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How Independent Advice Can Transform Your 401(k) Results

by Ric Lager | Dec 27, 2025 | 401k Advice, Blog, Educational | 0 comments

What if your 401(k) could finally get the same level of attention–
As you give to your as your taxable accounts?

No more confusing mutual fund jargon.
A self-directed brokerage account you likely already own.

The SDBA.
Self-directed brokerage account inside your 401(k).

Back in 1999, I walked away from the wire?house brokerage world.
Because I wanted the freedom to actually do what was best.
For the people who trusted me with their money.

So I opened an independent investment advisory firm.
No quotas. No product pushing. No corporate agenda.
Personalized advice including my client’s 401(k) accounts.

The biggest reason I went independent.
Was to help my clients make better 401(k) mutual fund decisions.

For many people, their 401(k) is their largest investment account.
Yet it’s often the one they get the least guidance on.

You’re handed a menu of 401(k) mutual fund options.
And told to “pick what feels right.”

That’s not investment advice.

That’s guesswork.

The 401(k) SDBA (self?directed brokerage account) stops the guesswork.
Adds an independent, third-party, investment advisor to your money team.

Hire an experience 401(k) investment advisor you trust.
Pay a reasonable investment advisor fee for 401(k) advice.
Have the option to deduct those fees from your 401(k) in pre-tax dollars.

The “one-size-fits-all” default 401(k) mutual fund menu may work for you.
A customized 401(k) SDBA account might work better.

Ready to take control of your 401(k) instead of hoping it works out?

Ric Lager

P.S. If your 401(k) offers an SDBA and you’re not using it, take a closer look.

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Related posts:

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  3. Does your 401(k) Plan Offer the Self-Directed Brokerage Option?
  4. Take the brokerage window mask off your 401(k)
  5. Does Your Minnesota 401(k) Plan Offer the Self-Directed Brokerage Option?

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