2025 Top Retirement Plan Adviser: Tina Schackman

This year, PLANADVISER followed up with advisers on the 2025 Top Retirement Plan Advisers listing to get to know them better. These are the responses from Tina Schackman of Benefit Financial Services Group in Irvine, California.

PLANADVISER: What does it take to be a successful retirement plan adviser in 2025?

Schackman: In one word: adaptability. With new technologies and products entering the market, an ever-changing regulatory landscape, fluctuating market conditions and a highly competitive advisory environment, advisers are forced to look at what’s working and what’s not working and adjust their practice accordingly. With new AI tools and financial wellness platforms coming to market, there will be a significant opportunity to streamline educational efforts and improve employee engagement, which I’m personally passionate about, and I’m excited to take to the next step.

PLANADVISER: What are the most challenging aspects of the job? What are the most enjoyable?

Schackman: The most challenging aspects of my job are staying on top of all the regulatory and legislative changes. Clients need their retirement plan adviser to be proactive, so staying on top of all the changes is a necessary part of the job in order to ensure they are following best practices and making prudent decisions.

The most enjoyable aspects of my job are knowing we can have a positive impact on someone’s life by helping them create a plan for their retirement and guiding them through their journey. I am always thrilled to hear when one of my clients is retiring, because it’s what we work, day in and day out, to help them achieve.

PLANADVISER: How do you foresee the retirement plan industry evolving in the coming decade? Will your practice look much the same in 10 years, or do you see significant evolution coming?

Schackman: I would expect significant changes to the retirement plan industry over the next 10 years. I can see more demand for personalized solutions, and I’m optimistic about the role retirement income solutions will play to help individuals effectively draw down their retirement accounts. BFSG is already looking at ways to enhance services and develop strategic partnerships to ensure we are ready for the changes that will be coming in the next decade.

PLANADVISER: For those plan sponsors looking for a new plan adviser, describe what makes your firm stand out.

Schackman: What sets BFSG apart from other plan advisers is our focus on education. We put education front and center with our clients to ensure our committees are up to speed on fiduciary education and trends, and their employees are receiving the financial education needed to reach their retirement goals.

Another key differentiator for BFSG is our team-based approach. We are able to bring the expertise of the entire firm to all of our clients due to our collaborative approach to our investment process and developing fiduciary best practices. BFSG has a highly experienced, credentialed team which includes professionals holding the CFA, CFP, AIF, CPFA and QKA designations. We also have a J.D. on staff to assist with compliance and regulatory support.

Finally, while most firms outsource their reporting services, all of BFSG’s services are done in-house so we can satisfy our clients’ unique needs with a high degree of customization.

Click to see the list of 2025 Top Retirement Plan Advisers

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