Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Your Financial Future Deserves a Champion: Why a Fiduciary Advisor is Non-Negotiable

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
08
May

 

Let’s talk about your money. Your hard-earned savings, your retirement dreams, your kids’ college fund – they all hinge on smart decisions. And when it comes to getting advice on those crucial financial moves, who are you trusting? This isn’t a minor detail; it’s the difference between truly personalized guidance and advice that might have a hidden agenda.

The core of it boils down to one critical question: Is your advisor a fiduciary?

If you’re not sure what that means, or why it matters, buckle up. Because understanding this distinction is the single most important step you can take to protect your financial future.

Excerpt content here and here.

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Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Investment Strategy, Market Volatility, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Tax-Loss Harvesting

Tax Loss Harvesting: Strategies and Portfolio Integration for Optimal After-Tax Returns

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
07
May

Unlocking Your Wealth: The Power of Tax Loss Harvesting

Ever wondered how some investors seem to maximize their returns, even in volatile markets? One of their secret weapons might be a sophisticated, yet accessible, strategy called Tax Loss Harvesting. Often overlooked, this powerful technique can significantly boost your after-tax investment returns, allowing more of your hard-earned money to grow and compound over time.

At its core, tax loss harvesting involves strategically selling investments at a loss in your taxable accounts. Why would you do that? To offset capital gains from other investments, and potentially even reduce your ordinary income tax liability. Let’s dive into how this smart financial move works and how you can integrate it into your portfolio for optimal results.

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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 Jennifer Lambert
13
Apr

 

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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401(k) Plan Litigation, 401(k) Plans, Active Versus Passive Management, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Pensions, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a 401(k) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Shield Your 401(k) Plan: 5 Essential Strategies to Prevent Fiduciary Lawsuits

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
12
Apr

The landscape for 401(k) plan sponsors has become increasingly challenging. With over 200 ERISA class-action lawsuits filed since 2020, fiduciary litigation targeting 401(k) plans is surging, creating unprecedented legal exposure. High-profile cases, even against well-respected entities like NYU and Fidelity, highlight a stark reality: even the most well-intentioned fiduciaries can face devastating personal liability for participant losses.

But here’s the good news: you’re not powerless. By implementing these five evidence-backed strategies, you can significantly shield your plan from costly litigation while simultaneously strengthening outcomes for your participants.

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401(k) Loans, College Loans, Debt Repayment Versus Savings, High Interest Debt, Low Interest Debt, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Student Loans

Savings vs. Debt: How to Master Your Money Priorities

Posted on by Matthew Rice
29
Mar

 

Balancing savings, investing, and debt repayment is one of the most common—and arguably most important—financial decisions individuals face. It’s a dance between present security and future prosperity, and the “right” steps aren’t always obvious. While your unique financial situation will dictate your specific path, several guiding principles can illuminate the way and help you make informed choices.

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Alternative Investments, Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Chicago Area Private Wealth, Family Office, Fiduciary Advisor, Hedge Fund Strategies, Hedge Funds, Hinsdale Investment Advisor, Private Equity, Private Wealth, Real Assets Investing, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Selling a Business, Wealth Management, Western Chicago Suburbs Investment Advisor

From Business Owner to Investor: Charting Your Course After a Business Sale

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
16
Mar

 

Selling your business is a monumental achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. But as one chapter closes, another exciting, albeit complex, one begins: transitioning from the steady income of an active business to living off the total return of an investment portfolio. This shift blends excitement, uncertainty, and a new set of financial considerations.

Here’s what every entrepreneur should consider to ensure a smooth and successful journey from business owner to thriving investor.

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Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Chicago Area Private Wealth, Fiduciary Advisor, Hinsdale Investment Advisor, Low Interest Debt, Private Wealth, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Wealth Management, Western Chicago Suburbs Investment Advisor

Selecting a Chicago Area Financial Advisor

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
14
Mar

Navigating today’s complex financial landscape can feel overwhelming for many—whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, professional, retiree, or simply someone focused on building and protecting your family’s financial future. Regardless of your background or stage in life, having a personal financial strategy or wealth management plan that reflects your unique situation and goals is essential to enhancing, protecting, and perhaps even eventually passing on your wealth to children, grandchildren, or philanthropic priorities with confidence.

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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 Jennifer Lambert
12
Mar

 

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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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 Jennifer Lambert
07
Mar

 

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

International Equity Diversification: Weighing the Global Opportunities and Challenges

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
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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