The Better 401(k) Source
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
About
The Better 401(k) Source operates as Empirical Modeling & Analytics’ advisory program and works exclusively with sponsors of mid-sized 401(k) and 403(b) plans, generally managing plan assets on a discretionary basis for plans in the $10 million–$50 million range. The firm also serves in ERISA fiduciary roles, acting as a Section 3(38) investment manager and as a Section 3(21) participant communication and education fiduciary.
Investment portfolios are built from broadly diversified ETFs, short- to intermediate-term fixed income, and REITs, with a clear preference for passive instruments and a mix of qualitative and quantitative fund analysis. Rather than relying solely on traditional Efficient Frontier or Value-at-Risk approaches, the firm applies an “Elasticity” methodology that models a flexible five-year loss period to provide a different perspective on downside risk and recovery time.
Distinctive features reflect the firm’s origins as a research and analytics software provider to institutional clients, including pension consultants and custodial banks, which underpins its pension consulting and benchmarking services. The Better 401(k) Source also provides participant-focused education through on‑site seminars and live webcasts, structured quarterly trustee reporting, periodic rebalancing, and annual “state of the plan” reviews for plan sponsors.
Client services
Expertise
Occupation focus
Fee options
$10,000,000.00 - $19,999,999.99: 0.25% $20,000,000.00 - $29,999,999.99: 0.20% $30,000,000.00 - $49,999,999.99: 0.15% $50,000,000.00+: Negotiable
Account minimum: $10,000,000.00 Fee-only: Fee-only registered investment advisor; no commissions or hidden compensation
Main office
1800 Preston Park Blvd., Suite 112
Plano TX 75093
Advisors at this office
2
Most active in
Texas
Also doing business as
Empirical Modeling & Analytics, Inc. · The Better 401(k) Source
Disclosures
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
Is not active or affiliated with:
-
Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
-
Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
-
Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
-
Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
-
Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
-
Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
-
Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
-
Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
-
Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Forms ADV
Advisors at this firm
Michael W
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Plano, TX
The Better 401(k) Source
Michael Wells is a financial advisor with The Better 401(k) Source in Plano, TX, holding Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 licenses, and has 15 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Merrill, Chase Investment Services Corp., Index Fund Advisors, Inc., and Amazon.com. He is also affiliated with Empirical Modeling & Analytics, where he has worked for over 10 years. The Better 401(k) Source operates as Empirical Modeling & Analytics’ advisory program, serving sponsors of mid-sized 401(k) and 403(b) plans with assets typically between $10 million and $50 million. The firm combines passive investment strategies with a unique “Elasticity” risk modeling approach and offers fiduciary services, pension consulting, and participant education.
Charles G
Series 63, Series 65
Plano, TX
The Better 401(k) Source
Charles Gabriel is a financial advisor with The Better 401(k) Source in Plano, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing eight years of industry experience. He has worked at Empirical Modeling and Analytics, Inc. since 1995. The Better 401(k) Source operates as Empirical Modeling & Analytics’ advisory program, serving sponsors of mid-sized 401(k) and 403(b) plans by managing plan assets on a discretionary basis and providing ERISA fiduciary services. The firm uses a diversified mix of ETFs, fixed income, and REITs with a unique “Elasticity” methodology to assess downside risk and recovery, supported by its background in research and analytics software.
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)