What is Guideline Retirement?
Pros from reviewers
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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.
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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
Cons from reviewers
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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
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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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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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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.
Main features
Starting Price
Free Plan
Connect all your applications
Optimize HR management
Save on fees
Plan for the future with peace of mind
Benefit from smart investments
Starting Price
$49
/ month
Free Plan
No
Connect all your applications
Optimize HR management
Save on fees
Plan for the future with peace of mind
Benefit from smart investments
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?
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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Rhea M
Rollover Hassles and Poor Customer Service with Guideline Retirement
I find this company, guideline-retirement, to be worthless. They claim to have a responsive customer service, but in my experience, they don't. They seem to have a lot of excuses for not resolving issues. I see them as a criminal organization that prevents customers from accessing their money promptly. I initiated a rollover of my 401K and they claimed they sent a check that would arrive in 5-10 days. On the 10th day, it didn't arrive. When I contacted support, they told me to wait 14 days. After waiting 14 days, they then told me to wait another 10 business days. I feel like I'm being given the runaround while they hold $64K of my money in limbo! I've started seeing similar reviews on various sites and on the BBB site. I'm now considering legal options.
July 1, 2024
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Judith C
Underwhelming Performance at Best
I appreciate that Guideline-Retirement integrates with our payroll system, Gusto, and its investment funds are impressive. However, I'm disappointed with their customer service, including communication times, follow-ups, and helpfulness. We've had to chase them a few times when they went silent. Also, they increased their fees by 25% after the first year. Honestly, although it would be a hassle to move our employees to another retirement platform, I probably wouldn't choose Guideline again if given the opportunity.
June 22, 2024
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Jonathan
Web-based Usage Made Simple
I find the guideline-retirement software easy to use via web, with simple data upload and employee update features. It provides useful reminders for important dates and offers meaningful reports on the status of employee accounts. I appreciate the quarterly reports that are emailed to employees and the straightforward compliance checking. I also like that employees can check and update their own data, and those who leave have the option to transfer their funds or cash out.
June 17, 2024
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Jeffrey Johnson
Guideline Retirement: Easy Integration and Informative Resources
I appreciated the software's integration with my payroll system, which made it easy to adjust my contributions. The educational resources provided by Guideline Retirement were also very informative and helped me make informed decisions about my retirement plan
June 11, 2024
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Stephanie D
Subpar Company Performance
I believe the company is clueless, their support is sluggish and provides wrong responses. I'd suggest stashing your money under a mattress rather than using this company.
June 2, 2024
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Jacob S
Time Well Spent with Guideline
I had an excellent experience with Guideline-retirement. Their customer service is outstanding and they integrate perfectly with my payroll services. All I have to do is review tasks as they handle all administrative aspects of the retirement accounts accurately and promptly. I'm a huge fan and find everything I need on their portal.
May 27, 2024
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Frank M
Affordable and Secure: Guideline Retirement Review
I was pleasantly surprised by the low fees associated with using Guideline Retirement, which made it an affordable option for me. The software's security measures gave me peace of mind that my information was safe
May 18, 2024
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Ethan Smith
Employer Enrolled Us in Guideline-Retirement
I attempted to opt-out of the guideline-retirement software as my workplace started using it. I found out that I would be automatically enrolled if I didn't take any action. The opt-out process was lengthy and confusing. Surprisingly, I still had to create an account. They even asked why I didn't want a 41k at the moment. The software was not user-friendly as it seemed like I was being forced to sign up for a 41k, which I didn't want. The whole situation was perplexing. I believe the software could be beneficial for those who want it, but opting out was a confusing process.
May 13, 2024
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Nancy F
Effortless 41k Management with Guideline
Guideline is a user-friendly tool for handling 401k and Roth. I don't need any user support to operate it, making it a great tool for hassle-free 401k provision. I've faced some issues with customer service, but generally, I haven't run into many problems.
May 4, 2024
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Walter E
Experiencing the Ease of Guideline Retirement Plan
I was pleasantly surprised when my employer introduced us to a new 41K plan called Guideline Retirement. It was an automatic enrollment, which was a great convenience as it saved us the hassle of going through the tedious sign-up process. The automatic payroll deduction was set up seamlessly, and we were informed about it through an email. The best part was that we didn't even have to lift a finger - everything was taken care of for us. It was only after the first deduction that we fully realized the benefits of this plan. Our employer was very supportive and directed us to contact Guideline for any queries or if we wished to unenroll. The process was so simple that all we had to do was create an online portal on their website. This gave us the flexibility to manage our plan and even opt-out if we wished to. I'm really considering sticking with this plan and I'm excited to see how it will help secure my financial future.
April 29, 2024
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Rowan
Disappointing Experience with Guideline Retirement
I'm thinking about switching from Guideline. Its main advantage is its connection to our payroll provider, making it easy to set up a 401(k) account for an employee. However, I'm disappointed that employees can't borrow from their 401(k) to buy a home. I had a bad experience when we had to furlough all staff and rehire them later, as Guideline was slow to help and it was chaotic. As an administrator, I feel like I have to go through a lot of trouble to get basic information. This is very frustrating. The vendor responded to my complaints, offering to help resolve the issue and providing a contact number for their Account Management team. They also shared an article about their loan policy and assured me of their commitment to excellent customer service. They promised to investigate and resolve any issues to improve their product and processes.
April 22, 2024
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Bruce Miller
Convenient Mobile App for Easy Retirement Savings Monitoring
Lastly, the mobile app was very convenient and allowed me to check on my retirement savings anytime, anywhere.
April 16, 2024
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Amy
User-Friendly Retirement Software: Guideline Review
I found the software Guideline Retirement to be incredibly user-friendly and intuitive
April 13, 2024