to set up a plan is quick and easy, and it takes just a few minutes a month to manage.

How secure is my company's information on the ShareBuilder 401(k) Web site?

Protecting your privacy and personal information is a top priority for us at ShareBuilder. We use a variety of modern technologies and techniques that provide multiple layers of protection against network or physical intrusion and compromise. Additionally, we evaluate and monitor our partners to ensure that their security policies meet our standards.

What type of enrollment materials will I need?

Enrollment is handled 100% online. No hard copy information is necessary.

How long will it take to setup my 401(k) Plan?

Getting your company's 401(k) plan up-and-running takes just a few short minutes online. First, input your company's information to receive your recommended 401(k) Plan and free quote. Second, select the purchase button on your quote. Third, complete the brief online set-up process and enter your employees' information. It's that simple.

If you need additional assistance to help set up your plan, you may contact our sales department by phone: 800-943-6108 x 1 or by email customerservice@sharebuilder401k.com.

I am self employed, does ShareBuilder offer a plan for me?

Yes, the ShareBuilder PLAN4ONE provides owner-only businesses with the opportunity to shelter a significantly higher portion of the profits for retirement than previously allowed through conventional retirement plans.

How do I get started?

Every company deserves the benefits of having a 401(k). Get a Free Quote today.

What other retirement savings options does ShareBuilder brokerage offer?

If you work for a company that doesn't offer a 401(k) plan or if you are self employed and are not planning to contribute more than $5,000 this year to your retirement, you may want to consider opening a ShareBuilder Traditional or Roth IRA. With a ShareBuilder IRA, you can contribute up to $5,000 annually, get free investment guidance with PortfolioBuilder and automatically invest in over 5,000 stocks and ETFs.

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401(k) plans are:  Not FDIC insured · Not Bank guaranteed · May lose value