In today's hyper-charged financial environment, all of us are looking for ways to get the most out of our investments. Companies as well as individuals have an interest in making sure that their retirement plan is profitable, efficient and compliant with all regulations.
 The Retirement and Investment Division of STA Benefits, Ltd. can help businesses get the most out of their investment plan.
 "We act as a retirement plan manager for businesses," says Juan Alcantar, head of the Retirement and Investment Services. "We can start a new plan or thoroughly review your current plan, correcting and amending to make sure your company is compliant with all regulations."
 The current trend in managing company retirement accounts is toward more transparency when it comes to fees. STA Benefits, Ltd. can find hidden fees, and, in the process, Alcantar says, "We can save your company money."
 A graduate of UTPB and a Navy veteran, Alcantar holds a master's degree in personal financial planning from Texas Tech University. He started his own financial services company while he was still in college and later worked for New York Life.
 Alcantar decided to join STA Benefits, Ltd., after meeting Steve and Marty Thompson principals/consultants with the company. He spearheaded the development of the financial services division after joining the firm in 2007.
 Alcantar says there are "red flags" that business owners and employees can look for that indicate whether or not a retirement fund is being properly managed.
 "If you don't know who your financial adviser is, if you haven't heard from your adviser, if your adviser hasn't discussed fees with you, those are red flags," he says.
 A salaried employee for STA Benefits, Ltd., Alcantar is able to maintain objectivity when he studies your retirement plan. "I'm not trying to sell you on any particular insurance company or plan," he says. "I'm trying to help you find the plan that works best for you."
 Alcantar says there are two types of investment companies: "fast food" companies and "boutique" companies.
 "Fast food investment companies are looking for volume," he says. "Boutique companies want to have a relationship with you, to gain your trust through sound financial advice over the long term. We like to consider ourselves a boutique investment firm."
 STA Benefits, Ltd. wants its clients to reach their retirement goals.
 "People are living longer, and have different goals for retirement," Alcantar says. "Some of them are interested in quality of life, wanting to travel or pursue other activities after retirement. Many want to leave some sort of legacy for their children and grandchildren. We work with you to make sure that happens."
 STA Benefits, Ltd. is located at 6010 Hwy 191, Suite 210. For more information, call (342) 337-1131 or (800) 879-7265. You can visit their website at www.stabenefits.com.