CBAP plan - Certified Business Analysis Professional 2023 Updated: 2024
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CBAP Certified Business Analysis Professional 2023
Business analysis planning and monitoring 14%
Elicitation and collaboration 12%
Requirements life cycle management 15%
Strategy analysis 15%
Requirements analysis and design definition 30%
Solution evaluation 14%
Plan Business Analysis Approach
- Expert: Creates rules for selecting the business analysis approach.
- Expert: Guides practice in determining the level of business analysis formality.
- Expert: Creates rules for identifying business anlaysis activities.
- Expert: Advanced knowledge of timing of business analysis work.
- Expert: Advanced knowledge of assessing complexity, size, and risk factors.
- Expert: Guides practice in gaining stakeholder understanding and agreement.
Key behaviours include:
Methodology Knowledge: Recognized by colleagues as an authority in several analysis methodologies, and:
asked by leadership to spearhead change in methodologies.
asked by peers for advice and support.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication: Consistently uncover emotional drivers of stakeholders and develop messaging accordingly.
Listening: Coach others to use active listening and discovery skills to understand “real” issues/needs and build chemistry.
Plan Stakeholder Engagement
Expert: Guides practice in performing stakeholder analysis.
Expert: Advanced knowledge of defining the required level of stakeholder collaboration.
Expert: Advanced knowledge in identifying appropriate stakeholder communication needs.
Key behaviours include:
Systems Thinking: Able to clearly communicate concepts to relevant stakeholders, as they relate to different aspects of the enterprise.
Organization Knowledge: Develop a network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) needed to work within the organization to get things done.
Listening: Coach others to use active listening and discovery skills to understand “real” issues/needs and build chemistry.
Plan Business Analysis Governance
Expert: Advanced knowledge in identifying an effective decision-making process.
Expert: Guides practice in developing an effective change control processes.
Expert: Guides practice in planning an effective prioritizaion process.
Expert: Advanced knowledge of planning an effective approval process.
Key behaviours include:
Decision Making: Coach others on how to assess situations in order to make the most informed decisions about which course of action to pursue.
Organization Knowledge: Develop a network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) needed to work within the organization; recognized by colleagues as someone who can get things done.
Methodology Knowledge: Recognized by colleagues as an authority in several analysis methodologies, and:
asked by leadership to spearhead change in methodologies.
asked by peers for advice and support.
Plan Business Analysis Information Management
Expert: Guides practice in determining how to oganize business analysis information.
Expert: Guides practice in determining the appropriate level of abstraction.
Expert: Creates rules on planning the traceability approach.
Expert: Creates rules on planning for requirements reuse.
Expert: Guides practice in determining how to store and access business analysis information.
Expert: Creates rules for identifying attributes for requirements and design management.
Key behaviours include:
Organization Knowledge: Develop a network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) needed to work within the organization; recognized by colleagues as someone who can get things done.
Methodology Knowledge: Recognized by colleagues as an authority in several analysis methodologies.
Business Analysis Tools & Technology: Coach others on how to effectively use business analysis tools.
Identify Business Analysis Performance Improvements
Expert: Advanced knowledge of reporting on business analysis performance.
Expert: Advanced knowledge of identifying business analysis performance measures.
Expert: Guides practice in assessing business analysis performance measures.
Expert: Guides practice in recommending business analysis performance improvements.
Key behaviours include:
Creative Thinking: Recognized by colleagues as an authority in fostering creative thinking to identify innovative solutions.
Learning: Recognized by colleagues as an authority in learning quickly and willingly.
Adaptability: Consistently evaluates what worked, what did not, and what could be done differently next time.
Chapter 4: Elicitation and Collaboration
Prepare for Elicitation
Conduct Elicitation
Confirm Elicitation Results
Communicate Business Analysis Information
Manage Stakeholder Collaboration
Chapter 5: Requirements Life Cycle Management
Trace Requirements
Maintain Requirements
Prioritize Requirements
Assess Requirements Changes
Approve Requirements
Chapter 6: Strategy Analysis
Analyze Current State
Define Future State
Assess Risks
Define Change Strategy
Chapter 7: Requirements Analysis and Design Definition
Specify and Model Requirements
Verify Requirements
Validate Requirements
Define Requirements Architecture
Define Design OPtions
Analyze Potential Value and Recommend Solution
Chapter 8: Solution Evaluation
Measure Solution Performance
Analyze Performance Measures
Assess Solution Limitations
Assess Enterprise Limitations
Recommend Actions to Increase Solution Value
IIBA Professional plan
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Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
https://killexams.com/pass4sure/exam-detail/CBAP
Question: 158
Steven is a Business Analyst preparing a review session of his requirements
document. To have a productive requirements review, Steven must arrange for
_____________.
A. his supervisors to be present at the discussion
B. experienced reviewers who are neutral
C. comments to be made on him as author and not the document
D. reviewers to receive the document at the discussion only
Answer: B
Steven is a Business Analyst preparing a review session of his requirements
document. To have a productive requirements review session, Steven must
arrange for experienced reviewers who are neutral.
Key Takeaway: For a requirements document review to be productive, a Business
Analyst must arrange for experienced reviewers who are neutral to examine the
document ahead of a group discussion. It is important that Steven"s supervisors
are not present during the review session to encourage any and all comments on
the document. Furthermore, it is important to instruct reviewers that the object of
review and discussion is the content of the requirements document and not the
author.
Question: 159
For which of the following should you use a formal, written communications
method?
A. Negotiating a contract
B. Change request
C. Status report to the CEO
D. Requesting essential resources
E. All of the above
Answer: E
All of the choices should be formally written and documented.
Key takeaway: Formal written documentation is a way of covering yourself, but
also articulating the importance of a request or task. For instance, a formal request
for more resources must be taken seriously be a senior manager. In organization,
there are constant informal requests for more resources. I"m overworked or If
we only had another guy on this team are common refrains but generally
ignored. A written request says I"m serious, this project needs more for us to get
it done.
Question: 160
A _____________ is a document or collection of notes or diagrams that is used
by the Business Analyst to organize and analyze requirements.
A. work structure
B. formal deliverable
C. work product
D. informal deliverable
Answer: C
A work product is a document or collection of notes or diagrams that is used by
the Business Analyst to organize and analyze requirements.
Key Takeaway: Work products are all documents that are generated in the course
of requirements gathering. Work products can be meeting agendas and minutes,
interview questions and notes, issues logs, work plans, and status reports. Work
products can be both deliverables that are given to stakeholders or non-
deliverables shared by project team members.
Question: 161
The typical requirements document reviewer can be an IT architect, an executive
sponsor, and a _____________ who understand the business area from a high
level and can review process hierarchies and diagrams.
A. human resources manager
B. financial analyst
C. business area manager
D. IT sponsor
Answer: C
The typical requirements document reviewer can be an IT architect, an executive
sponsor, and a Business Area Manager who understand the business area from a
high level and can review process hierarchies and diagrams.
Key Takeaway: A Business Area Manager is an important requirements
document reviewer as he or she can understand the business area from a high
level and provide expert understanding of business processes. For example, if an
educational project is under review, then a Business Area Manager from the
education and training department is essential at a requirements document review.
The insights from such a manager are important not only to complete an accurate
requirements document but to propose viable business solutions.
Question: 162
Quality Assurance analysts are essential members of any requirements document
review because they are highly trained and experienced in detecting
______________ and _______________.
A. causes; effects
B. growth; shrinkage
C. profits; losses
D. inconsistencies; inaccuracies
Answer: D
Quality Assurance analysts are essential members of any requirements document
review because they are highly trained and experienced in detecting
inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
Key Takeaway: Quality Assurance analysts provide a critical reviewing role in
any requirements document review. As they are trained and experienced in
detecting inconsistencies and inaccuracies in any document, they will be
instrumental in uncovering any leaps of logic, missing information, and vague
descriptions of requirements. Given the uniform nature of requirements gathering,
a Quality Assurance analyst is important in detecting those requirements that fall
short in completion and clarity.
Question: 163
FedEx Kinko"s hires a team of Business Analysts for a period of over a year to
document IT infrastructure requirements. After the requirements review session,
the lead Business Analyst delivers the following as outputs EXCEPT
_____________.
A. agreed amendments and additions
B. actions for Business Analysts
C. identities of project stakeholders
D. requests for clarifications from business users
Answer: C
FedEx Kinko"s hires a team of Business Analysts for a period of over a year to
document IT infrastructure requirements. After the requirements review session,
the lead Business Analyst delivers the following as outputs: agreed amendments
and additions, actions for Business Analysts, and requests for clarifications from
business users.
Key Takeaway: The outputs from a requirements review session include several
actionable items for Business Analysts and business users. Amendments and
additions to the requirements are the responsibility of the Business Analysts to
make. Business users, on the other hand, are asked to clarify any vague and
incomplete descriptions of requirements that have been submitted.
Question: 164
While a Business Analyst is not usually involved in ____________ a design
solution, he or she is responsible for _______________ the design solution to
business stakeholders.
A. implementing; communicating
B. communicating; implementing
C. writing; implementing
D. implementing; outsourcing
Answer: A
While a Business Analyst is not usually involved in implementing a design
solution, he or she is responsible for communicating the design solution to
business stakeholders.
Key Takeaway: Business Analysts are not typically involved in implementing a
design solution; this task is the responsibility of Business Area Managers and
Business Area Workers. However, Business Analysts are responsible for the
accurate and complete communication of design solutions to business
stakeholders. As Business Analysts are the most knowledgeable in the
requirements compilation, proposed solutions based on these requirements are
best communicated by them.
Question: 165
One of the important considerations of business solutions that a Business Analyst
makes is the users of the proposed solution. A Business Analyst must capture the
_____________ which are the processes that involve the user class.
A. locations
B. functions
C. numbers
D. tasks
Answer: B
One of the important considerations of business solutions that a Business Analyst
makes is the users of the proposed solution. A Business Analyst must capture the
functions which are the processes that involve the user class.
Key Takeaway: Identifying how user classes will use the proposed business
solutions is the responsibility of the Business Analyst. For example, if clients are
a class of users who will be instrumental in a new IT interface, the processes or
functions which involve them must be clearly captured and described. In other
words, the Business Analyst must clarify how the steps that the new interface will
require of these clients for their business needs.
Question: 166
Harvard University"s administrators are concerned that the liberal arts faculties
are not contemporized enough. They wish to replace existing software with a
client server application. Their Business Analysts must capture the ____________
of their user class in order to design an interface that would best support their
needs.
A. mood
B. number of computers available
C. fields
D. characteristics
Answer: D
Harvard University"s administrators are concerned that the liberal arts faculties
are not contemporized enough. They wish to replace existing software with a
client server application. Their Business Analysts must capture the characteristics
of their user class in order to design an interface that would best support their
needs.
Key Takeaway: The characteristics of a business solution user class are an
important determinant in how it is designed and implemented. For example, if the
user class is mainly non-technical, then design solutions will be matched to their
business needs. If a user class is mainly technical such as those working in a
software company, then design solutions will be more technically complex.
Question: 167
In the solutions design stage of a project, a Business Analyst will ____________
the requirements to the design.
A. document
B. map
C. draw
D. gather
Answer: B
In the solutions design stage of a project, a Business Analyst will map the
requirements to the design.
Key Takeaway: When preparing solutions based on requirements, a Business
Analyst will map the requirements to the proposed solution to clarify the
complexity and priority of each requirement to the solution. For example, if one
of the requirements is to update and automate the financial tracking system of the
company, it will be mapped to the purchase and installation of new software and
prioritized at the highest level. Other requirements could be the training of staff
on the software and the development of user manuals. Those will also be mapped
to the solution but may be ranked lower in priority and complexity.
Question: 168
Catherine"s team of Business Analysts is reviewing the quality of service
requirements of their proposed solutions to a client. They agree that
____________ will NOT affect the design solution proposed.
A. system performance
B. operational needs such as reliability and maintainability
C. the cost of developing the solution
D. legal constraints and security considerations
Answer: C
Catherine"s team of Business Analysts is reviewing the quality of service
requirements of their proposed solutions to a client. They agree that the cost of
developing the solution will NOT affect the design solution proposed.
Key Takeaway: Quality of service requirements are those physical, technical, and
operational requirements that affect the solution proposed by Business Analysts.
System performance and operational needs such as reliability and maintainability
are technical requirements that must be considered when developing a solution.
Legal constraints and securing considerations also impact the solution proposed.
Question: 169
Business and technical requirements gathered by Business Analysts can be traced
to system design features through ________ mapping tools
A. traceability
B. reliability
C. maintainability
D. validity
Answer: A
Business and technical requirements gathered by Business Analysts can be traced
to system design features through traceability mapping tools.
Key Takeaway: Traceability mapping tools are an important way to trace
requirements to design features that fulfill them. For example, if a requirement is
to automate a system, design features that provide this automation will be traced
directly to the requirement. Typically, a matrix such as a table is used to trace
requirements to design features. In a complex matrix, a Business Analyst can also
add prioritization to the design features that will fulfill the requirement.
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The Graduate College will enhance graduate experiences by providing opportunities for professional development.
Objective 1: The UD Graduate College, in collaboration with partners from within and outside the institution, will build data- and outcome-driven, integrated and holistic graduate professional development resources that help graduate students and postdocs thrive during their time on campus and beyond. Upon completing their training at UD, our students and postdocs will have acquired the following competencies:
- leadership and management
- effective communication
- teaching and mentoring
- personal growth and wellbeing
- career navigation
Objective 2: The Graduate College will inspire, educate and empower graduate students and postdocs in their career journeys.
Immediate (AY21-22)
- Objective 1 - Develop a leadership certificate program with specific tracks for graduate students to prepare them for diverse, global working communities by collaborating with the Women’s Leadership Initiative, Blue Hen Leadership Program, Professional and Continuing Studies, cultural clubs, identity-based student organizations, and other campus units as needed.
- Objective 1 - Offer grant-writing workshops to help increase graduate students’ pursuit of and competitiveness for internal and external funding opportunities.
- Objective 1 - Develop training and resources to help academic departments launch graduate student peer-to-peer mentoring programs where senior graduate student mentors provide support and guidance to first-year graduate students.
- Objective 1 - Continue to provide graduate students and postdocs Accelerate to Industry™ (A2i) Job Search Strategies workshops as career exploration programming and an option to engage with prospective industry partners.
- Objective 1 - Cultivate partnerships with academic departments, UD offices and employers to create experiential learning experiences for graduate students.
- Objective 1 - Enhance connections between doctoral students and doctoral alumni by launching and managing a pilot Grad LEAP alumni mentoring program.
- Objective 1 - Establish postdoctoral leadership fellow positions to help build a postdoc community. The fellows will create opportunities for postdocs to connect with one another through National Postdoc Appreciation Week events, postdoc Slack channel, and community-building events throughout the year.
- Objective 1 - Develop and manage a tiered teaching certificate program for graduate students and postdocs that includes courses such as inclusive teaching practices, understanding and identifying implicit bias, Title IX, campus climate, and the history of racism and DEI practices at UD.
- Objective 2 - Support career development of graduate students and postdocs by providing 1-on-1 career assistance to help them navigate the job search process and prepare effective application materials.
- Objective 2 - Promote employment opportunities from employer partners to focus on academic departments within UD and A2i academic partner institutions.
Mid-Term (AY21-22 to AY23-24)
- Objective 1 - Organize and host events and programs, such as the Three-Minute Thesis, to create opportunities for students and postdocs to translate their graduate-level skills and communicate their scholarly activities to a broad range of audiences.
- Objective 1 - Collaborate with UD’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Writing Center and Research Office to offer training on book and article writing to enhance students’ publishing skills.
- Objective 1 - Develop a visual, digital and social media communication certificate program in collaboration with Professional and Continuing Studies to help graduate students and postdocs present and promote their research and professional experiences in multimedia and multiplatform applications.
- Objective 1 - Provide support and community to graduate students from traditionally underserved and marginalized populations through collaborative partnerships with campus units and match students with peers, faculty and staff.
- Objective 1 - Curate online resources for graduate students and postdocs to help them navigate advisor-advisee relationships.
- Objective 1 - Co-develop a comprehensive personal development and wellbeing program with campus partners to provide a full year of events on courses that enhance graduate student experiences.
- Objective 1 - Coordinate with Professional and Continuing Studies, colleges and academic affairs units to develop credit and noncredit (transcript notation) graduate-level certificate programs to help graduate students and postdocs acquire high-demand skills.
- Objective 2 - Continue to conduct focus groups and surveys with diverse groups of graduate students to receive feedback/perception about current services and make recommendations about future offerings. Focus on BIPOC and URM students to create career and professional development programs and resources tailored to these students.
- Objective 2 - Develop and standardize the use of doctoral and master’s student Individual Development Plans across all graduate programs to help students define and achieve their academic and professional goals.
- Objective 2 - Create and market a portfolio of on- and off-campus learning opportunities for high-demand skills to boost transferable skills, enrich our graduates' lives and increase their employability.
Long-Term (AY21-22 to AY25-26)
- Objective 1 - In collaboration with the Career Center, Lerner Career Services and ISSS, further determine the needs of international students within each college concerning transitioning to U.S. culture, wellness, and professional development and career success. Co-develop responsive programs and funding opportunities within and across colleges.
- Objective 1 - Create a framework and training for the Career Ambassadors Program to (1) help raise awareness of professional and career development opportunities offered by the Graduate College and (2) develop tailored programming that meets the needs of the specific student population.
- Objective 2 - Fundraise to expand graduate student professional success awards supporting training, professional development, conference participation and internship or research grants.
- Objective 2 - Develop the syllabus and create content for the Graduate Student Career Management Course in Canvas to provide career development resources and interactive career skill-building activities and track student engagement level over the course of their graduate training.
- Objective 2 - Showcase graduate students and postdocs who have previously won external grants and fellowships on the Graduate College website to create a learning community of peers that can provide guidance and feedback on grant applications.
For Overall Professional Development
- Percentage of stakeholders who utilize professional development resources or are engaged with the professional development team via program requests or participating in one of the initiatives.
- Percentage of stakeholders who are satisfied with professional development resources (by degree programs, disciplines and demographics).
- Students (by degree programs, disciplines and demographics)
- Graduate student organizations
- Chairs and program directors
- Graduate program coordinators
For Leadership and Management Competency
- Leadership certificate is in place by December 2022.
- Number of graduate students participating in leadership certificate broken down by demographic, degree program, college and discipline.
For Teaching and Mentoring Competency
- Higher education teaching certificate is in place by September 2022.
- Number of graduate students participating in the higher education teaching certificate program broken down by demographic, degree program, college and discipline.
- Percentage of graduate students who strongly agree UD prepared them to be an effective teacher in a postsecondary education setting.
For Career Navigation Competency
- Percentage of graduate students who strongly agree UD prepared them to successfully lead and manage people and projects.
- Percentage of graduate students who are confident they will graduate with the skills and knowledge to be successful a) in the job market and b) in the workplace (measure in first year and at graduation).
- Percentage of graduate students who strongly agree they are confident in their abilities to succeed in a global workplace and with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and ideas.
- Percentage of graduate students who believe their graduate programs will lead to a good job within their discipline (measure in first year and at graduation).
- Percentage of graduate students who strongly agree they are confident about their career direction.
- Percentage of graduates indicating a high level of career and personal success five and 10 years after graduation as measured by their wellbeing, employment metrics and satisfaction.
- Percentage of graduate students receiving career advice, mentorship, job shadowing experiences, and internship and job search assistance from UD graduate program alumni before graduation.
- Percentage of recent graduate student alumni who circle back to provide career advice, mentorship, job shadowing experiences, and internship and job search assistance to current students due to the value of support they received while in their programs.
- Percentage of graduate students who strongly agree UD provides an expansive and relevant network of employers and alumni to engage for internship opportunities, jobs and career guidance.
- Percentage of graduate students completing internships, field experiences, job shadowing, clinical experiences and faculty-supervised research.
- Number of colleges and academic departments with structured alumni networks in place to support graduate students and departmental initiatives.
- Percentage of academic departments and programs utilizing Individual Development Plans as part of their advising programs and percentage of doctoral and master’s students actively using their plans.
For Communication Competency
- Increased success in students securing competitive internal and external funding and awards as measured by:
- Percent of doctoral students with year-round funding in their first five years.
- Number of competitive awards given for travel, language courses, project supplies and other enrichment resources.
- Number of students applying for and winning internal and external grants and fellowships.
- Achieve equity in students pursuing and securing internal and external funding opportunities based on race, ethnicity and other demographics. Measured by tracking the number of funding opportunities graduate students applied to and awarded and analyze the data based on various demographics.
- Percentage of graduate students who strongly agree that they are confident in their ability to understand and articulate their skills, experiences, research and academic or professional goals in writing, online and verbally.
- Percentage increase in graduate students with published articles within three years of graduation.
For Personal Growth and Wellbeing Competency
- Number of programs, events or workshops on the courses of wellness, mental health and personal growth.
- Percentage of graduate students who strongly agree that UD is committed to their wellness, mental health and personal growth.
- Number of graduate students participating in Grad LEAP broken down by demographic, degree program, college and disciplines.
- Number of graduate alumni participating in Grad LEAP broken down by demographic, degree program, college and disciplines.
- Number of academic departments participating in or utilizing peer-to-peer mentoring resources.
The W&M Student Insurance Plan is in compliance with the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements and the 2022-2023 policy is a high level Gold plan with actuarial value of 85.910%. The Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan designed especially for the students of William & Mary is intended to provide health care coverage at a reasonable price for professional services obtained both from and outside the Student Health Center. The 2023-2024 annual student premium is $3,565 ($1,490 for the fall coverage period [08/01/23-12/31/23] and $2,075 for the Spring/Summer coverage period [01/01/2024-07/31/2024]).
The plan, underwritten by UnitedHealthCare Insurance Company, is for a full twelve months and is effective from August 1 to July 31 each year. The plan provides 24-hour coverage, anywhere in the United States and while traveling abroad. This plan may pay in addition to other insurance coverage you may have or when an out-of-state HMO may not provide coverage and may help cover deductibles or unpaid balances not covered by other insurance. Students with limited out-of-area coverage or otherwise inadequate coverage in the Williamsburg area are strongly encouraged to consider this plan.
For specific information about the benefits available, coverage offered, exclusions and limitations or other plan information, review the current policy documents and plan brochure available under Student Insurance Forms & Documents and on W&M's UHCSR page.
If you already have coverage through the W&M-sponsored Student Insurance Plan, you can login to MyAccount to manage your health coverage online.
Zoho CRM Free Plan Pricing
There is a free version available for Zoho CRM, which supports up to three users and never expires. This gives small teams with a limited budget access to core CRM resources like lead and contact management.
The free edition lacks some of the more advanced capabilities that larger and growing organizations require, and teams are forced to upgrade when they need to add more than three users to their accounts. Here are the main Zoho CRM features that teams can take advantage of at no cost:
- Lead management
- Contact management
- Deal management
- Activity tracking
- Account management
- Document management
- Task reminders
- Recurring activities
- Standard reports
- 10 custom email templates
- Marketing campaigns
- Visitor tracking Zoho SalesIQ integration
- APIs
- Basic integrations with Zoho apps
- Basic automations
Zoho CRM Standard Plan Pricing
The Standard plan costs $14 per user per month with annual billing and $20/user per month with monthly billing. This plan supports an unlimited number of users, and there is a 15-day free trial available to try it out before committing. There is 1 GB of file storage offered with the Standard plan, plus an additional 512 MB per user license.
This plan is the most basic of all the paid Zoho CRM plans, so it may not be the best for larger teams that have more advanced needs, though it does offer more capabilities than the free version. Here are some of the additional features you’ll find in the Standard Zoho CRM plan:
- Sales forecasting
- Calendar booking
- Multi-currency support
- Social media integration
- Lead scoring
- Gmail add-on
- Mass emailing
- Email insights
- Custom fields
- 2 free data backups/month
- Custom reporting and dashboards
Zoho CRM Professional Plan Pricing
Zoho CRM’s Professional plan is $23 per user per month or $35 per user per month with annual and monthly billing, respectively. Organizations can add an unlimited number of users to this plan and enjoy a 15-day free trial to get started. Like the Standard plan, there is 1 GB of file storage included with the Professional plan and an extra 512 MB for each additional user.
This plan offers more advanced functionality than the Standard plan, but organizations must still price up to access more robust automation and AI features. Most notably, this plan includes Zoho CRM’s Blueprint process management feature, which organizations can use to track all stages of their sales process, in addition to these main features:
- Motivator gamification tool
- SaleSignals
- Schedule mass email
- Inventory management
- Customer support features
Zoho CRM Enterprise Plan Pricing
The Enterprise plan from Zoho CRM costs $40 per user per month for an annual contract and $50 per user per month for monthly billing, though there’s a 15-day free trial available to test out the features before committing. File storage included in the Enterprise plan includes 1 GB plus an additional 1 GB per user license, and the plan supports unlimited users.
Given the more advanced features, the Enterprise plan is one of the CRM platform’s most popular for tracking sales activities and streamlining workflows. The plan essentially includes access to all platform features and is a well-priced and comprehensive tool for large organizations with these standout features:
- Zia AI assistant
- Territory-based forecasts
- Advanced workflow features
- Custom modules
- Multiple lead scoring rules
- Segmentation capabilities
- Advanced analytics
- Email autoresponder
Zoho CRM Ultimate Plan Pricing
The highest-tier plan available from Zoho CRM is the Ultimate plan, which costs $52 per user per month for an annual contract and $65 per user per month for month-to-month billing. Like each of the other paid Zoho CRM plans, there is a 15-day free trial available to get started, unlimited users and includes the same file storage limits as the Enterprise plan.
While this is the most expensive plan that Zoho CRM offers, it includes expanded capabilities and functions for many features that are included in the Enterprise plan. So, it’s likely the best fit for large organizations. Here are some of the notable features of the Ultimate Zoho CRM plan.
- 50 currencies supported
- 50 lead scoring criteria/module
- Anomaly detector for 20+ trends
- 2000/day mass emailing capacity
- Advanced Zia capabilities
- Greater security features
What Is a Solo 401(k)?
The 401(k) plan has gained popularity among small business owners ever since 2001 when some changes to federal tax law made it a better and more flexible choice for their needs compared with some other retirement savings options. These 401(k) plans are known as solo 401(k) or self-employed 401(k) plans.
Key Takeaways
- A solo 401(k) plan—also called a self-employed 401(k)—is for businesses whose only eligible participants in the plan are its owners (and spouses).
- These plans are often less complicated and cost less to set up.
- If you have non-owner employees, they must not meet the eligibility requirements you select for the plan.
- There are two components to a solo 401(k) plan: employee elective-deferral contributions and profit-sharing contributions.
- A solo 401(k)s may also offer loans, doesn’t require nondiscrimination testing, and allows for the deduction of plan contributions of up to 25% of eligible compensation.
How the Solo 401(k) Works
Solo 401(k)s are a retirement savings option for small businesses whose only eligible participants in the plan are the business owners (and their spouses if they are also employed by the business). It can be a smart way for someone who is a sole proprietor or an independent contractor to set aside a decent-sized nest egg for retirement.
Not content with the federal acronym, various financial institutions have their own names for the solo 401(k) plan. The independent 401(k) is one of the most generic. Other examples include:
- The Individual(k)
- Solo 401(k) or Solo-k
- Uni-k Plan
- One-Participant k
- Self-Employed 401(k)
If you are not sure which name your financial service provider uses, ask about the 401(k) plan for small business owners. The IRS provides a handy primer on such plans.
Who Is Eligible for Solo 401(k) Plans?
A common misconception about the solo 401(k) is that it can be used only by sole proprietors. In fact, the solo 401(k) plan may be used by any small businesses, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships. The only limitation is that the only eligible plan participants are the business owners and their spouses, provided they are employed by the business.
A person who works for one company (in which they have no ownership) and participates in its 401(k) can also establish a solo 401(k) for a small business they run on the side, funding it with earnings from that venture. However, the aggregate annual contributions to both plans cannot collectively exceed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-established maximums.
How to Set Up a Solo 401(k) Plan
For small business owners who meet certain requirements, most financial institutions that offer retirement plan products have developed truncated versions of the regular 401(k) plan for use by business owners who want to adopt the solo 401(k).
As a result, less complex documentation is needed to establish the plan. Fees may also be relatively low. Make sure to receive the proper documentation from your financial services provider.
As noted above, the solo 401(k) plan may be adopted only by businesses in which the only employees eligible to participate in the plan are the business owners and eligible spouses. For eligibility purposes, a spouse is considered an owner of the business, so if a spouse is employed by the business, you are still eligible to adopt the solo 401(k).
If your business has non-owner employees who are eligible to participate in the plan, your business may not adopt the solo 401(k) plan. Therefore, if you have non-owner employees, they must not meet the eligibility requirements you select for the plan, which must remain within the following limitations.
You may exclude nonresident aliens from a solo 401(k) who receive no U.S. income and those who receive benefits under a collective-bargaining agreement.
Solo 401(k) Eligibility Requirements
Setting the wrong eligibility requirements could result in you being excluded from the plan or non-owner employees being eligible to participate in the plan.
For example, say you elect zero years of service as a requirement to participate, but you have five seasonal employees who work fewer than 1,000 hours each year. These employees would be eligible to participate in the plan because they meet the age and service requirements. Consequently, their eligibility would disqualify your business from being suitable to adopt the solo 401(k) plan. Instead, you could adopt a regular 401(k) plan.
Some solo 401(k) products, by definition, require further exclusions. Before you decide to establish a solo 401(k) plan, be sure to check with your financial services provider regarding its provisions.
Contribution Requirements
For 401(k) employee elective-deferral contributions you may require an employee to perform one year of service before becoming eligible to make elective-deferral contributions.
For profit-sharing contributions, you may require an employee to perform up to two years of service in order to be eligible to receive profit-sharing contributions. However, most solo 401(k) plans will limit this requirement to one year.
For plan purposes, an employee is considered to have performed one year of service if they work at least 1,000 hours during the year. While you may generally choose to require fewer than 1,000 hours under a regular qualified plan, most solo 401(k) plans include a hard-coded limit of 1,000 hours.
Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits
There are two components to the solo 401(k) plan: employee elective-deferral contributions and profit-sharing contributions.
Employee Contribution Limits
You may make a salary-deferral contribution of up to 100% of your compensation but no more than the annual limit for the year. For 2023, the limit is $22,500 (increasing to $23,000 for 2024), plus $7,500 for people age 50 or over for both years.
Employer Contribution Limits
The business may contribute up to 25% of your compensation (calculations are required in the case of the self-employed) but no more than $66,000 for 2023 ($69,000 for 2024). An employee aged 50 or above can still contribute an additional $7,500 for 2023 and 2024.
Other 401(k) Plans
In comparison with other popular retirement plans, the solo 401(k) plan has high contribution limits as outlined above, which is the key component that attracts owners of small businesses. Some other retirement plans also limit the contributions by employers or set lower limits on salary-deferred contributions.
The following is a summary of contribution comparisons for the employer plans generally used by small businesses.
| Account | Elective Deferral | Maximum Employer Contribution | Catch-Up Contribution |
| Solo 401(k) | $22,500 for 2023 $23,000 for 2024 | 25% of compensation or 20% in the case of a sole proprietor or a Schedule C taxpayer | $7,500 for both 2023 and 2024 |
| SEP IRA | Not Allowed | 25% of compensation or 20% of modified net profit for unincorporated business owners | Not Allowed |
| Profit-Sharing or Money-Purchase Pension Plan | Not Allowed | 25% of compensation or 20% of modified net profit for unincorporated business owners | Not Allowed |
| SIMPLE IRA | $15,500 for 2023 $16,000 for 2024 | 3% of compensation/income | $3,500 for both 2023 and 2024 |
Contributions Example
As mentioned earlier, you may make employee elective-deferral contributions of up to 100% of your compensation but no more than the elective-deferral limit for the year. Profit-sharing contributions are limited to 25% of your compensation (or 20% of your modified net profit if your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership).
The total solo 401(k) contribution is the employee elective-deferral contribution plus the profit-sharing contribution—up to $66,000 for 2023 and 69,000 for 2024.
If your business is a corporation, the profit-sharing contribution is based on the W-2 wages you receive. If you receive $70,000 in W-2 wages, for instance, your profit-sharing contribution could be up to $17,500 ($70,000 x 25%). When added to a salary-deferral contribution of $19,000, the total would be $36,500.
If your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership, the calculation gets a little more involved. In this case, your profit-sharing contribution is based on your modified net profit and is limited to 20%. The IRS provides a step-by-step formula for determining your modified net profit in IRS Publication 560.
Other Benefits of a Solo 401(k)
There are a number of other benefits that come with the Solo 401(k).
Loans
As with other qualified plans, you may be able to borrow from the solo 401(k) up to (1) the greater of $10,000 or 50% of the balance or (2) $50,000, whichever is less. Check the plan document to determine if any other limitations apply.
5500 Filing May Not Be Required
Because the plan covers only the business owner, you may not be required to file Form 5500 series return unless your balance exceeds $250,000.
No Nondiscrimination Testing
Generally, certain nondiscrimination testing must be performed for 401(k) plans. These tests ensure that the business owners and higher-paid employees do not receive an inequitably high amount of contribution when compared with lower-paid employees.
Such tests can be very complex and may require the services of an experienced plan administrator, which can be costly. Because the solo 401(k) plan covers only the business owner, there is no one against whom you can discriminate, so these tests are not required.
Deducting Contributions
Similar to other employer plans, the solo 401(k) allows you to deduct plan contributions of up to 25% of eligible compensation. For plan purposes, compensation is limited to $330,000 in 2023 and $345,000 in 2024. Earnings over that amount are disregarded for plan purposes.
Can I Have a 401(k) for My LLC?
Yes, any business is able to set up a 401(k). If you are self-employed, you can create a solo 401(k) as a limited liability company (LLC)—assuming you meet all the other eligibility requirements.
What Is the Minimum Number of Employees Needed for a 401(k)?
A business of any size can offer a 401(k) plan. A solo 401(k) is for business owners with no employees.
How Much Can a Small Business Owner Contribute to a 401(k)?
The maximum contribution for a small business owner to a 401(k) for 2023 is $66,000 ($73,500 if you’re 50 or older)—which includes contributions as the employee and employer. For 2024, the contribution limit is $69,000, and $76,500 if you are 50 or older.
The Bottom Line
If you own more than one business, you must check with your tax professional to determine whether you are eligible to adopt the solo 401(k). Ownership in another business that covers employees other than the business owner could result in your being ineligible for this type of plan.
For a complete business plan, a professional business plan consultant will typically charge between $5,000 and $20,000 (although $50,000 may be justified in some cases). The low end refers to "simple" businesses like a pizza parlor, a small retail store, a hair salon, and so on.
can pect to pay? For a complete business plan, a professional business plan consultant will typically charge between $5,000 and $20,000 (although $50,000 may be justified in some cases).
We charge INR 21,000 for our tailored Business Plan. The cost may increase depending on the complexity of the business and financial model, the need for market research, and the target audience.
The person or people in charge of putting the plan into action should be heavily involved in the planning process. Some people hire consultants to draft the plan, while others have their employees do so. You must be involved in the plan's development if you are to be held accountable for the decisions that will be made based on it.
Can you pay someone to do a business plan?
You've come to the right place if you need someone to write a business plan for you. You can create your business plan more quickly and expertly by hiring a business plan consulting firm.
Can someone write my business plan?
An individual who is capable of developing a business plan can also develop a business. The content, specifics, milestones, scalability, defensibility, financial projections, and leadership team all play a role in determining whether a plan is good or not. It's not about the way you write or the way you format your documents.
What are the 4 types of business plans?
There are roughly four different types of business plans. Miniplans, presentation decks, working plans, and what-if plans are all examples of short plans. They all necessitate vastly different levels of effort, and the results aren't always proportionately different.
How do you create a business plan?
How do you write a simple business plan?
Why is it important to create a business plan?
A good business plan not only helps entrepreneurs focus on the specific steps they need to take to make their business ideas succeed, but it also helps them achieve short- and long-term goals.
How much does it cost to start a business UK?
With the average cost of starting a business in the United Kingdom being around £12,600, you may need to secure funding for your new business. You can do this in a number of ways: Bank loan: Many major banks offer unsecured loans of up to £250,000 with terms ranging from one to fifteen years.
How much does starting a business cost?
U.S. data indicates that. most home-based franchises cost $2,000 to $5,000 to start, while most microbusinesses cost about $3,000. While each type of business has its own set of financing requirements, experts have some pointers to help you determine how much money you'll need.
How long does it take to complete a business plan?
Depending on the complexity of your plan, finances, and business ideas, researching and writing your business plan could take anywhere from a month to a year. Experts also recommend that business plans range in length from 38 to 50 pages to 80 to 100 pages, depending on the specifics and needs of the company.
How much does a business proposal cost?
How much should you budget for? Professional business plan consultants generally charge between $5,000 and $20,000 for a complete business plan (although $50,000 might be justified in some cases). Smaller businesses, such as pizza shops, small retail stores, hair salons, etc., fall into the low end category.
How much should a proposal cost?
Proposal costs usually run between 3% and 5% of the contract value as a general rule. However, you can only discover what it takes to write proposals at your firm by scrupulously tracking
How much is a business proposal in South Africa?
Currently, the price range for a comprehensive business plan is between R 4000 and R 15,000.
How much it costs a business plan?
The cost of a business plan, on the other hand, will vary greatly. A full business plan can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the consultant. You can expect costs to range from $25,000 to $50,000 for larger corporate projects.
Can I pay someone to write a business plan for me?
If you're a good writer, you can simply hire a consultant to guide and advise you, but you'll be doing the majority of the work yourself. In this case, you should think about hiring a consultant to help you with the business planning process and possibly even write the entire plan for you.
How do I write a business plan for myself?
How do I create a small business plan?
Can a business plan be personal?
There are some similarities between a personal business plan and an actual business plan, such as how it is guided by the same principles. You create a personal business plan to examine your personal objectives in terms of career, family, and financial growth.
Do you have to pay for a business plan?
Aside from that, you'll have to pay for a professional plan, and $100 will not suffice. If you truly require a business plan, set aside at least $50 per hour for it and be willing to participate equally in its creation.
How much do business plan writers make?
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
| Top Earners | $104,500 | $8,708 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,500 | $5,125 |
| Average | $58,626 | $4,885 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,000 | $2,833 |
What are examples of start up costs?
How much does it cost to start a business? Licensing and permits, insurance, office supplies, payroll, marketing, research, and utilities are all examples of startup costs.
What is preparing a business plan?
In preparation and use, it describes how the institution will track progress towards its goals and how it will organize its resources to achieve them. In order for a business plan to be successful, the organizers and management must put a lot of effort and planning into it.
Can I make money writing business plans?
Writing business plans for a living can achieve six-figure incomes per year. Joorney Business Plans, for example, has completed 250 business plans per year on average. If each plan costs $1,000 (and they almost certainly do), the company has made at least $250,000 per year.
What do business plan writers do?
Having a business plan writer/consultant who is an expert in business and finances can assist you in the creation of your business plan as well as do a great deal of the work involved in the process.
What are the basic steps to create a business plan?
What are start up costs?
The startup costs of a business arise from the process of establishing it from scratch. A business plan, research expenses, borrowing costs, and technology expenses are all part of the pre-opening startup costs. Advertising, promotion, and employee expenses are all part of the post-opening startup costs.
Introduction
If you're considering opening a restaurant, your first step should be writing a business plan. A well-written business plan can help you raise money, manage your restaurant and succeed. Here's what you need to know about writing one:
Executive Summary
An executive summary is a short but powerful document that can help you to get your point across quickly and effectively. Although it is usually the first section of a business plan, it should be the last piece written. It should be one page at maximum and clearly describe your business plan's critical points in a way that makes sense to anyone who reads it. The purpose of an executive summary is to convince potential investors or lenders that they will profit from investing in your restaurant idea, so avoid unimportant details or lengthy descriptions of how great your food tastes.
An excellent way to write an executive summary is by starting with an introduction paragraph that summarizes what the rest of your plan contains—this helps readers understand why they should continue memorizing further into the document. Then go into discussing why this particular project is worthwhile; why people need it. How will it benefit them? Next comes some background information about yourself: include any relevant experience or education related to running this business. Finally, end with future goals: where do you see yourself after opening the shop?
Here are some items to include in your restaurant business plan:
Concept Validation and Business Model Testing
Before you launch your business, it's important to validate your concept and test the viability of your business model. You can do this by conducting market research, talking with potential customers, and interviewing industry experts with similar business experiences. You can also test the viability of your plan by completing an "experience economy" analysis. That is, looking at ways people enjoy spending money on experiences rather than goods (such as dining out). For example, if people value experiences over material goods, opening a restaurant may be a good idea!
Labor Costs and Staffing Plan
Labor costs, including direct and indirect labor, are essential to your labor budget. Direct costs refer to wages paid directly to employees, while indirect expenses include benefits like healthcare coverage and payroll taxes. To calculate these figures, you'll need to estimate the number of full-time equivalents (FTE) positions you'll need and their average salaries. This calculation can be tricky because each restaurant has its unique staffing plan based on its size, location, cuisine type, and reputation among customers, not to mention any other factors that might affect staffing decisions (e.g., whether it's open 24/7).
The first step is deciding whether or not you want full-time staff or part-time workers who work only during peak times such as lunchtime rush hour or Friday night dinners out with friends at restaurants nearby yours. As tempting as it may seem, wait to write anything down until after memorizing through the following sections because several factors are explicitly related to determining how many people we'll need overall.
The Menu
You want your menu to be focused and simple. Try to add only a few items, as too many menu items may confuse customers, making it difficult for them to choose what they want.
If there are any "signature" items on your menu, include them first when listing off your offerings so that people know what kind of food you serve before even stepping inside the restaurant. Also, incorporating local ingredients into these specialties will help build community spirit around supporting local businesses.
Location
Site selection is a critical factor in your success. After conducting a comprehensive market study, the site selection is based on the data you discover to determine if your customers are in and frequent that area. David Simmonds, Founder and CEO of ResolutRE, a Commercial Real Estate firm in Austin, Texas, states: "More than ever, entrepreneurs opening a restaurant need to analyze what their own customers look like on paper (demographics, psychographics, etc.), so then when they are examining a market, they can find the highest concentration of their customers within that market. From that data, they are able to determine the number of restaurants that the market could support, and from there, create the blueprint for their expansion."
Your plan should describe your ideal location. Your chosen location must be close to your target market and similar businesses, such as restaurants or cafes. The site should also have high foot traffic and be accessible by car, bike, and public transportation. Simmonds goes on to say: "Analytics reinforces or disputes instincts. It is a necessary part of the expansion process, whether the restauranteur has 1 unit or 37.
Marketing Strategy
When developing your business plan, think about the marketing strategy you will use. Your plan should consider and explain the following marketing tactics:
- Advertising: You can use print or online ads on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Also, consider running commercials on local television stations.
- Public relations: This can include writing articles about your restaurant in local newspapers or magazines, hosting events at your restaurant (such as wine tastings), speaking at community events like Chamber of Commerce meetings with other business owners in the area, participating in charity events related to foodservice industries like Feeding America—the possibilities are endless! The idea is to get people talking about what makes YOU unique so they think of YOU first when ready for their next dine-out experience!
- Social media: Let's face it—most millennials don't even pick up the phone anymore; they prefer texting over talking face-to-face because it feels intimate somehow, and guess what? By interacting directly with customers through social media platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp (which allows users from all over the world access 24 hours per day, seven days per week), we can offer immediate customer service support during high-demand times such as weekend brunch hours without having employees sitting idle during slow periods throughout weekdays when traffic drops off significantly due the lack of demand generated elsewhere.
Profit and Return on Investment Analysis
- Profit is the difference between your sales revenue and your costs. To calculate it, you need to know the following:
- Sales revenue (how much money you expect to make from selling food)
- Cost of goods sold (the cost of ingredients and supplies)
- Other operating expenses (including labor, rent, and utilities)
The reader of your business plan should be able to find these numbers in your budgeting worksheet and financial projections spreadsheet.
Financial Plan
The financial plan is the most critical part of your business plan. It should clearly show how much money you need to start, run and grow your restaurant.
You will need to show a projected profit and loss statement. The projected profit and loss statement (P&L) shows how much revenue comes in, what expenses are incurred, and what profits are made over time. In addition, the P&L shows all revenue sources, including but not limited to sales of food/alcoholic beverages and income from private parties. It must also project all costs associated with operating the restaurant, such as Cost of Goods (raw materials) and salaries for employees - these include both front-of-house roles such as waiters or bartenders, as well as back-of-house roles like chefs who prepare food during off hours so it can be served fresh upon opening each day - cleaning supplies needed throughout each week, etc., depreciation costs associated with long term assets such as ovens that wear down over time and waste of unused food product.
Multi-Year Projections of Revenue and Costs
Accurate projections are the key to a successful business plan. They help you to understand how much money you will make and how much you will need to make it happen. Projections also help with understanding what your costs will be.
For example, if I were starting a restaurant today and wanted my business plan projections for opening day and going out one, three, and five years.
Then I would look at similar restaurants that serve similar foods, noting their prices, portion sizes, and any specialties they offer, such as breakfast all day or lunch specials every Friday during football season. This research of other restaurants will give you a basis for your projections. Include the documentation of this research in the narrative of the plan.
A Business Plan Is Your Road Map To Success.
A business plan can help you raise money by demonstrating that you have a viable idea for a restaurant. In addition, investors want to see that others are interested in investing in your vision, so they'll be more likely to give you money if they see other investors involved with it as well. An excellent example is when an investor wants to invest but only if another investor does first; this way, both parties feel comfortable investing because they know someone else believes in the project enough to put their own money into it too!
A well-written business plan helps manage restaurants by giving owners information about how much money will be coming in over time, so there aren't any surprises when bills come due every month - which could lead businesses into trouble if left unchecked."
Conclusion
This article has given some insights into how to write a business plan for opening a restaurant. Do your research and learn other aspects of good business plan writing. I know that it can be a lot of work, but I also know that the payoff is worth it. Not only will you have a better understanding of what it takes to open up shop and run it successfully but also potential investors will be more likely to fund your project if they see that you've done your research. And remember: don't be afraid to ask other restaurant owners for help or advice; many of them have been where you are now.
By participating in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, you save and ensure sufficient income for your retirement. However, many employees choose not to sign up and may be unaware of the benefits of these plans. We found three advantages of making salary-deferral contributions to employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s.
Key Takeaways
- Many employees don't participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans due to a lack of funds or are unaware of the benefits.
- Employees who participate benefit from lower taxable income and tax-deferred earnings growth.
- Many employers offer an employer match in which they match a percentage of an employee's contribution.
1. Reduce Your Taxable Income
Contributions to your employer-sponsored plan are commonly tax-deferred, where your annual taxable income is reduced by the amount you contribute. However, distributions at retirement are taxed, but you'll likely be in a lower tax bracket as a retiree.
If your tax filing status is "single," your taxable income for the year is $31,000, and you contribute $2,000 to your 401(k) account, your taxable income will be reduced to $29,000. For 2024, the annual individual contribution limit, set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to a 401(k) plan is $23,000. If you are 50 or older, you can make an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500.
2. Earn Tax-Deferred Growth
When saving with a tax-deferred retirement plan, investment earnings are also tax-deferred. You will not pay taxes on your interest or gains over the years, regardless of their value, until you withdraw from the plan at retirement.
3. Earn "Free Money"
Many employers include matching-contribution provisions in their company plans. If you do not participate and are not making salary-deferral contributions, you lose the benefits offered by your employer. Consider contributing up to the maximum amount your employer will match, or you may miss out on "free money." The matching funds also accrue earnings on a tax-deferred basis and are not taxed until you withdraw the amount from your retirement account.
401(k) Savings Example
John works for ABC Company, with a matching contribution of 50 cents on every dollar, up to a sum equal to 6% of each employee's compensation. John's compensation is $31,000, and 6% is $1,860.
If John contributes $2,000 from his paychecks throughout the year, John will receive an additional $1,000 contribution to his 401(k) account from ABC Company (50% of $2,000). If John wants to receive the maximum 6% of his compensation ($1,860) that ABC would contribute to his 401(k) account, John must contribute $3,720 per year.
Many employer plans require an employee to complete a certain number of years or vesting before the employer contributes matching funds to a 401(k).
Distributions and Withdrawals
When you retire, consider other income sources, such as Social Security, when deciding how much you want to withdraw from your retirement savings. Your total income will determine your overall tax rate for that year.
To withdraw from a qualified plan, a participant must be over age 59½ to begin withdrawing distributions from a 401(k). If a distribution is taken before the age of 59½, there will be penalties, including a 10% tax by the IRS on the amount distributed. Also, the distribution will count as taxable income, meaning it'll be taxed at the employee's marginal tax rate or income tax rate.
After age 73, you must begin distributing funds annually from a 401(k) as required minimum distributions (RMDs). The amount of the RMD is calculated by the IRS, based in part on your total retirement savings.
Adding IRAs to Your Retirement Plan
There are many benefits to making salary-deferral contributions to your employer-sponsored plan. If your employer does not offer a plan with such a feature, consider funding an individual retirement plan (IRA) instead.
An IRA doesn't have an employer-matching benefit, but you receive a tax deduction in the years you contribute money. Also, any earnings grow tax-free, and you're not taxed on the money until you withdraw it in retirement. Contribution limits are lower for IRAs versus 401(k)s. For 2024, it's $7,000, and those over 50 can contribute an extra $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.
If you have the option and can afford it, contribute to both an IRA and your employer-sponsored plan. Contributing to your retirement plan helps ensure a financially secure retirement. As always, consult with your tax professional for assistance in making decisions on financial matters.
What Are the 2 Main Types of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans?
The two main types of employer-sponsored retirement plans are defined-benefit and defined contribution. Defined-benefit plans are traditionally pension plans, where an individual receives a guaranteed monthly payment. A defined-contribution plan like a 401(k) does not offer a guaranteed monthly payment, and the account value can vary depending on market fluctuations.
What Is the Difference Between a 401(k) and a 403(b)?
401(k) and 403(b) plans are both defined-contribution retirement plans. The primary difference is that a 401(k) plan is offered to employees in the private sector working for for-profit companies, and a 403(b) plan is for employees in non-profit organizations and the government.
What Is the Contribution Limit for a 401(k) Plan?
The contribution limit for a 401(k) plan is $23,000 in 2024. An additional $7,500 is allowed if you are aged 50 or older.
The Bottom Line
Employer-sponsored retirement plans are a way to save for retirement and come with many benefits. The plans reduce your taxable income, investments grow tax-deferred, and you can get "free money" through employer matching contributions.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
If you recently made a big purchase with a Chase credit card, you might be wondering if it’s worth using My Chase Plan to put that purchase on an installment plan, where you make a number of smaller payments over a specific period of time. My Chase Plan lets you avoid the interest charges that would typically otherwise come with carrying a balance from month to month, but as you may have guessed, it’s not free—you’ll be charged a fixed monthly fee.
We’ll break down the specifics of My Chase Plan and help you decide if it’s right for you.
Find the Best Credit Cards for 2024
No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.
What Is My Chase Plan?
My Chase Plan is an installment plan option for Chase credit card customers, letting you split a big purchase into equal monthly payments. Think of it as a form of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). Competing BNPL plans offered by other card issuers include American Express Pay It® Plan It® and Citi Flex Pay.
Before you can create a plan, you’ll need to use your Chase credit card to buy an item. Once the transaction is posted, you can log on to your Chase account and create a payment plan. You may be able to choose from up to three different payment plans of varying durations.
Chase will assess a fee on your payment plan, which will vary depending on the purchase amount, the duration of the plan and additional factors. Until Dec. 31, 2022, there were no fees for the first My Chase Plan that a customer creates. However, there may be fees for any subsequent plans.
My Chase Plan is only available for purchases of $100 or more. If you’re seeking a BNPL plan for a purchase less than $100, a third-party provider like AfterPay or Affirm may be an option.
Chase fees, including annual fees and late fees, are not eligible for the program. Cash advances, disputed transactions and balance transfers are not eligible. Also, any purchases that are more than 90 days old do not qualify. And, if you have already paid part of the purchase, you may not be able to enroll it in a payment plan via My Chase Plan.
Customers will still earn rewards on transactions enrolled in My Chase Plan, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on points or miles if you pay in installments.
My Chase Plan is available with the following Chase credit cards:
- Aeroplan® Credit Card
- Chase Freedom (card closed to new applicants)
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Freedom Flex℠*
- Chase Freedom® Student credit card*
- Chase Sapphire (card closed to new applicants)
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Slate (not available for applications online)
- Chase Slate Edge℠
- Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card
- British Airways Visa Signature® Card
- Iberia Visa Signature® Card
- Disney® Visa® Card*
- Disney® Premier Visa® Card*
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card
- IHG Rewards Classic Credit Card (card closed to new applicants)
- IHG Rewards Select Credit Card (card closed to new applicants)
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- Instacart Mastercard®
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card*
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*
- Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card (card closed to new applicants)
- Marriott Bonvoy Premier Credit Card (card closed to new applicants)
- The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card (card closed to new applicants)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Employee Credit Card (open to Southwest Airlines employees)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- (card closed to new applicants)
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
- United MileagePlus Awards Card (card closed to new applicants)
- United MileagePlus Select Card (card closed to new applicants)
- United℠ Explorer Card
- United Gateway℠ Card
- United Presidential Plus Card (card closed to new applicants)
- United Quest℠ Card
How Does My Chase Plan Work?
When you log on to your Chase credit card account, click on the individual credit card you used to make the purchase. As you scroll down, you will see a list of transactions eligible to be put on a payment plan. Click on the purchase you want to create a plan for and then hit “Next.”
You will then see a list of possible options with the total monthly payment amount displayed. Chase’s payment terms range from three to 18 months, depending on the purchase amount, your credit history and other factors.
Customers can have up to 10 active plans at one time. If you have 10 payment plans, you will not be able to set up more until you pay off at least one of the plans.
You can pay off an installment plan ahead of schedule, and there are no prepayment fees. Once you finalize the plan, you will not be able to change the repayment term.
Customers don’t have to worry about making separate payments for My Chase Plan. Instead, Chase will add your payment to your minimum monthly payment. You’ll also have an option to pay the “interest saving balance” each month, which will let you stick to the repayment schedule for what’s on the payment plan, while avoiding interest charges on the balance not on a plan.
If you have a large purchase coming up but haven’t made it yet, you can access the My Chase Plan dashboard through your online account and click “Calculate a My Chase Plan.” This will let you get an estimate of what your payment plans for such a purchase might look like.
What Happens If I Miss a Payment?
Your payment plan will remain active even if you miss a payment, and Chase will tack the missed payment amount onto the following month’s minimum payment. Note that if you don’t finish paying off your entire purchase within the My Chase Plan timeline, the issuer can charge you a credit card late fee. You also risk damaging your credit score when you pay late.
My Chase Plan Fees
You won’t be charged interest for purchases that you put on a My Chase Plan. However, you will have to pay a fixed monthly fee.
The monthly fee you’ll pay for each My Chase Plan depends on a variety of factors—the amount of the purchase, how many months your plan allows before payment is complete and additional factors as well. While Chase’s website does not specifically state that your credit score impacts your monthly fee, it’s reasonable to assume if you have excellent credit and an impeccable payment history, that might help with getting a lower fee.
Chase also does not spell out how the monthly fees associated with My Chase Plan payments compare to the APR assessed for carrying a balance on your card normally. However, cardholders online have reported that if you need to finance a purchase, using a My Chase Plan can save you money compared with incurring interest charges at your regular purchase APR.
Is My Chase Plan Worth It?
To get an idea what a payment plan might look like for a purchase you’re considering, log on to your Chase account and navigate to the My Chase Plan dashboard. You will be able to estimate potential plans and fees before buying the item.
Because the fees will be displayed as a monthly amount, it will be difficult to compare them to an APR. If you always pay your card off in full each billing cycle, and thus avoid interest charges due to your grace period, doing that will save you money compared to paying a fee for a My Chase Plan. Similarly, if you’re currently taking advantage of a 0% APR offer on new purchases, then it’s better to charge the transaction normally and not create a My Chase Plan.
However, if you’re facing the prospect of carrying a balance for three or more months and incurring interest charges at your credit card’s regular APR, a My Chase Plan payment plan is worth considering—particularly if your card’s regular APR is high, such as 20% or more.
Bottom Line
In most situations, you’re probably best just to use your credit card normally and pay your balance in full every month. If you’re forced to finance a purchase of at least $100 over three or more months, a My Chase Plan could potentially be helpful.
However, a credit card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases could be an even better deal, offering a year or more of no interest, whereas a My Chase Plan will involve a monthly fee.
Whether you opt for a BNPL financing option such as My Chase Plan or a 0% APR credit card, don’t take it as an excuse to overspend. It’s crucial to finish paying off the purchase in full within the payment plan window—or, in the case of a 0% APR credit card, before the introductory period comes to an end. Otherwise, your big purchase could turn into a mountain of debt.
Find the Best Credit Cards for 2024
No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom® Student credit card, Disney® Visa® Card, Disney® Premier Visa® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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