A properly structured executive bonus agreement can be an excellent tool for recruiting, retaining, and rewarding key employees. It is more cost effective for employers to retain and reward existing key employees than to recruit and train new employees. It can be an excellent split dollar alternative and a way to help employees save for retirement or meet estate planning goals and provide financial protection for their families. An executive bonus arrangement is a simple way to help employees supplement other benefits, it is easy to implement and it is not subject to ERISA.