What is a Self-Directed Brokerage Account?

An SDBA is a feature within your employer retirement plan (401k, 403b, 457, or TSP) that lets you invest in thousands of mutual funds and ETFs beyond the standard fund lineup. Think of it as a brokerage window inside your retirement plan.

Does my plan offer an SDBA?

Many large employers and the federal TSP offer brokerage windows. Check with your plan administrator or HR department — or contact us and we'll help you find out.

What is the TSP Mutual Fund Window?

The TSP Mutual Fund Window is the federal government's version of an SDBA. It lets federal employees and military members invest in thousands of mutual funds beyond the standard G, F, C, S, and I funds. You need a minimum TSP balance to participate.

How much does an SDBA cost?

Typical costs include an annual maintenance fee ($28.75-$50/year is common), fund expense ratios (varies by fund), and potential trading fees. We analyze all costs to ensure your SDBA makes financial sense.

Is an SDBA right for everyone?

No. If your core plan lineup has strong, low-cost index funds and you're well-diversified, an SDBA may not add enough value to justify the fees. We'll evaluate your situation honestly — even if it means telling you don't need one.

Can my financial advisor manage my SDBA?

Yes — that's exactly what we do. Most advisors can't access your workplace plan. An SDBA creates a bridge that lets us professionally manage your retirement plan investments alongside your other accounts.

What's the minimum balance for an SDBA?

It varies by plan. The TSP Mutual Fund Window requires a minimum TSP balance (currently around $40,000). Corporate plans vary — some have no minimum, others require $5,000-$10,000.

How is this different from just rolling over to an IRA?

With an SDBA, your money stays in your employer plan (which may have institutional pricing, creditor protection, and unique loan provisions). A rollover removes the money entirely. Both have pros and cons — we help you decide which is better.

Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts

Your Retirement Plan Has More Options Than You Think

Professional SDBA Management.

Most employees are stuck choosing from 15-25 funds in their workplace retirement plan. A Self-Directed Brokerage Account unlocks access to thousands of mutual funds, ETFs, and investment options — but more choices without a strategy is just more ways to get it wrong.

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Investment Options

5,000+ Funds Unlocked

Typical Fee

$28.75/yr SDBA Fee

Management

100% Fiduciary Management

Common SDBA Problems

The challenges that drive employees to consider brokerage windows in their workplace retirement plans.

You're stuck with limited fund choices

Your employer's core lineup has 15-25 funds. Maybe a few target-date funds, a bond fund, and some index options. They're fine — but "fine" isn't a retirement strategy.

You want professional management inside your plan

You have an advisor for your IRA, but your 401(k) or TSP sits untouched because your advisor can't access it. An SDBA changes that.

You opened an SDBA but don't know what to buy

You unlocked the brokerage window, stared at 5,000+ funds, and froze. Or worse — you picked funds based on last year's returns and hoped for the best.

You're paying fees you don't understand

SDBA accounts come with annual maintenance fees, trading costs, and fund expense ratios. Without analysis, you could be paying more than you need to.

The Solution

Professional SDBA Management.
Strategy Over Selection.

SDBA Stats

Access & Management

Funds Available 5,000+

Annual Fee $28.75/yr

Standard Fiduciary

What We Provide

Complete SDBA Strategy

We evaluate whether an SDBA makes sense for your situation, build a custom portfolio from thousands of options, and provide ongoing professional management — all while coordinating with your core plan allocation.

Evaluate whether SDBA makes sense
Build custom portfolio from 5,000+ funds
Coordinate with core plan allocation
Analyze and minimize fees
Ongoing monitoring and rebalancing
Integrate with full retirement income plan

How It Works

Three Steps to SDBA Success

Strategic analysis before implementation.

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Step 1

Evaluate

Review your current plan, core fund lineup, and retirement goals to determine if an SDBA adds value.

Step 2

Build

Construct a custom SDBA portfolio to complement your core funds and align with your risk tolerance.

Step 3

Manage

Ongoing professional management — rebalancing, fund monitoring, fee tracking, and adjustments.

Common Questions

SDBA FAQ

Everything you need to know about Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts and professional management.

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Not Sure If an SDBA Is Right for You?

Every retirement plan is different. Schedule a complimentary visit to review your current options, analyze whether an SDBA adds value, and see how professional management can optimize your workplace retirement plan.