What is Guideline Retirement?
Pros from reviewers
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Efficient administrative handling: Guideline Retirement is commended for its efficient handling of all administrative aspects of retirement accounts. This includes tasks such as employee contributions, new hires, terminations, and employer contributions, which are handled accurately and promptly
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Easy setup and integration with payroll systems: Guideline Retirement software is praised for its ease of setup and seamless integration with payroll systems, particularly Gusto. This feature simplifies the process of setting up and managing 401k accounts for both administrators and employees
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User-friendly interface: The software is described as user-friendly, making it easy for both administrators and employees to navigate and manage their accounts. This reduces the need for user support and makes the provision of 401k hassle-free
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Comprehensive investment options: Employees appreciate the range of investment options provided by Guideline Retirement. This allows them to tailor their retirement plans according to their financial goals and risk tolerance
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Detailed investment overview: The software provides a detailed breakdown of each dividend and investment, giving users an easy view of their investments and portfolio performance. This feature allows users to monitor their investment growth and make informed decisions about their retirement plans.
Cons from reviewers
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Poor customer service: Many users have reported issues with Guideline's customer service, including slow response times, unhelpful responses, and a lack of follow-up communication
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Limited features and investment options: Some users have found that Guideline lacks certain features and has limited investment options, which can be problematic for growing businesses
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Introduction of user fees: Despite initially advertising no user fees, Guideline introduced these charges a few years ago with little warning, which some users have found frustrating and misleading.
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Issues with automatic enrollment: Some employees have reported being automatically enrolled in the service without their knowledge or consent, leading to unexpected payroll deductions
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Difficulty withdrawing funds: Several users have experienced significant delays and complications when attempting to withdraw their funds, with some even considering legal action due to the length of time it takes
3 months free on Guideline Retirement
Get 3 months free on Guideline Retirement and up to $387 savings with Secret.
Main features
Starting Price
Free Plan
Save on fees
Benefit from smart investments
Gain tax advantages
Plan for the future with peace of mind
Flexible retirement planning
Starting Price
$49
/ month
Free Plan
No
Save on fees
Benefit from smart investments
Gain tax advantages
Plan for the future with peace of mind
Flexible retirement planning
3 months free on Guideline Retirement
Get 3 months free on Guideline Retirement and up to $387 savings with Secret.
How Guideline Retirement compare to similar software?
Product
Price
$49
/ month
Free plan
No
Main features
Pros
Cons
Alternatives
Deal
3 months free on Guideline Retirement
Save up to $387
Who is Guideline Retirement best for according to our reviewers?
Small Business Owners: These are individuals who own small businesses and are looking to offer a 401(k) to their employees. Guideline Retirement is simple to implement and integrates well with payroll systems like Gusto, making it a suitable choice for small businesses
Individual Investors: These are individuals who are using the software to manage their own retirement investments. They find the software user-friendly and appreciate the investment options. However, they may face issues when trying to withdraw or transfer funds.
Employees: These are individuals who are enrolled in the 401(k) plan offered by their employer. They appreciate the easy view of their investments and portfolio performance with detailed breakdowns of each dividend and investment. However, some employees have reported issues with automatic enrollment and difficulty in withdrawing funds
Retirement Plan Sponsors: These are individuals or companies that set up and manage retirement plans for employees. They may find the software easy to use with simple data upload and employee update features. However, some sponsors have reported issues with customer service and compliance testing
Payroll Administrators: These are individuals who handle payroll in a company. The software integrates seamlessly with payroll systems, making it easy to set up a 401(k) account for an employee. However, the software may not be suitable for larger companies with more complex payroll needs
3 months free on Guideline Retirement
Get 3 months free on Guideline Retirement and up to $387 savings with Secret.
Guideline Retirement Reviews
3.9
Guideline Retirement rating
3.9
Ease of use
3.3
Customer service
3.5
Value for money
4.0
Likelihood to recommend
3.4
Features
23 Guideline Retirement Reviews
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Michelle Jones
Perfect for Tiny Businesses, Not Suitable for Larger Ones
In summary, I would only suggest Guideline for very small businesses looking to offer a 401(k) to their employees. As the business expands, other 401(k) providers quickly outshine them. This was our initial 401(k) system and it was simple to implement. However, it lacks features and has limited investment options. The customer service is very disappointing, with constant emails being sent and no responses received.
September 10, 2024
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Grace A
Disappointing Experience with Guideline Retirement
Since my company outgrew Gusto, we've been dealing with numerous problems. We transitioned to a payroll system that could handle more employees and Guideline assured us they could manage changes like employee contributions, new hires, terminations, and employer contributions. However, their slow response time has resulted in us being charged for the earnings our employees would have made if Guideline had made the contributions sooner. As of yesterday, they hadn't even made the employer contributions from the first January payroll. They're asking us to update owner information for compliance testing, but their system doesn't let us add all the owners, leading to failure. I've contacted them via email but I don't anticipate a response for at least a week. We're contemplating legal action to force them to comply. The audit, which wouldn't be necessary if Guideline allowed us to modify our plan document, is going to be a nightmare due to their poor performance. When we were with Gusto, things were fine.
August 31, 2024
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Rose F
Effortless Ease.
I find the guideline-retirement software simple and easy to manage with great funds and a user-friendly interface for both managers and employees. My only issue is the introduction of user fees a few years ago, after we had already set it up. Despite years of advertising no user charges, they suddenly changed their stance with little warning. Nevertheless, it remains a great low-cost option.
August 26, 2024
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Bryan Johnson
Outstanding 41k Management Tool
I appreciate the easy view of my investments and portfolio performance with detailed breakdowns of each dividend and investment. However, I find the week-long delay from when money is deducted from my paycheck to when it's invested in my portfolio potentially problematic as it could result in missed gains.
August 19, 2024
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Jonathan N
Automatic Rebalancing: A Great Investment Tool
I found the software's automatic rebalancing feature to be a great tool for keeping my investments on track. The ability to easily change my contribution levels and investment allocations was a major plus
August 10, 2024
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Adam G
Smooth Sailing with Guideline-Retirement on Capterra
I found the software, guideline-retirement, easy to use and it integrated seamlessly. I hardly noticed we were using it. I don't have any strong feelings about the service, which likely means it's not too bad. Cool.
August 6, 2024
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Russell Brown
Comprehensive Retirement Planning Software with Excellent Customer Service
I was impressed by the software's comprehensive approach to retirement planning, including its ability to factor in various income sources and potential expenses. The customer service team was also very responsive and helpful when I had questions
July 27, 2024
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Sandra Rodriguez
Dismal Experience, Particularly with Rollovers
My experience with Guideline Retirement has been extremely negative. I've been trying to withdraw my funds for over two and a half months and expect it to take even longer. My dealings with Guideline have been exasperating, as they seem to be giving me the runaround. The service is acceptable until you need to transfer money out, which then becomes incredibly challenging. They don't issue checks and their customer support is unhelpful. I've seen similar complaints from others on various review sites, with more than half of the reviews being 1 star. I strongly discourage using this service.
July 22, 2024
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Amber Williams
Effortless Retirement Planning with User-Friendly Software
its interface made it easy for me to plan my retirement savings. The software's robust features, such as the ability to project future savings based on current contributions, were particularly helpful
July 16, 2024
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Theresa E
Poor Follow-Up Experience
I attempted to transfer my funds to another account using the guideline-retirement software, but it was never completed. I've had to follow up multiple times, creating a significant hassle. I'm now facing the need to contact them for a third time. I've been waiting for my money for two months and it looks like I'll have to wait at least another month.
July 9, 2024
