Question 1

Who do I contact for questions about the 401(k)?

Accepted Answer

Call or email Sharlene Kelly at Granite Group at (203) 210-7814 or email at skelly@granitegroupadvisors.com.

Question 2

Can I take a loan from my account?

Accepted Answer

The plan does allow you to take a loan out from your account, but limits do apply. You can request a loan online or call the help desk for assistance at (888) 621-5491.

To request a loan online, select the WITHDRAWALS option on the main menu of your account dashboard. Under the WITHDRAWALS menu, click onto LOANS AND WITHDRAWALS.

Question 3

When am I eligible to participate?

Accepted Answer

When am I eligible to participate?
You are eligible to join the 401(k) Savings Plan if you are at least 18+ yrs old with 500 hours in 6-month period. You need to satisfy both requirements. If you do not meet these criteria, you will be eligible with a full year of service (1,000 hours in a 12-month period).

Plan Entry date is the first day of the month coinciding with or directly following the date you satisfy the eligibility conditions.

Watch this short 1-minute animation on how to enroll and select your investments.

Question 4

Does TerrAscend match my contribution?

Accepted Answer

Yes! TerrAscend matches 100% of participants salary deferrals up to 4% of compensation. You are always 100% vested in the match. To receive this match, you MUST participate in the plan!

Question 5

How do I enroll?

Accepted Answer

To create your account and access your account on an ongoing basis, go to: www.pcsretirement.com/login

Follow the instructions in the PCS Online Enrollment Guide and WEBSITE User Guide.

If you need help enrolling, forgot you password or need help with a transaction, please call the helpdesk number at (888) 621-5491.

Question 6

How much can I contribute?

Accepted Answer

In 2025 you can contribute up to $23,500 to your account; if you are 50-59, or 64 years old or older, you can contribute a total of $30,500 through a catch-up contribution. For those of you who are ages 60, 61, 62, or 63, this year you can make a special catch-up contribution to allow you to contribute a total of $34,750.

Consistency is key – you take advantage of dollar cost averaging into the market – so let the “down” market days work for you!

Question 7

How do I set up or change my beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

Your 401(k) account is a financial account and assigning a beneficiary is very important.

It is a good idea to designate at least one beneficiary, especially if you are unmarried. If you do not have a beneficiary and you're married, your account will go to your spouse. If you are unmarried or do not have a surviving spouse, the plan document has ordering rules that govern the payment of your account.

Beneficiary designation can have important tax and legal ramifications. You may want to consult with your personal financial, tax, or legal advisor before proceeding.

You will need to enter you beneficiary information online at www.pcsretirement.com/login

If you need help please call the help desk # at (888)621-5491.

Some key definitions you will need to know are:

Beneficiary type: For the first beneficiary, select Primary. 
Enter the remaining beneficiary information. 
If you want to have multiple beneficiaries, click Add Additional Beneficiary to add another beneficiary section. 
Beneficiary type: For additional beneficiaries, select Primary or Contingent. A contingent beneficiary will only receive a benefit if all primary beneficiaries are deceased.

Question 8

What is the difference between ROTH (after-tax) and Traditional(before-tax) contributions?

Accepted Answer

Contributions to your account can only be made directly from your wages. There are 2 ways to contribute and they both have to do with when you pay taxes.

If you contribute before-tax (known as traditional), then you will not have to pay income taxes on the amount you contribute now. You money grows tax deferred, but when you withdrawal your money at retirement age, you will pay income tax at that future rate on all money withdrawn.

Consider the following examples:
If you earn $30,000 a year, are in the 22% tax bracket, are eligible to participate in the Plan, and you elect to save 5% (or $1,500) of your salary under the 401(k) Plan this year, you would save $330 in Federal income taxes (22% of $1,500 = $330).
If you earn $30,000 a year, are in the 22% tax bracket, are eligible to participate in the Plan and you elect to save 8% (or $2,400) of your salary under the 401(k) Plan this year, you would save $528 in Federal income taxes (22% of $2,400 = $528).

The other method of contributing is called ROTH or after-tax. In this scenario, you pay taxes now on the amount you contribute. While you do NOT get a tax advantage now, your money grows tax -free and you do not pay Federal taxes when you withdraw from your account.

Your accountant can help you determine which method is the best for you.

Question 9

How can I get help investing?

Accepted Answer

While you do direct how you want your account invested, you have the help of professional investment advisors, Granite Group Advisors – call and discuss your questions- at no additional charge to you. Call or email Sharlene Kelly at Granite Group at (203) 210-7814 or email at skelly@granitegroupadvisors.com.

For those investors who would rather have someone else manage their portfolios, Granite Group offers 5 Managed Allocation Portfolios. When you invest in a Managed Portfolio, Granite Group will oversee the allocation at no additional fee to you!

If you prefer to manage your own portfolio, simply select your investment choices from the vetted list of mutual funds offered through your plan. The investment menu was compiled by Granite Group Advisors and seeks to offer representation across major asset classes as well as index funds. Rest assured; this menu is actively monitored by Granite Group to ensure all options meet Granite’s strict methodology.

Granite Group offers an Investment Comfort Questionnaire found at their education site www.ggahelp.com.  Use the company ID of TER1 to access.

Once on the site, take the Investment Comfort Questionnaire, get your score. See what Portfolio matches your score then log into you account at PCS Retirement to input your selection.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Question 10

How can I change my investments?

Accepted Answer

You can change your investment elections at any time. Note that all trades are executed after markets close. When changing your investment selection, remember you have 2 places to make that change if desired. You can change how your future contributions are invested and you can also change how your existing balance is invested – this will be 2 steps online.

If you have investment questions, please call or email Sharlene Kelly with Granite Group Advisors at (203) 210-7814 or email at skelly@granitegroupadvisors.com.

Question 11

Can I move other 401(k) balances from my prior employer plans into my TerrAscend Plan account?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Plan accepts rollovers from another qualified retirement plan or an IRA.

There are 2 steps to consolidating your prior 401(k) plan balances into your TerrAscend account.

Log into your TerrAscend account at www.pcsretirement.com/login. Under the MANAGE tab, select ROLLOVER CONTRIBUTION and you will be taken to the online form. Enter the information requested. You will be given instructions of how to send a check or a wire transfer into your account. You will need these instructions to give to the financial institution where you old 401(k) is deposited.
Log into your old employer 401(k) plan and request a rollover distribution. They will ask you for the check / wire instructions provided above.

Call the help desk if you need assistance at (888) 621-5491.

Question 12

Will I receive statements?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You will receive quarterly statements electronically. These are available online for you to access as well as by email. It is very important that you enter your email address and remember to keep it current. This is the primary way in which information will be provided to you.