Skip to main content

​
How to Use Kelso

A complete guide to getting the most out of Kelso AI Agent.

​
Getting Started

​
Initial Setup

1

Create Account

Sign up at villagelabs.com/kelso
2

Enter ESOP Details

Provide basic information about your ESOP
3

Configure Plan Rules

Set up vesting, allocation, and distribution rules
4

Import Data (Optional)

Upload census and historical data for better accuracy

​
Asking Questions

​
Natural Language Interface

Kelso understands questions asked naturally: Good questions:
  • “What will our repurchase obligations be in 2025?”
  • “How does changing to 6-year vesting affect our costs?”
  • “What happens if we grow at 15% per year?”
Tips for better questions:
  • Be specific about what you want to know
  • Include timeframes when relevant
  • Ask follow-up questions to dig deeper
  • Reference specific plan features

​
Example Conversations

Repurchase Planning: 
You: What are our repurchase obligations for the next 5 years?

Kelso: Based on your current participants and assumptions, 
your repurchase obligations are projected to be:

2025: $450K
2026: $520K
2027: $680K
2028: $750K
2029: $820K

The increase in years 2027-2029 is driven by your 
demographic bulge of participants ages 60-65.

You: What if turnover is 20% higher?

Kelso: With 20% higher turnover, obligations would be:

2025: $510K (+13%)
2026: $595K (+14%)
2027: $750K (+10%)
2028: $825K (+10%)
2029: $880K (+7%)

Higher turnover creates earlier distributions but 
smaller account balances.

​
Working with Scenarios

​
Creating Scenarios

1

Start from Base Case

Begin with your current ESOP configuration
2

Name Your Scenario

Use a descriptive name (e.g., “2024 Conservative Case”)
3

Adjust Assumptions

Modify the parameters you want to test
4

Run Analysis

Generate forecasts and projections
5

Save and Share

Preserve your work for future reference

​
Comparing Scenarios

View scenarios side-by-side to understand differences: Comparison views:
  • Obligation forecasts by year
  • Cash flow requirements
  • Participant impact analysis
  • Key metrics dashboard
  • Cost comparisons
Export options:
  • PDF reports
  • Excel spreadsheets
  • PowerPoint slides
  • CSV data files

​
Common Workflows

​
Annual Planning Workflow

Frequency: Once per year Steps:
  1. Update participant census
  2. Review and update assumptions
  3. Run base case forecast
  4. Create conservative stress test
  5. Present to board/trustee
  6. Set contribution for year
Time required: 2-4 hours

​
Board Presentation Workflow

Frequency: Quarterly or annually Steps:
  1. Update current forecast
  2. Compare to prior forecast
  3. Explain key changes
  4. Present stress scenarios
  5. Recommend actions
  6. Export presentation materials
Time required: 1-2 hours

​
Plan Design Evaluation Workflow

Frequency: As needed Steps:
  1. Document current plan design
  2. Create scenarios for alternatives
  3. Run comparative analysis
  4. Evaluate participant impact
  5. Assess cost implications
  6. Present recommendations
Time required: 3-5 hours

​
Quick Analysis Workflow

Frequency: As questions arise Steps:
  1. Ask specific question
  2. Review Kelso’s answer
  3. Ask follow-ups as needed
  4. Export results if needed
Time required: 5-15 minutes

​
Interpreting Results

​
Key Metrics to Watch

Repurchase Obligations:
  • Annual obligation amounts
  • Cumulative obligations
  • Peak obligation years
  • Cash vs. promissory note split
Participant Accounts:
  • Total value by participant
  • Average account values
  • Distribution of account sizes
  • Vested vs. unvested balances
Company Impact:
  • Required contributions
  • Cash flow requirements
  • Tax deductions available
  • Financing needs
Compliance:
  • Coverage test results
  • Top-heavy status
  • Anti-cutback warnings
  • Distribution compliance

​
Understanding Charts

Obligation Forecasts:
  • Bar charts show year-by-year obligations
  • Line charts show cumulative totals
  • Stacked charts break down by type
Sensitivity Analysis:
  • Tornado charts show impact of assumptions
  • Range charts show possible outcomes
  • Waterfall charts show drivers of change

​
Tips for Success

​
Data Quality Matters

Better data = better insights:
  • Keep census data current
  • Update assumptions regularly
  • Use actual valuation history
  • Track forecast accuracy

​
Start Simple, Add Complexity

Don’t overcomplicate initially:
  • Begin with basic scenarios
  • Master core features first
  • Add advanced techniques gradually
  • Focus on actionable insights

​
Collaborate with Your Team

Kelso works best with multiple perspectives:
  • Share scenarios with colleagues
  • Get input on assumptions
  • Discuss results together
  • Document decisions made

​
Regular Use Builds Expertise

The more you use Kelso:
  • Better questions you’ll ask
  • Deeper insights you’ll gain
  • More efficient you’ll become
  • More confident in results

​
Common Mistakes to Avoid

​
Unrealistic Assumptions

❌ Using overly optimistic projections ❌ Ignoring historical patterns ❌ Assuming best-case scenarios ✅ Use conservative, realistic assumptions

​
Not Testing Alternatives

❌ Only running one scenario ❌ Not stress testing ❌ Assuming assumptions are certain ✅ Create multiple scenarios

​
Ignoring Small Changes

❌ Only looking at big differences ❌ Missing gradual trends ❌ Not tracking over time ✅ Monitor even modest changes

​
Not Documenting

❌ Not saving important analyses ❌ Not explaining assumptions ❌ Not tracking decisions ✅ Document everything thoroughly

​
Getting Help

​
In-App Resources

  • Help Center: Searchable documentation
  • Video Tutorials: Step-by-step guides
  • Templates: Pre-built scenario templates
  • Tips: Contextual suggestions

​
Support Channels

Email Support: Chat Support:
  • In-app chat available
  • Faster for quick questions
  • Can escalate to phone if needed
Training:
  • Free webinar training
  • Custom training sessions available
  • Best practices workshops
  • One-on-one coaching

​
Next Steps

See Examples

Explore common use cases

Best Practices

Learn from experienced users

Advanced Features

Discover all capabilities

Get Support

Contact our team