Ep 12 - Casey McCarthy on Building a Bulletproof Retirement Plan for Small Businesses

Are you making the most of your retirement planning strategy—or leaving money and tax benefits on the table? In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric discuss with Casey McCarthy, Executive Vice President at EIP Corp., how third-party administrators (TPAs) help design and manage 401(k) plans tailored to business goals, such as maximizing savings and attracting top talent. You’ll learn the differences between IRA options, SEP, SIMPLE, and 401(k) plans, how cash balance plans work, and how to take full advantage of tax benefits and new IRS incentives that could make retirement plans more affordable than ever. Whether you're a business owner or building your retirement nest egg, this episode will help you make smarter retirement planning decisions.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (01:48) Casey explains the role of a third-party administrator when retirement planning
• (05:42) The differences between IRAs and specific contribution amounts
• (09:42) How does a cash balance plan work with a 401 (k)
• (13:51) Tax benefits and credits. IRS is making plans that are inexpensive or free for three to five years
• (18:22) Contributing to a Roth IRA and discussion of the maximum contributions

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Casey McCarthy shared how TPAs like EIP Corporation design and manage 401(k) plans to stay compliant and support business goals. While advisors like Metcalf Partners handle education and investments, TPAs tailor retirement planning strategies to help business owners maximize savings, attract top talent, and fully leverage tax benefits and IRA options.
• Compared to SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans offer higher contribution limits and greater flexibility, making them a stronger option for retirement planning in growing businesses.
• The conversation highlighted how advisors and TPAs work together—advisors handle education and investments, while TPAs manage plan design and compliance—to create strategic, tax-beneficial retirement plans.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

EIP Corporation - Website

Casey McCarthy - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Casey McCarthy

I am the Executive Vice President and Director of Business Development at EIP Corp., a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) in the Kansas City area, with a focus on corporate retirement plan design and administration.  With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including extensive expertise in defined contribution and defined benefit plans, my goal is to ensure that our clients receive the most accurate plan administration and the highest quality service in the industry.

 EIP CORP

Founded in 1973, EIP began with the mission that still guides the company today: to combine unequaled expertise with personal attention.  In pursuit of that mission, our emphasis on customer satisfaction has earned us long-standing relationships with our clients.  We still serve the very first client we acquired.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan Hutcheson:

Ethan is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners. He is passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute their goals. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife, Shanna, and their sons, Rhett and Levi.

Eric Wymore:

Eric is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. His career has been dedicated to wealth management. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he prioritizes acting in clients’ best interests. Originally from southeast Iowa, Eric has lived in Kansas City for 20 years with his wife, Becky, and their sons, Gabe and Nolan. He holds a degree in finance from Iowa State University.