The first half of 2025—marked by inflation, market turbulence, and tariff-related uncertainty—has left investors anxious about their financial futures.
Yet one of the most important assets in many portfolios often remains unmanaged: the 401(k). But that’s changing fast.
Pontera is leading that shift, enabling advisors to manage 401(k)s in real time—securely and without triggering custody—bringing alignment, confidence, and tangible results to client portfolios.
Why clients need professional 401(k) management in 2025
Historically, helping clients with 401(k)s was tedious and inefficient. Advisors relied on periodic statements or in-person meetings where clients struggled to log in or locate fund lineups.
“It was painful,” admitted David Rubis, Senior Managing Director of Clearstead, in a recent webinar. “Clients would have a hard time logging in…and scheduling Zoom meetings to help them navigate fund changes wasn’t ideal either.”
This reactive model was also risky. In volatile markets, delays can cost real dollars. In 2025, with inflation spikes and market shocks, timely intervention is crucial.
Enter Pontera: Turning held-away obstacles into an opportunity
Pontera gives advisors the tools to securely manage held-away 401(k)s with the same rigor applied to traditional accounts—without triggering custody—allowing advisors to monitor and rebalance these assets in real time.
“I want my clients to be at peace,” said Rubis. “Now we have a holistic view of their investments and can tie it back to their plan. As their goals change—as life gives them life—we can adapt.”
In today’s market, holistic wealth management means unlocking real-time, high-impact management for these vital held-away retirement accounts.
Introducing 401(k) management: Make it seamless and natural
Advisors are successfully embedding 401(k) management into client touchpoints like mid-year reviews. Rubis uses a “strategic fumble” to introduce Pontera when clients struggle to log in to their accounts during meetings.
Brian Kasal, CEO of FourStar Wealth Advisors, takes a similar approach: “At every meeting, we’re having this discussion. “We go through new ideas, talk about alternatives, and then, ‘Oh, by the way… yes, we can now efficiently handle your 401(k).’ It’s part of our process now.”
Framing the service as a natural extension of fiduciary duty has worked. “No one’s said no,” Kasal noted. “They’ve been asking for this for years.”
Handling common client concerns with confidence
Naturally, clients may have questions when first encountering this service. But seasoned advisors have developed clear, confident ways to address the most common questions.
“Why is this new service offering worth paying for?”
Rubis points to the ability to act immediately. “We can see all of the fund changes and act on them immediately. We don’t have to wait for a meeting to make subtle or major shifts. That peace of mind—knowing we’re actively managing their retirement account—is worth it.”
Rubis also referenced a study which found that professionally managed accounts outperform self-managed accounts by 3-4% annually, net of fees, emphasizing that while peace of mind is a desire of every client, so are tangible results.
“Aren’t target date funds good enough?”
Both Rubis and Kasal agree that target date funds are often misaligned with actual client needs as they lack the customization that an advisor inherently provides.
“Why have one of your biggest assets not strategically aligned with your personal financial plan?” Rubis asked. “We know your plan, we know your goals, and we know how we should invest in order to achieve a successful outcome of that plan.”
“Is this secure?”
Security is top of mind for clients, and rightly so. Kasal emphasizes that simply taking the time to explain to clients how the technology works and the vetting process that took place before the advisor made the decision to move forward with Pontera helps alleviate any security concerns.
“There's no credential sharing, and the client gets notified if anything disconnects,” Rubis adds. “It takes the burden off us while still keeping the client protected.”
What next? “Don’t wait, don’t overcomplicate it.”
For advisors considering getting started, Rubis’s message is clear: “Don’t wait, don’t overcomplicate it. The technology works well, and the sooner you get started, the sooner you can help your clients—and grow your business.”
Kasal’s advice? “Pick a couple of accounts and try it out. You’ll see how easy and valuable it is. Then go full bore.” He adds, “Now we’re actually watching their whole asset base. There’s no piece being ignored. That’s the feeling we want them to walk away with.”
401(k) management is no longer optional. It’s an essential part of delivering full-spectrum financial advice—and a powerful differentiator in an increasingly competitive space.
