When it comes to your retirement and employee benefits, one thing is certain—you’ve worked hard to earn them, and they deserve protection. That’s exactly what the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is designed to do.

At Clarity Financial, I help employers, employees, and organizations understand and navigate ERISA so that benefits are not only compliant with federal law but also set up to truly serve people’s futures.

This isn’t just about rules and regulations—it’s about making sure that the promises made to employees are promises kept.

What is ERISA and Why Was It Created?

ERISA, passed in 1974, was created to protect workers’ benefits—especially retirement plans like pensions and 401(k)s.

Before ERISA, many employees faced uncertainty. A company could run into financial trouble and suddenly—without warning—benefits they counted on could disappear. ERISA set out to change that by creating standards, safeguards, and accountability for benefit plans.

The Core Protections of ERISA

ERISA is about clarity, transparency, and trust—three things that align closely with the way I approach financial planning.

Here’s what ERISA ensures:

• Clear Communication – Plan administrators must provide participants with easy-to-understand information about their benefits, including funding, features, and rules.

• Fiduciary Responsibility – Those who manage the plan must act in the best interests of participants. If they fail to do so, they can be held personally liable.

• Right to Action – Employees have the legal right to challenge plan mismanagement and recover lost benefits.

• Pension Protection – For traditional pension plans, ERISA created the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), which steps in to cover certain benefits if a plan fails.

Who ERISA Protects—and Who It Doesn’t

ERISA primarily applies to private-sector employer benefit plans, covering retirement plans, health insurance, and other employee benefits.

It does not generally cover:

• Government plans

• Most church-based plans

• Plans maintained solely to comply with workers’ compensation or disability laws

If your plan isn’t covered under ERISA, it’s important to understand what protections you do—and don’t—have.

Why ERISA Matters to Employers and Employees

For employers, ERISA compliance isn’t optional—it’s the law. But it’s also a trust-building opportunity. Having a well-structured, ERISA-compliant plan tells your employees: We value your future, and we take our role as fiduciaries seriously.

For employees, ERISA means:

• Your benefits are clearly explained

• Your money is being managed prudently

• You have recourse if something goes wrong

How I Help You Navigate ERISA

With my background as a Financial Strategist, Registered Social Security Analyst, and licensed insurance agent, I work with both employers and individuals to ensure ERISA compliance and smart plan design.

For Employers:

• Plan design tailored to your organization’s size, goals, and budget

• Guidance on fiduciary responsibilities

• Ongoing plan management and compliance support

For Individuals:

• Helping you understand your benefits and rights under ERISA

• Coordinating retirement and insurance planning

• Advising on Social Security, Medicaid, and disability-related benefits

Why Work With an Independent Advisor?

As an independent (non-captive) agent, I’m not tied to a single company’s products. That means I have access to 200+ carriers and solutions. My only priority is finding what truly works for you—whether you’re an employer designing a benefits package or an employee securing your retirement plan.

Because I also bring personal experience—helping my own family navigate Medicare, Medicaid, and retirement planning—I understand the emotional weight behind financial decisions. I combine professional expertise with personal empathy.

The Bottom Line: ERISA is About Protection—and Clarity

At its heart, ERISA is about making sure you can count on the benefits you’ve been promised. Whether you’re an employer building trust with your team or an employee protecting your future, understanding ERISA is key.

At Clarity Financial, I make this process clear, compliant, and tailored to your needs—so you can focus on what matters most: living and working with confidence in your financial future.

If you’d like to review your current plan or explore ERISA-compliant options, I’m here to help. Let’s build a plan you can trust.