I'm lost

[Guest feinstein@earthlink.net]

I'm trying to find a Web site that's not from just one bank, or one consultant, that helps me find the right 401(k) plan for my business.

When I wanted to find office space, I went to http://www.loopnet.com

When I wanted to find a lawyer, I went to http://www.findlaw.com

When I needed software, I went to http://www.capterra.com

Why isn't there a place like that for 401(k), or benefits in general, where I could type in my company size and location and a few other pertinent items and get a list of brokers or consultants or plan providers that fit my needs?

Is there some legal or licensing reason they don't exist? Or have I just not found it yet?

Please advise.

[QDROphile]

Try www.yourlifeonasilverplatterforfree.com

[Guest fender5150]

Here's the way I've seen for people who want to find a good 401k administrator:

-Get a Referal from a CPA or other trusted business professional. If you have a CPA that you trust (I hope you do), use him for situations like this. 1. He may have a list of people he likes, and will recommend one based on your company size. 2. If you find a 401 administrator that you like; don't sign up with him till you let your CPA interview him, or at least check him out.

-I know an insurance agent in Central Ohio who offers this type of service to his clients as well - referrals I mean. He has a great business mind, and he's not in the 401k business, so he's objective.

-www.PSCA.org. Click 'Find a service provider', then go to 'Administration / Compliance'.

-Benefitslink.com. Many TPAs advertize on this site.

I hope this helps. I understand your frustration. However; This is a very important decision. Not one I would trust to a referal from a website. Find someone you like, then have them checked out by an obejctive professional.

Thanks,

Fender

401ktest.com

[masteff]

The problem is that benefit offerings are a complex assortment of products available thru a myriad of different channels. You can't buy "law" by going directly to court house, but you can buy insurance by going directly to insurance company. Or you can go thru a broker. Or you can hire a consultant. Or you can buy it bundled w/ some other product from another vendor (like thru your payroll service).

Try the listings on this site's yellowpages: http://benefitslink.com/yellowpages/ Sounds like what you want is a consultant or a third-party administrator (TPA) who does consulting. There's a decent sized listing under both categories. You can also look under individual products to find providers who specialize in that area.

[BG5150]

Here's a site that I pulled up with "benefits consulting firms" in Google:

Employee Benefit Research Institute

I has some of the bigger players. But remember, bigger isn't always better. There are other agencies out there that do the same thing.