Retirement Consulting Insights
Why Partnering With a Retirement Plan Consultant Is a Smart Move for Your Organization
DECEMEBER 2, 2025
As a retirement plan sponsor, your responsibilities are vast and complex — from fiduciary compliance and investment oversight to plan design and employee engagement. These are time-consuming, but they’re critical to your employees’ future and your organization’s financial health.
That’s where a dedicated retirement plan consultant like USI Consulting Group (USICG) can make a meaningful difference.
The Value of Independent Expertise
Achieving retirement plan goals set by your organization requires a level of experience and expertise that in-house staff members or outsourced recordkeepers may lack. While recordkeepers and wealth advisors offer valuable services, they often lack the specialized focus and fiduciary support that independent retirement plan consultants provide.
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What is a professional retirement plan consultant? An investment advisor representative, investment consultant, securities broker or benefits consultant who works primarily or exclusively with retirement plans. |
USICG has 50 years of experience helping organizations of all sizes navigate the intricacies of retirement plan management. By partnering with us, you gain access to:
- Cost-saving strategies through fee negotiation and benchmarking
- Fiduciary oversight to reduce liability and ensure compliance
- Investment guidance tailored to your plan’s goals
- Plan design optimization to attract and retain top talent
- Employee education and engagement programs that boost participation
Unlike wealth advisors, USICG’s retirement plan experts do not sell outside products. As an independent retirement plan consultant, USICG focuses on the uniqueness of each client’s retirement plan and provides guidance that can save money, reduce liability and mitigate risk, and enhance employee participation and engagement.
Proven Impact on Plan Outcomes
Partnering with a professional plan consultant on your workplace retirement isn’t just helpful — it’s proven to deliver stronger retirement plan results. An impressive 92% of retirement plan sponsors now work with an advisor or consultant, a substantial increase from 68% in 2008.1 This highlights a long-term trend: sponsors recognize the value an objective expert brings to the table.
In fact, employers that work with a dedicated consultant see measurable improvements in participation, savings rates and overall retirement readiness:
- 80% report full employee participation in their retirement plans2
- 83% report increased deferral rates, with one-third reporting increases of 6% or more3
- 85% report most or all eligible employees are on track for retirement4
- Improved participant outcomes, administrative support and objective decision-making are the most valuable services provided by retirement plan consultants5
It’s no surprise that 95% of employers agree the partnership is worth the cost.4
Comprehensive Services That Drive Success
USICG’s retirement plan consultants understand the importance of helping employers find cost-effective, practical solutions for their retirement plan issues. A well-designed retirement plan can attract top talent, boost retention and support long-term growth.
We work with our clients in partnership every step of the way to help drive better financial outcomes for their organization’s retirement plan and help employees meet their retirement goals. USICG offers a full suite of services, as represented in this chart.
Case Study: Partnership Promptly Pays Off
A midsize organization in the Northeast recently partnered with USICG after years of managing its plan without a consultant. It needed assistance with service provider management, benchmarking and fee negotiation, and recognized that guidance from a retirement plan consultant would help.
Using proprietary benchmarking tools, USICG secured a 48% reduction in recordkeeping and investment management costs for the company.6 The cost savings allowed the company to reinvest in ongoing plan support and extend savings to its employees.
How USI Consulting Group Can Help
Whether you manage a startup plan or oversee assets exceeding $100 million, USICG’s dedicated team is ready to support your unique needs. We act as an extension of your HR team, helping you deliver a competitive, compliant, and cost-effective retirement plan that supports your employees’ financial wellness.
Reach out to your local representative, visit our Contact Us page, or email us at information@usicg.com to learn how USICG can help your organization achieve its retirement plan goals.
1 Fidelity, Plan Sponsor Attitudes Survey, 2025
2 Morgan Stanley at Work, Plan Sponsor Research Results, 2022
3 Retirement Advisor Council: Financial Benefits for the Business
4 Morgan Stanley at Work, The Value of a Financial Advisor, 2022
5 Fidelity, 14th Plan Sponsor Attitudes Study, 2023
6 Actual results will vary. The use of any stated benefits in this case study is intended for illustrative purposes only and may not be used to predict or project future results.
Investment advice provided to the Plan by USI Advisors, Inc. Under certain arrangements, securities offered to the Plan through USI Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Both USI Advisors, Inc. and USI Securities, Inc. are affiliates of USI Consulting Group.
This information is provided solely for educational purposes and is not to be construed as investment, legal or tax advice. Prior to acting on this information, we recommend that you seek independent advice specific to your situation from a qualified investment/legal/tax professional. | 1025.S1126.0033
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