Affiliate & advertising disclosure

Last updated October 28, 2026

401kGrade is a free site run by Gary Harka Jr, an independent individual investor. To keep it free, 401kGrade may earn money from some of the links on the site. This page explains how, in line with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's guidance on endorsements and affiliate marketing.

We may earn a commission from some links

Some links on 401kGrade may be affiliate links. If you click one and then open an account, sign up, or buy something, 401kGrade may receive a commission or referral fee from that company, at no extra cost to you. These links may include providers of investment accounts, IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, old-account finders, and other financial products and services. Affiliate relationships may be managed through networks such as Impact or FlexOffers.

Wherever a compensated link appears, we'll label it near the link itself (for example, "Paid link" or "We may earn a commission"), not only on this page. As of the date above, no affiliate links are live on the site.

Grades are never for sale

A plan's grade is computed automatically from public U.S. Department of Labor Form 5500 data using the same published formula for every plan (how we grade). Affiliate, advertising, and sponsor relationships never affect a grade, a ranking, or which plans appear on the site. No company can pay to change or remove a grade. Some companies that might become partners also serve as recordkeepers or service providers to graded plans. That relationship has no effect on those plans' grades.

Paid promoter disclosure for investment advisers

Some partners may be SEC-registered investment advisers (for example, robo-advisers or advisory firms). When 401kGrade receives cash compensation for referring you to an investment adviser, the link or mention is a paid endorsement. 401kGrade is compensated for it, which creates an incentive to recommend that adviser and therefore a conflict of interest. Unless stated otherwise, 401kGrade (including Gary Harka Jr) is not a client of the adviser being promoted. Where an adviser supplies its own required disclosure language, we'll show it with the link.

Not investment advice

Everything on 401kGrade, including grades, leaderboards, and guides, is general information and education. It is not investment, financial, tax, or legal advice, and it isn't a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to open any account. 401kGrade is not a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Consider your own situation and, if needed, talk with a qualified professional before making decisions.

Questions

If you have a question about a partner relationship, please contact us. See also our privacy policy for how affiliate links may use cookies.