FAQs

BeManaged, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was created for the sole purpose of managing and advising employees’ portfolios while they are enrolled in their company’s 401(k) plan. BeManaged was developed with the unique goal of providing 401(k) participants a level of portfolio management and service typically reserved for multi-million dollar accounts. BeManaged is a Registered Investment Advisor and 100% fee-based which allows us to be completely unbiased in the management and advice we provide to participants. Understanding what we do and do NOT provide are equally important. We do NOT sell investment or insurance products, nor do we sell retirement plans. Therefore, we spend our time focusing on client portfolios and service quality. As our client, you will NEVER receive a request from us to sell you any additional financial services.

We have two programs that are available.

BeManaged, our “do-it-for-you” account management flagship program, provides full management of your 401(k) account. We select the most appropriate funds in your plan for each asset class and develop an asset allocation specific to your age, time horizon, expectations for the account and tolerance for risk. On average, we make between two to five changes per year in your account, including rebalances and reallocations specific to the market and the funds’ reactions to the market. We combine that management with a high-touch communication approach to keep you informed throughout the year. It begins with a Personal Investment Policy Statement, outlining the plans for the management of your account as well as a “Before and After” report. Throughout the year, we send four to six communications updating you on the particulars of your portfolio. Finally, we provide a Personal Annual Review to ensure you are on track by reviewing your performance, retirement income projections, and risk profile.

BeAdvised, our “advise-you-what-to-do” program, sends you our portfolio recommendations so that you can continue to manage the account on your own with the advantage of a professional opinion on how to do so. The BeAdvised program also includes the Personal Investment Policy Statement, proactive communications throughout the year, and Personal Annual Review. BeAdvised is best suited for highly engaged investors that have the time to take action on their account. We do not recommend BeAdvised to people that do not constantly monitor their account or have their 401(k) login information readily available. Advice is only worth something if it is used, we do not want to collect fees without providing value.

The applicable fee for BeManaged or BeAdvised is deducted from your 401(k) account on a quarterly basis, so there is no out-of-pocket expense or payroll deduction for using either service.

Our unique capped fee schedule may be different from company to company, based on your company’s retirement plan dynamics and company demographics. Visit your company’s dedicated BeManaged site for pricing details by searching for it in the upper right hand corner of the webpage.

Many of our clients work with financial advisors for their outside assets. Financial advisors that review the service we provide for our clients’ 401(k)s are often relieved and impressed after learning about us and our approach. The service is actually recommended by most advisors that understand what we are providing to their clients. In our experience, the only time advisors do not recommend our solution for their clients is when they do not understand what we provide.

One-on-One Consultations and Free 401(k) Analysis

Our one-on-one consultations, include an analysis of your 401(k) to help you understand what you are or are not doing with your account and if further service is needed beyond your current action plan.

Ongoing, Personalized Communications

In an effort to keep you informed of what is happening with your account, we proactively reach out to you with updates specific to your individual account, not just a general newsletter. On average, we send between four to six communications per year. In reality, clients find our communication is just as important as the management of your account.

Constant Monitoring & Portfolio Management or Advice

Our research team will actively manage your retirement account and make adjustments as market conditions warrant, including rebalances and reallocations. Alterations to the investment options in your plan are evaluated for the benefit they may add to your account. These changes are made on an as-needed basis specific to the criteria of your Personal Investment Policy Statement; we are not a calendar-based rebalancing program.

A New Level of Personal Service for your 401(k)

We are a personal fiduciary for your 401(k). Our legal and ethical responsibilities include acting solely on your behalf and in your best interest. Our clients appreciate having a partner with aligned interests – helping them reach their retirement goals.

1-on-1 401(k) Consultation

We will be available for personal one-on-one consultations depending on the times established by your company’s benefits department. You can also contact us at (888) 738-8780 or locally in Grand Rapids at (616) 871-0751 to learn when we will be at your company’s location. Spouses are more than welcome to attend.

Group Workshops

We also conduct retirement workshops, which range from 20-30 minutes, designed to help you maximize your retirement efforts.

Personal Phone Consultation

If you do not want to wait, or your schedule does not permit to meet with a risk counselor when we are at your facility, feel free to call us. Our dedicated staff can walk you through a consultation over the phone. In Grand Rapids locations, we can schedule a personal consultation that is more convenient for your schedule. You can contact us at (888) 738-8780 or locally in Grand Rapids at (616) 871-0751.

Online

If you would prefer to enroll on-line, simply visit your company website and click the ‘Enroll Now’ button.

Yes. There are no termination fees and can be done by phone or e-mail. You are not bound by any contract period.

Absolutely. They look forward to providing you personalized feedback specific to your account. You can call us at (888) 738-8780 or e-mail us at research@bemanaged.com.

On average, we make between two to five changes per year, depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market conditions, the behavior of the investment options in your company’s retirement plan, etc.

Definitely. During the Personal Annual Review, we encourage our clients to review their profile to ensure it is consistent with their current situation as life changes from year to year. Your profile is 100% dependent on your individual preferences, and we will manage your account accordingly. Emotional decisions are one of the major mistakes investors make; your investor profile helps to avoid decisions driven by current market circumstances.

You can control two things with your 401(k), the amount of risk you take and how much you contribute. We will provide projections of your retirement picture as often as you like via our BeRetired service to ensure you are saving enough for the retirement you desire.