Worst decision I made was trusting my business with Benetrends. Benetrends effortlessly rolled my funds over so I could get my start-up capital, but trying to terminate my retirement plan was an exercise in buffoonery. Do yourself a favor and pass on Benetrends. After having been assigned their most incompetent, Newbie analyst, I knew it was time to part ways with Benetrends. With every question, there was an extended response time and it was obvious that she had no clue as to what I was asking. It became very apparent that she was so incompetent, that she was literally asking her co-worker's for advice instead of knowing the answers to softball questions. I have yet to speak to anyone from her management. Even after asking about the business appraisal process, getting list of approved appraisers and asking for my payoff amount, she still had no clue that I wanted to terminate all business with Benetrends. When it came down to determining how much Traditional and Roth IRA funds needed top roll back, thing really got stupid. Despite having my TSP transfer letters showing the exact amounts of Traditional and Roth IRA balances, seven years of annual statements and my Form 1099's, my Benetrends "analyst" nor compliance officers could determine the correct amounts that needed to be rolled back out of my retirement plan. Not only did I have to do the math for them, I also had to educate Bentrend's compliance department on how to interpret IRS Form 1099....this back and forth discussion went all the way up to the VP of Compliance before they determined I was correct (but never admitted their error). Luckily, I had one analyst, Mike M., that actually listened. After educating the financially savvy folks at Benetrends, I avoided losing about $20k of my Roth IRA funds that Benetrends stated should be Traditional IRA funds. Something I found astonishing was all this confusion was generated over a retirement plan that was about 18 months old...imagine if my plan was 18 years old! So, had I not been assigned Benetrend's most incompetent analyst, I never would have realized how poorly trained these financial folks truly are. I'm almost completely done with Benetrends, except now I have to educate them on why I don't need to wait on them to complete my Form 5500. Till then, I will continue to educate them and let my analyst play "phone a friend" with her Benetrends co-works. In sum, if you want to jeopardize your company's finances and employee's retirement funds with some of the most incompetent people I have ever dealt with, then look no further than Benetrends. Not only are the analyst slow to respond and impossible to talk to, but they cannot read standard financial and IRS documents. Worst mistake in my young business career was to go with Benetrends. Do yourself a favor, before choosing someone to rollover your funds, have them prove that they can do a weighted average and can interpret a Form 1099. Hard pass on Benetrends. read more

BENETRENDS SAVED US FROM MAKING A MAJOR MISTAKE! We researched several providers, the most knowledgeable, experienced, and best value was Benetrends. As a former retirement plan analyst and spouse is a CPA, We were not fooled by misleading statements by financial firms simply trying to sell us a ROBS funding program. Our consultant, Larry Cornell, instantly knew answers to virtually every technical question we asked and had dozens of creative ideas and strategies. Benetrends was the only true retirement plan design firm, virtually all were simply selling simple plans costing thousands and had little or no certified experts to help ensure ongoing IRS compliance (a major growing concern). How is this legal? Others tried to sell me a program that would expose us to taxes, costs or other hidden risks that they purposely hid, avoided answering or never discussed unless cornered. A recent federal alert notice by the IRS, strongly suggests that all providers are not the same or don't provide the same expertise, products or support services. Benetrends actual cost was MUCH lower than others when we actually compared services, resources and net costs. Some programs did not qualify for tax deductions or allowed fee to be reimburse from retirement funds. My CPA husband revealed hidden tax issues that would cost us tens of thousands of dollars in the future - others had no solutions... Benetrends did! Most shocking, Benetrends had the ONLY comprehensive guarantee that went BEYOND simple audit protection by providing real protection against fines or penalties. Others claimed to have a guarantee - but check the actual verbiage read more

STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY The chairman of this business is SHADY. I sent them an email, and the chairm of the company called me back. I had told him (in an email) that I missed my appointment a few weeks ago, and he told me not to worry. He would take care of everything, and there would be no fees at all. He promised that I would be placed into their "Rainmaker Plan" without any fees of any kinds. I thought that was a great deal, so I agreed. I show up for my appointment with Len Fischer (the chairman) and he was nowhere to be found. His office manager told me that no only was he not going to meet with me, but the charges and fees were going to stay. The numbers she showed me were insane. I really can't believe this company and their bait and switch tactics. I would have NEVER bothered with this company if I knew what I was getting into. Check out their reviews on Glassdoor and other sites. Even the employees agree that this company pushes people into the wrong types of investments. I can't believe this is a nonprofit. I hope the IRS takes a look a them soon. read more

How about a review from someone that ACTUALLLY used Benetrends? I recently utilized Benetrends to get my new business started and after spending 30 years in corporate America, I've seen some great companies - I can tell you Benetrends is very well organized, has a methodical step-by-step approach and process with everything disclosed up-front. I utilized their Rainmaker process to set up my ROBS account and completed the process in 3 weeks with several great Benetrends team members walking me thru every step (this is my first journey into small business so I needed much hand-holding). I also utilized Benetrends for packaging my SBA loan and I received approval one month after setting up my new company. I don't know if you can request a lead funding specialist but Jelena Kuchar did an awesome job for me leading the team and I will be eternally grateful to her for helping make my dream a reality. read more

I had the pleasure of working with Benetrends Financial to set up my business using their Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS) program, and I couldn't be more impressed with the experience. From the very first call, their team demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to my success. They walked me through each step of the process in clear, easy-to-understand terms--eliminating the confusion and anxiety that can come with navigating retirement fund rollovers. Every document, deadline, and compliance detail was handled efficiently, and they were always available to answer my questions promptly. If you're considering a ROBS to fund your business, I highly recommend Benetrends Financial. They are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and genuinely invested in helping entrepreneurs succeed. Thanks to their team, I was able to turn my vision into reality! read more

Benetrends helps business owners (or aspiring business owners) use the money in their 401k or IRA to fund their business without IRS penalty. What makes them so special is they also have a heart. I was using Benetrends to fund a franchise my family was purchasing. Benetrends did all of the work to convert my 401k and register my business in Florida. I then found out the franchise company had gone bankrupt and my money was gone. Benetrends took it upon themselves to offer me a refund of their fees. They had already done ALL of the work to roll over my 401K monies and fully deserved their fee but they offered (with no prompting from me) to give me a full refund. They are honest, prompt, friendly and are the best at what they do. Highly, highly recommended for their work, their honesty and their integrity!!! read more

Benetrends Financial--particularly Pankaj Kapoor and the broader team--has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a franchise owner. Throughout the process of establishing a C-Corporation and leveraging the ROBS plan, their guidance was invaluable. After being awarded the franchise, I was eager to complete the remaining steps quickly in order to attend the May training session. This required expediting the setup of my retirement plan, and Pankaj went above and beyond to make that happen. Despite his full schedule, he made time to walk me through the final steps with patience, clarity, and thorough attention to detail. I'm incredibly grateful for the support and professionalism demonstrated by both Pankaj and the entire Benetrends team. read more

Benetrends helped me to get through a process, which can be quite complicated to the layperson. They did me right, and now my new company (shameless plug) www.myth-os.ai is up and running in short order. Thanks Benetrends! ps. I am not paid in anyway for this endorsement - it is people like Laura Moyer and Ryan Handel at Benetrends that have made my experience extremely rewarding! Michael Betker Myth-OStm CEO & AI Architect cellular: 262-490-7493 email: michael@myth-os.ai url: myth-os.ai read more

A year ago I thought that pursing my life's purpose, starting my own business, and buying my franchise was only a dream. Now, a year later I have been able to leverage the ROBS program to make my dreams come true and fulfill God's purpose for my life. Kathy and Pankaj have guided me through the entire process and have been able to use their expertise to ensure that all my questions were answered and our business is up and running. Thank you Benetrends, Pankaj, and Kathy! read more

I have worked in a partnership relationship with Benetrends for years. The hundreds of Benetrends clients I have had the opportunity to work with have expressed how happy they have been to work with the knowledgeable and empathetic associates at Benetrends. Personally, I have worked directly with some Benetrends associates (including Pankaj, Chuck, Zach and Ryan), who have been very helpful. Great people and a great company. read more

I am currently closing out a business with the help of Carlos Martinez, Retirement Plan Analyst Supervisor. His knowledge, patience and clear communication made the process easy and intellectually accessible and digestible to the "average Joe" that I am. I would highly recommend him and I hope he is being recognized and appreciated for all that he does for the organization. Thanks again Carlos. read more

Great company with exemplary customer service. When it comes to ROBS providers, there isn't a better group out there that I'm aware of. My consultant was able to easily explain the mechanics of rollover funding and point out the advantages of using pre-tax dollars and the ROBS structure to start my business. Also, access to all of the ancillary services helped streamline the start-up process. read more

I spoke with a couple of ROBs prociders prior to making a decision. I chose to move forward with Benetrends, and they have been nothing but helpful from the beginning. Not only did they create the ROBs, but they provide options that other providers do not. They always have their clients in mind and are always available if you have any questions along the way. I would highly reccomend. read more

I have just recently started working with Benetrends, but my experience has been nothing less than exceptional. The team that I have worked with includes Kelly, Pankaj, and Laura, and they are very knowledgeable, responsive, and pleasant to work with. I look forward to future interactions as our relationship develops but feel comfortable that I chose a great partner. Thank you. read more

Pankaj is very responsive and knowledgeable. With the ROBS process, there is a ton of info to deal with and can be overwhelming. Pankaj would always respond quickly wi Pankaj is very responsive and knowledgeable. With the ROBS process, there is a ton of info to deal with and can be overwhelming. Pankaj would always respond quickly with answers. Very thankful for his experie read more

I worked with Benetrends to fund my start up business with a ROBS transfer. It is a fairly complicated process that was made easy and clearly understandable by them. Every step of the way I have worked with Pankaj Kapoor, he has been excellent, extremely responsive and patient when it comes to answering any questions I have had. I would recommend using them wholeheartedly. read more

I found their ROBS process thorough, quick, and easy to follow. It was reviewed and easy to understand. I wanted my personal process to move rather quickly, and within two days, every aspect was in motion or completed. I am not finished completely, but I appreciate all the communication. Pankaj, Laura, their broader team, and Traynor Financial have been great to work with. read more

Larry and his team were very helpful in getting this set up for me in a timely and efficient manner. The only reason I am not giving them a 5 is because I have not had to engage with them for after the initial setup service, so I can't rate that yet. I believe that will be excellent as well and will update at that time. However, my experience to date has been 5 star. read more

The Rollover Business Startup (ROBS) plan is a great thing. Use your own 401K or IRA money to invest in a business, completely tax deferred. Larry Carnell and the Benetrends team did a great job of steering me through the process, answering any and all questions along the way. Recomend the ROBS plan to anyone interested in investing in a new opportunity in life. read more