Author Archives: Matthew Rice

Alternative Investments, Endowments, Family Office, Foundations, Private Equity, Private Wealth, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Unlocking the Private Market: A Deep Dive into Private Equity and Venture Capital

Posted on by Matthew Rice
13
Aug

 

Private equity (PE) has long been a domain for institutional investors and the ultra-high-net worth promising access to exclusive opportunities and the potential for outsized returns. But what exactly is private equity, and how does it differ from traditional public market investments? More importantly, is it the right fit for your investment strategy?

In this post, we’ll explore the main reasons to consider—and to be cautious about—investing in private equity, delve into its various styles and strategies, including the dynamic world of venture capital, and help you understand if this alternative asset class aligns with your financial goals.

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401(k) Plan Litigation, 401(k) Plans, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Roth & Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, Roth Contributions, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a 401(k) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Strategic Considerations for Implementing a Roth 401(k) Option

Posted on by Matthew Rice
10
Aug

 

For 401(k) plan fiduciaries, the objective is clear: to provide a robust, well-managed retirement savings vehicle that maximizes participant outcomes. In this pursuit, the Roth 401(k) option stands out as a critical component, offering distinct advantages that warrant careful consideration in plan design discussions. While traditional 401(k) contributions offer immediate tax deferral, the Roth 401(k) paradigm shifts the tax burden to the present, enabling qualified withdrawals in retirement to be entirely tax-free.

This document outlines the strategic rationale for incorporating a Roth 401(k) contribution option into your plan, alongside key considerations for fiduciaries.

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Alternative Investments, Endowments, Endowments and Foundations, Fiduciary Advisor, Foundations, Nonprofits, Selecting an Endowment or Foundation Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

The Big Beautiful Bill: Why This New Tax Law Is Reshaping Endowment and Foundation Investing

Posted on by Matthew Rice
29
Jul

 

The financial world for endowments and foundations just got a wake-up call. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” or OBBB, signed into law on July 4, 2025, isn’t just another piece of legislation—it’s a fundamental change to the economics of large-scale charitable investing. Starting in 2026, a new excise tax regime will profoundly impact how major institutions manage their portfolios, a change that will have an immediate and compounding effect.

Important clarification: The OBBB Act specifically targets private foundations and university endowments. Donor-advised funds (DAFs), community foundations, and operating charities are NOT affected by these new excise tax rules. These charitable vehicles continue to operate under the previous tax framework and remain exempt from the progressive rate structure described below.

For any private foundation or university endowment with assets over $50 million, this isn’t a minor adjustment; it’s a call to action. The drag on returns will snowball, impacting future grants and mission-driven spending. Here’s a deep dive into what changed, why it matters, and the advanced strategies you can use to respond.

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401(k) Plans, 403(b) Plans, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting a 403(B) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

The 403(b) Revolution is Coming: What Fiduciaries Must Know About CITs

Posted on by Matthew Rice
21
May

The retirement landscape for millions of public sector and non-profit employees is on the cusp of a groundbreaking shift. For years, 403(b) plans—the retirement vehicles for teachers, hospital workers, clergy, and many non-profit staff—have operated with a significant disadvantage compared to their 401(k) counterparts. But a recent legislative breakthrough in Washington D.C. is set to change that, potentially unleashing a wave of benefits for participants and new responsibilities for plan fiduciaries.

On May 20, 2025, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee advanced H.R. 1013, aptly named the “Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025.” This isn’t just another piece of legislative jargon; it’s a bill that, if passed, will open the door for 403(b) plans to invest in Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) for the very first time.

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Cash Balance Plans, Defined Benefit Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Pensions, Selecting a Pension Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Cash Balance Plans: The Hybrid Solution Powering Retirement and Tax Savings

Posted on by Matthew Rice
20
Apr

 

The world of retirement planning is constantly evolving, and for business owners and high-earning professionals, the quest for strategies that maximize savings, slash taxes, and offer robust flexibility is more critical than ever. If you’ve been searching for a game-changer, allow us to introduce you to the cash balance plan – a powerful, yet often overlooked, retirement vehicle that masterfully blends the best features of traditional pensions and modern 401(k)s.

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Global Stock Market Diversification, International Diversification, Selecting an Investment Advisor

International Equity Diversification: Weighing the Global Opportunities and Challenges

Posted on by Matthew Rice
28
Feb

For U.S.-based investors, the world of international equity diversification — stepping beyond domestic borders to invest in global stocks and other equity assets — often sparks a lively debate. In recent years, the spotlight has firmly been on the U.S. market’s remarkable outperformance, leading many to question the very premise of looking abroad. Yet, seasoned financial minds consistently point to the long-term rationale for a global approach: managing risk, seizing wider opportunities, and acknowledging the fundamental unpredictability of what tomorrow’s market leaders will be.

Let’s dive into the core arguments, weighing the compelling benefits against the legitimate concerns, striving for a balanced perspective on this crucial investment strategy.

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Alternative Investments, Bitcoin, Bitcoin as a diversifier, Cryptocurrencies, Investment Strategy, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Unlocking Portfolio Potential: The Strategic Case for Bitcoin as a Diversifier

Posted on by Matthew Rice
08
Feb

In an ever-shifting financial landscape, a new contender has emerged for the  investor seeking true portfolio diversification: Bitcoin. Once considered a fringe asset, Bitcoin’s unique properties and increasing mainstream acceptance are prompting a re-evaluation of its role beyond mere speculation. But what are the real advantages and inherent risks of integrating this digital asset into your investment strategy? Let’s explore a balanced perspective, alongside the innovative avenues now available to gain exposure.

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Gold Investing, Investment Strategy, Precious Metals Investing, Real Assets Investing, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Unearthing Value: Is Gold the Missing Piece in Your Investment Portfolio?

Posted on by Matthew Rice
08
Feb

 

Gold. It’s a word that conjures images of ancient empires, pirate treasure, and enduring wealth. For centuries, this gleaming metal has held a unique allure, serving as a universal symbol of prosperity and a steadfast store of value. In today’s dynamic and often unpredictable financial landscape, many savvy investors are once again turning their gaze towards gold, seeing it as a potential bedrock for portfolio diversification and a robust shield against economic turbulence.

But is gold truly the Midas touch your portfolio needs? Let’s dig deeper into the shining pros, the weighty cons, and the various pathways you can take to integrate this precious metal into your personal investment strategy.

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