Why Keep Payroll and 401(k) Separate — And Why Guideline Clients Are Switching to Us

Sep 4

When the news broke that Gusto plans to acquire Guideline, we’re sure many business owners thought, “Great! One less vendor to manage.” But here’s the truth: bundling your payroll and 401(k) under the same provider isn’t always the smartest move for your company or your employees.

At SS Pension Consultants, we specialize in taking over 401(k) plans from bundled payroll providers like ADP, Paychex — and now Gusto. You can keep your payroll with the payroll provider you love (including Gusto) but put your 401(k) in the hands of retirement plan experts.

Why Keep Payroll & 401(k) Separate

1. Different Expertise
Payroll companies are built to excel at… payroll. Retirement plan administration is an entirely different world — with complex compliance rules, IRS testing, fiduciary liability, and participant support needs. We live and breathe this world every day.

2. Better Service & Responsiveness
Bundled providers often route you through call centers and ticket queues, only to give you the runaround and confuse you even more. Our clients work directly with our founders — no scripts, no waiting for a response; only clear, accurate answers the first time.

3. Potential Cost Savings
Bundled services may include exorbitant per participant fees or hide asset-based fees that grow as your plan grows. Our flat, transparent administration fees and partnerships with low-cost recordkeepers and advisory firms can save business owners thousands each year.

4. Seamless Payroll Integration
We integrate directly with payroll systems like Gusto, ADP, and Paychex — so switching 401(k) providers doesn’t create extra work for you or your team.

Payroll Experts vs. Retirement Plan Experts

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          Feature
          Payroll Experts – ADP, Paychex, Gusto
          Retirement Plan Experts – SS Pension Consultants
        
          Core Focus
          Built to excel at payroll processing and related HR functions.
          100% focused on retirement plan administration and optimization.
        
          401(k) Expertise
          General 401(k) services bundled into payroll package; not specialized in complex plan design, compliance, or testing.
          Deep, specialized knowledge in 401(k), Profit Sharing, Cash Balance, and Defined Benefit Pension Plans with advanced IRS/DOL compliance capabilities.
        
          Client Support
          Service often routed through call centers, ticket queues, or assigned reps with broad HR/payroll scope.
          Direct access to our founders - the expert retirement plan consultants who understand your business and your plan. No call centers, no scripts.
        
          Fee Structure
          Bundled 401(k) services may include asset-based recordkeeping and admin fees that increase as plan assets grow.
          Transparent flat admin fee + reduced recordkeeping/advisory costs – potential annual savings.
        
          Plan Design
          Standardized plan options with limited customization.
          Highly customized plan designs to meet unique owner goals, pass IRS testing, and maximize tax benefits.
        
          Fiduciary Services
          May offer limited or no fiduciary oversight on plan operations.
          3(16) Fiduciary Services from the experts you trust to take adminsitrative tasks off your plate.
        
          Payroll Integration
          Native integration for their own payroll; basic or no integration with outside providers.
          Full-service payroll integration with Gusto, ADP, Paychex, and more – we handle the setup for you.
        
          Transition Process
          Plan sponsor may need to coordinate much of the transfer process.
          We manage the transition end-to-end for a seamless changeover.
        
          IRS/DOL Compliance
          Standard compliance features, automated systems prone to errors, generally reactive rather than proactive.
          Advanced, high-touch compliance expertise with proactive monitoring.

The Guideline–Gusto Factor

With Gusto’s acquisition of Guideline, even more businesses will have their payroll and 401(k) bundled together. Many ADP/Paychex clients eventually switch to us for 401(k) administration — while keeping their payroll exactly where it is. Gusto just joined that list.

You don’t have to choose between the payroll system you know and a retirement plan partner you can trust. ADP, Paychex, and Gusto are leaders in payroll. We’re leaders in retirement plans. When you keep your payroll where it is and move your 401(k) to SS Pension Consultants, you combine the best of both worlds — specialized expertise, transparent fees, proactive compliance, and a smooth payroll connection that makes plan administration effortless.

Bottom Line

If you’re with Guideline now — or are about to be through Gusto — you don’t have to stay bundled. You can keep your payroll where it is and upgrade to a dedicated 401(k) partner who delivers expert guidance, fee transparency, and top-tier service.

Ready to compare your current setup to ours?

Kaitlin Smith