At Kaizen Retirement Plan Consultants, we’re committed to simplifying the complex. Whether you're a seasoned fiduciary or navigating your first retirement plan, this page offers clear answers to the questions we hear most often from plan sponsors. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’re always just a conversation away.

Fiduciary Guidance

·     What does it mean to be a fiduciary under ERISA?

A fiduciary is anyone who exercises discretionary authority over a retirement plan or its assets. This includes plan sponsors, investment committees, and advisors. Fiduciaries are required to act solely in the best interest of plan participants and beneficiaries, a responsibility that comes with legal and financial accountability.

·        How does Kaizen support fiduciary oversight?

We serve as either a 3(21) co-fiduciary or a 3(38) investment manager, depending on your needs. Our role includes investment monitoring, documentation, committee support, and plan governance, all designed to reduce your risk and improve outcomes.

Plan Design & Strategy

·        Can you help us improve our plan participation and savings rates?

Yes. We evaluate your current plan design and employee demographics, then recommend features like automatic enrollment, escalation, or employer match adjustments. We also help you communicate these changes effectively to your team.

·        How often should our plan be benchmarked?

At a minimum, annually. We conduct thorough benchmarking to evaluate your fees, services, investments, and overall competitiveness against similar plans, providing clear recommendations if changes are needed.

Vendor Coordination

·        Do we have to change recordkeepers to work with Kaizen RPC?

Not necessarily. We’re recordkeeper-neutral and can work with most providers. However, if your current vendor isn’t meeting your needs, we can guide you through a transition process from RFP to implementation.

·        Will you help us evaluate and manage vendors?

Yes. We assist with provider searches, negotiations, and ongoing due diligence. We act as an extension of your internal team to ensure your vendors stay aligned with your plan goals.

Investment Oversight

·        How do you manage our investment menu?

We use a data-driven process supported by RPAG tools to monitor your investment lineup, applying a consistent screening methodology. You’ll receive regular reports and recommendations, with full documentation to support fiduciary decisions.

·        What is the difference between 3(21) and 3(38) fiduciary services?

As a 3(21) advisor, we provide recommendations, but you retain final decision-making authority. As a 3(38) investment manager, we take full discretion over investment decisions and legal responsibility for those decisions on your behalf.

About Kaizen

·        What makes Kaizen Retirement Plan Consultants different?

We focus exclusively on retirement plans not as an add-on, but as our core business. Our name reflects our philosophy: continuous improvement, measurable results, and intentional service. We’re not just here to manage your plan; we’re here to elevate it.

·        Are you a fiduciary?

Yes. We act as a fiduciary under ERISA Section 3(21) or 3(38), depending on the engagement. We clearly define our role in writing for every client relationship.