Investors Marketplace(SM)
A Service of Essex National Securities, Inc. and Essex National Insurance Agency, Inc.

Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan
A Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan is for small or large businesses that do not currently maintain another retirement plan. The employer must make either: 1) a matching contribution of dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of compensation and 50% of the next 2% of deferrals, or, 2) a Safe Harbor Contribution of 3% of each eligible employee’s compensation even if the employee does not contribute any of their own money. A benefit of this plan is that it offers minimal administration and employer funding. The primary advantage to a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan is that there is no discrimination testing required, which allows highly compensated employees the ability to defer up to the maximum limit of $15,000 in 2006, plus an additional Catch-Up contribution of up to $5,000 if over 50 years old, in addition to receiving either the Safe Harbor match or Safe Harbor Contribution.

401(k) Plan
A 401(k) Plan is for any business with one or more employees. The plan allows employees to postpone receiving a portion of their salary until retirement. It also allows employees to make annual pretax salary-deferral contributions of 100% of compensation up to $15,000 indexed annually (plus an additional $5,000 if they are age 50 or older). Employer can offer discretionary matching contribution or can combine a 401(k) with a Profit Sharing contribution. (See Profit Sharing description below). The total combination of employee and employer contributions, have a maximum limit of $44,000 annually plus the $5,000 annual catch-up if over 50 years old.

Single 401(k) Plan
A Single K Plan is designed specifically for owner-only businesses that employ a spouse or the owner’s immediate family members. The same rules and limitations that apply to a 401(k) Plan apply to a Single 401(k) Plan. The plan allows the owner/spouse to make annual pretax salary-deferral contributions of 100% of compensation up to $15,000 for 2006, indexed annually (plus an additional $5,000 if you’re age 50 or older). The employer can offer a discretionary matching contribution or can combine a 401(k) with a Profit Sharing contribution. Maximum Profit Sharing Contribution in a Single 401(k) is 20% of net profits if self employed. The total combination of employee and employer contributions have a maximum limit of $44,000 annually plus the $5,000 annual catch-up if over 50 years old in 2006.

SIMPLE IRA Plan (“Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees”) 
A SIMPLE IRA Plan is for any business with 100 or fewer employees that does not currently maintain another retirement plan. The employer must either match dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of compensation or contribute 2% of each eligible employee’s compensation. The plan allows employees to make annual pretax contributions of up to $10,000 or 100% of income, whichever is less (plus an additional $2,500 if they are age 50 or older). The benefit to this plan is minimal administration and no discrimination testing.

SEP Plan (Simplified Employee Pension)
A SEP Plan is often a good choice for a small business that currently does not maintain another retirement plan because of reduced administration tasks and expenses. Employer contributions may be up to 25% of includable compensation to a maximum of $44,000 indexed annually.

Profit Sharing Plan
A Profit Sharing Plan is for any business with one or more employees. Contributions are made by the employer only. The maximum annual contribution is 25% of total payroll to a maximum of $44,000 annually per eligible employee. Profit Sharing Plans are ideal for employers preferring to make annual contributions at their discretion. The plan can be combined with a 401(k).

Money Purchase Plan
A Money Purchase Plan is for any business with one or more employees. Contributions are made by the employer only. Employer contributions are not discretionary; they must be made on an annual basis. The annual maximum contribution is 25% of compensation to $44,000 annually.

Defined Benefit Plan
A Defined Benefit Plan is for any business with one or more employees. These plans are primarily only employer funded and provide a fixed, pre-established retirement benefit for the employee. The employer is obligated to insure or guarantee the benefit. Employer contributions may exceed $41,000 annually. 

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Securities are offered through Essex National Securities, Inc., member NASD-SIPC. Insurance products are offered through Essex National Insurance Agency, Inc.

NOT FDIC INSURED
NO BANK GUARANTEE
NOT A DEPOSIT
MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE
NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY