Category Archives: Selecting an Investment Advisor

Corporate Defined Benefit 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

Navigating the Future: Why Asset Liability Management is Key for Corporate Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Posted on by Matthew Rice
18
Aug

 

Corporate defined benefit (DB) pension plans are constantly navigating a turbulent financial sea, buffeted by market volatility, a shifting regulatory landscape, and ever-evolving liabilities. While many U.S. corporate plans enjoyed a strong 2024, with the top 100 boasting over 103% funded status, this hard-won stability is now at risk from anticipated rate cuts and a climate of geopolitical uncertainty. To truly safeguard these gains and ensure long-term solvency, forward-thinking sponsors are no longer just seeking returns; they’re embracing Asset Liability Management (ALM) and Liability-Driven Investing (LDI). These aren’t just buzzwords; they represent a fundamental shift, transforming pension management from a growth-focused endeavor into a precision-driven exercise in risk mitigation.

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IRA Contributions, Roth Contributions, Roth IRA Conversion, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Tax-Loss Harvesting, Traditional Contributions, Wealth Management

How to Blend After-Tax, Roth, and Traditional Qualified Accounts to Optimize After-Tax Investment Returns

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
17
Aug

 

Blending after-tax (taxable), Roth, and traditional qualified accounts in an investment strategy is essential for optimizing total after-tax returns. Each account type offers unique tax advantages, and combining them strategically—through asset location and tax diversification—can significantly enhance your portfolio’s efficiency and flexibility.

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Medicare Advantage, Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, Medicare IRMAA, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Traditional Medicare, Traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Don’t Let the Medicare IRMAA Ambush Your Retirement: How to Avoid or Appeal the Surcharge

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
16
Aug

 

Retirement is a time many of us envision with ease, filled with newfound freedom and financial security. Yet, for a growing number of retirees, an unexpected and often substantial expense can quickly cast a shadow on those golden years: the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA. Often dubbed a “stealth tax,” IRMAA can significantly inflate your Medicare premiums, turning a planned budget upside down.

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Active Management, Active Versus Passive Management, Alternative Investments, Hedge Funds, Index Funds, Liquid Alternatives, Liquid Alts, Passive Management, Private Equity, Real Assets Investing, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Tax-Loss Harvesting

Active vs. Passive: Tailoring Investment Strategies to Asset Classes

Posted on by Matthew Rice
16
Aug

 

When it comes to investing, the age-old debate of active management versus passive management isn’t just about personal preference; it’s deeply tied to the unique characteristics of different asset classes and how efficient their markets are. Understanding where each approach shines can be a game-changer for optimizing returns, managing risk, and keeping costs down.

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Medicare Advantage, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Social Security, Social Security claiming strategy, Traditional Medicare, Traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

A Guide to Smart Social Security Claiming Strategies

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
14
Aug

 

For many of us, Social Security isn’t just a government program; it’s a cornerstone of our retirement dreams. But here’s the kicker: the timing and method you choose to claim those benefits can dramatically shape your financial landscape for decades to come. It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision, and getting it right is crucial for a secure and comfortable retirement.

While your Social Security claiming strategy is distinct from your Medicare enrollment choices (Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage, for example), the thought process behind both is remarkably similar. In both cases, you’re weighing your personal circumstances, future needs, and financial goals to make a long-term decision. Let’s delve into the primary considerations that should guide your Social Security claiming strategy.

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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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Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Estate Tax Mitigation, Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Wealth Management

Safeguarding Your Legacy: Essential Estate Tax Strategies for Married Couples

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
11
Aug

 

For married couples who have built multimillion-dollar estates, the thought of substantial estate tax liabilities can be daunting. With current federal exemptions facing a dramatic reduction after 2025, the urgency to plan has never been greater. The good news? A sophisticated arsenal of planning tools exists to help you significantly minimize, or even eliminate, these taxes, ensuring more of your hard-earned wealth passes to your loved ones, not the taxman.

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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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401(k) Plan Litigation, 401(k) Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, IRA Contributions, Roth Contributions, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Traditional vs. Roth 401(k): Your Ultimate Retirement Planning Guide

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
07
Aug

 

Choosing the right retirement savings vehicle can feel like navigating a maze, but it’s one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your financial future. When it comes to employer-sponsored plans, the classic showdown is between the Traditional 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). Both offer powerful ways to save for retirement, but their distinct tax advantages and potential drawbacks mean the “best” choice is highly personal.

Let’s break down each option, helping you decide which path aligns best with your current financial situation, expected future income, and long-term goals.

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